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Cancer in India: A growing burden

Feb 3rd, 2021

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Cancer in India: A growing burden

Wednesday, February 3rd, 2021

India has the third-highest number of cancer cases in the world and it is estimated that 14 lakh new cancer cases were detected in 2020. These alarming statistics also suggest that 1 in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime and 1 in 15 will die of the disease. Adequate awareness and timely intervention is the need of the hour to help prevent deaths by cancer.

The Disease ‘cancer’ is generally associated with a sense of helplessness, frustration and fear of death. One of the important reasons for this is the misconception that cancer is incurable. While this may be true for certain cancers detected in advanced stages (Stage IV), those diagnosed in early stages and a few cancers even in advanced stages have a fairly good chance of survival. The incidence of cancer is on the rise due to a combination of factors such as changing lifestyles, dietary habits, lack of physical activity and increasing life expectancy. Tobacco abuse, in any form, is the most important cause and risk factor for many cancers – but importantly for cancer of the oral cavity, voice box, lungs and food pipe. Let us work together to strive for a cancer-free world with preventive measures, regular screening, and prompt and advanced cancer treatment.

Symptoms of Cancer
An early diagnosis is as important as prevention to get the best outcomes in cancer treatment. Being aware about cancer in is key to early diagnosis. Here are some of the warning signs of cancer that need further medical attention:

  • Cough or hoarseness that doesn’t go away
  • Blood in sputum, stools or urine
  • Inter menstrual and post menopausal bleeding
  • Lump in breast
  • Unusual lumps anywhere in the body that increase in size
  • Non-healing wound
  • Bleeding from gums
  • Frequent fever or infections
  • Excessive weight loss and loss of appetite
  • Intense and recurrent pain

Risk factors of Cancer
A cancer risk factor highly increases a person’s chance of getting cancer. It is important to know your risk factors and speak to your family doctor about them. General risk factors for cancer include:

  • Family history
  • Older age
  • Obesity
  • Alcohol
  • Using tobacco
  • Certain viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV)
  • Exposure to radiation or chemicals

Prevention of Cancer

At least one-third of the world’s cancer cases are preventable, make the right lifestyle choices to help reduce your risk of getting cancer:

  • Avoid use of all forms of tobacco
  • Say “No” to alcohol
  • Exercise regularly and maintain a healthy weight
  • Protect your skin from ultraviolet rays
  • Get vaccinated against preventable infections
  • Eat a diet high in fruits and vegetables, and whole grains
  • Get regular health checkups

Screening  of Cancer
Regular cancer screening is advocated for early diagnosis and reducing the deaths from cancer in the following circumstances:

  • Breast cancer screening with monthly breast self examination, annual physical examination by a nurse or a physician and sono mammography after age of 45 years
  • Colonoscopy in people who are at high risk of cancer of large intestine
  • Low dose CT scan for smokers
  • Serum PSA for prostate cancer after crossing 50 years, post discussion with your urologist

Cancer treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Highly trained oncologists at our Centre for Cancer help facilitate comprehensive cancer care using the most advanced technology. The team offers multidisciplinary care that includes screening, diagnosis, and treatment for cancer patients. It is our continued endeavour to ensure that each and every Indian has access to affordable and world-class cancer care.

To take the fight against cancer to the interiors of the country, Kokilaben Hospital has started Cancer care centres across Maharashtra under Reliance Hospital Cancer Care Centres and we plan to establish 18 cancer care centres across Maharashtra. The Akola, Gondia, and Solapur Reliance Cancer centres are now open and are equipped with the advanced TrueBeam® radiation therapy system.

The Centre for Cancer at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital offers a range of treatment options that include chemotherapy, radiation oncology, surgery, precision oncology, bone marrow transplant, robotic surgery, pain and palliative care as well as rehabilitation care. The team of experts has successfully performed over 12,298 complex cancer surgeries, 642 + complex surgeries for gynaecologic cancers as well as over 2199 breast cancer surgeries in the past. We also offer precision oncology that provides customized cancer care like never before. Our Centre for Cancer is well-equipped with state-of-the-art technology that includes:

  • Day care chemo suites
  • EDGE Radiosurgery system – Asia’s first equipment which enables precise, non-invasive treatments to help patients heal faster.
  • We are the first hospital in India to have Novalis TX machine, which performs high precision surgeries to remove deep-seated tumours.
  • We have the first Trilogy (linear accelerator) in India, which is capable of performing on-board CT scan, KV and MV imaging.

February 4th is marked as World Cancer Day, let us raise the awareness of cancer and encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.  If you or a loved one are a cancer fighter, do know that you are not alone in your fight! If you have any questions or need any assistance regarding cancer do visit: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/landingpage/cancer-mumbai/

About the Author:
Dr. Rajesh Mistry is Director, Oncology at Kokilaben Hospital specializing in Esophageal surgery: VATS and Robotic; Pulmonary surgery (Malignant and Benign): VATS and Robotic; Cancer of Thymus and other mediastinal masses; Chest wall tumours; Gastric Cancer; Head Neck Oncology. He holds a Fellowship in esophageal surgery at Toranomon Hospital, Tokyo under mentorship of Prof. H Akiyama. Find out more by visiting: https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/professionals/rajeshmistry.html

Cervical Cancer Awareness

Tuesday, January 19th, 2021

Cervical cancer is a major cause of suffering and premature death among women in developing countries. China and India account for 35% of the global cervical cancer burden with India contributing to 97,000 cases and 60,000 deaths in 2018. Cervical cancer is a highly preventable disease if diagnosed earlier at a long pre-malignant phase through regular screening. Unfortunately in India, there is a lack of awareness about the screening and the disease itself.

What is Cervical Cancer?
This is a type of cancer that occurs in the cells of the cervix — the lower part of the uterus that connects to the vagina. The normal cells of the cervix first gradually develop abnormal changes that are called pre-cancerous. The goal of cervical cancer screening is to find pre-cancer or cancer early when it is more treatable and curable. Regular screening can prevent cervical cancers and save lives. The main types of cervical cancers are squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. Various strains of the human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, play a role in causing most cervical cancer cases.  

Symptoms of Cervical Cancer
Early-stage cervical cancer generally produces no signs or symptoms. At advanced stages the below symptoms can be seen:

  • Vaginal bleeding after intercourse, between periods, or after menopause
  • Watery, bloody vaginal discharge
  • Pelvic pain or pain during intercourse

Risk factors of Cervical Cancer

The risk factors for cervical cancer include:

  • Multiple sexual partners
  • Early sexual activity
  • Other sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
  • A weakened immune system
  • Smoking

Prevention of Cervical Cancer

Cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that’s almost totally preventable. The preventive screenings for cervical cancer include the HPV vaccine and the Pap smear test. Pre-cancerous changes can be detected by the pap smear test and treated to prevent cancer from developing. The HPV vaccine is taken at an early age and helps prevent HPV infection. Here are a few tips to reduce your risk of cervical cancer:

  • Take the HPV vaccine
  • Be regular with your pap smear tests
  • Practice safe sex
  • Quit smoking

Know about the Pap smear test
This test is a screening procedure often used to test for cervical cancer in women. It helps reveal changes in the cervical cells that may turn into cancer later. Regular screening after crossing 21 years of age helps to find the growth of cancerous cells in the cervix at an early stage. Cervical cancer detected early can be cured with appropriate treatments.

Know about the HPV vaccine
Most cervical cancers spread through sexual contact and are associated with human papillomavirus (HPV). The HPV vaccine can prevent most cases of cervical cancer if given before a girl or woman is exposed to the virus. It is highly recommended for young girls.

Cervical Cancer care at KDAH
The team of specialists at our Centre for Cancer provides high-quality, evidence-based comprehensive and personalised care for cervical cancer. They offer all aspects of cancer care from prevention, screening and early detection, advanced imaging (including PET CT) to surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy all under one roof. We understand that each woman with Gynaecological Cancer has unique medical and emotional needs. Our highly qualified oncologists provide precise stepwise, goal directed treatment, and are supported by cutting edge technology. Please find below the link for our website:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/gynecologicaloncology.html

Lung Cancer Awareness

Thursday, November 26th, 2020

Lung cancer is the result of damage to normal cells in the lung. The body programs cells to die at a certain stage in their life cycle to avoid overgrowth. Cancer overrides this instruction, causing cells to grow and multiply when they should not. In lung cancer, this pattern of cell overgrowth occurs in the lungs, which are vital organs for breathing and gas exchange. While anyone can develop lung cancer, cigarette smoking, and exposure to pollution highly increases the risk of developing lung cancer.

Around 50 % of  Indians being diagnosed with lung cancer are non-smokers. Air pollution both outdoor and indoor – that includes coal and biomass burning is linked to rising lung cancer cases among non-smokers in India. Lack of awareness, delayed diagnosis, and unavailability of specialist care is the leading cause of lung cancer deaths in India. Most lung cancer cases in India are detected at advanced stages where chances of survival are grim.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer
Lung cancer symptoms may take years to develop, and often there are no symptoms at all until the later stages of the disease. The early symptoms of lung cancer are often mistaken and ignored. These include:

  • Coughing — A persistent cough that lasts more than two weeks, or coughing up blood
  • Chest infection — Infections, like bronchitis or pneumonia
  • Trouble breathing — Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Chest discomfort — Chest pain or sudden and severe discomfort
  • Loss of appetite — Many illnesses, including cancer, cause changes in appetite
  • Weight loss — If you are losing weight for no known reason, inform your doctor
  • Fatigue — Excessive tiredness or weakness is a common sign of cancer

Late signs and symptoms of lung cancer:

  • Neck and facial swelling
  • Aching bones or joints
  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Lumps in the neck
  • Pain and swelling around the chest

If you have any of the above symptoms or if you are at high risk for developing lung cancer, consult a cancer specialist. Early diagnosis of lung cancer can be lifesaving and offers best chances of survival.

Risk factors of Lung Cancer
Research has found several risk factors that may increase your chances of getting lung cancer. These include:

  • Smoking – Cigarette smoking is the number one risk factor for lung cancer. Tobacco smoke is a toxic mix of more than 7,000 chemicals out of which at least 70 are known to cause cancer. People who smoke cigarettes are 15 to 30 times more likely to get lung cancer. Second-hand smoke is equally harmful and may also lead to lung cancer.
  • Chemical exposure – Radon is a naturally occurring gas that comes from rocks and dirt and can get trapped in houses and buildings. It cannot be seen, tasted, or smelled however it is may cause lung cancer.
  • Other Substances – Certain occupational exposure to chemicals like asbestos, arsenic, some forms of silica and chromium may harm your lungs and increase the risk of getting lung cancer.
  • Family history – Your risk of lung cancer may be higher if your parents, brothers or sisters, or children have had lung cancer.

Tips for healthy lungs

Here are a few health tips to follow to keep your lungs healthy and strong:

  • Quit smoking and avoid second-hand smoke.
  • Have a healthy diet that is high in fibre and includes at least five portions of fruits and vegetables, and has plenty of whole grains.
  • Exercise regularly and practice breathing techniques to strengthen your lungs.
  • Follow health and safety guidelines in your workplace and avoid carcinogens.
  • Laugh often as it helps replenish the lungs.

Lung Cancer care at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Are you showing any symptoms of lung cancer? Meet our highly trained and experienced oncologists for an expert opinion and world-class treatment. Our Centre for Cancer is equipped with high-end technologies that provide excellent outcomes. 50 per cent of surgeries for lung cancer at Kokilaben Hospital are done using Video Assisted Thorocoscopic Surgery (VATS). This is a keyhole surgery that reduces postoperative pain, avoids scars, reduces hospital stay, and helps in fast recovery.

Our Lung cancer experts use state-of-the-art technology such as:

  • Video Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for lung resection aiding early recovery
  • Robot-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for early cancer
  • Lung Sparing surgery (including Sleeve Lobectomy)
  • Mediastonscopy for staging
  • Endobronchial Ultrasonography (EBUS)
  • Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT)

If you or a loved one need help for diagnosis, or treatment of lung cancer, consult specialist at our Centre for Cancer. Please find below the link for our website:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/lungcancer.html

Breast Cancer Awareness

Monday, October 12th, 2020

Breast cancer ranks as the number one cancer among Indian females with a rate as high as 25.8 per 100,000 women and mortality of 12.7 per 100,000 women. One woman is diagnosed with breast cancer every 4 minutes in India. Almost 50 percent of breast cancer patients in India first visit the doctor when they are in stage 3, and 15-20% of patients visit when they are in phase 4. Low awareness levels about breast cancer, its preventive screening and treatment options contribute to these alarming statistics. Patients diagnosed with breast cancer need the right treatment at the right time for higher chances of recovery.

Breast Cancer: Risk factors
There are a number of factors that make you more prone to getting breast cancer. Here are the most common risk factors:

Risk factors you cannot change

  • Being a woman
  • Age over 50 years
  • Family history of breast cancer
  • Gene mutations – BRCA1 and BRCA2
  • Early menstruation
  • Late menopause
  • Having dense breasts

Risk factors you can control

  • Smoking
  • Being overweight or obese
  • Sedentary lifestyle
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Using hormone replacement therapy

Make conscious efforts every day to live healthy and make wise lifestyle choices to help reduce your risk of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer: Symptoms
The first symptom of breast cancer that most women notice is a lump or an area of thickened tissue in their breast. See an oncologist for further investigation if you notice any of the below symptoms:

  • A new lump or area of thickened tissue
  • A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts
  • A discharge of fluid from either of your nipples
  • A lump or swelling in either of your armpits
  • Dimpling on the skin of your breasts
  • A rash on or around your nipple
  • A change in the appearance of your nipple

Breast Cancer: Screenings
If breast cancer is found early, there are more treatment options and a better chance of survival. Women whose breast cancer is detected at an early stage have a 93 percent or higher survival rate in the first five years.

Breast self-examination
All women should check their breasts for lumps, thicknesses and other changes every month. By examining your breasts regularly, you will know how your breasts normally feel. Consult your doctor for any unusual changes.

Mammograms
Mammograms play a key role in early breast cancer detection and help decrease breast cancer deaths. A mammogram is an x-ray picture of the breast. Women should get a mammogram once a year beginning at age 40. If you have a family history of breast cancer or any other risk factors you must start screenings early.

Breast Cancer – Myths & Facts
Myth: Presence of BRCA1 or BRCA2 means you will develop breast cancer.
Fact: It’s true that women with one of these genes have a higher risk. However, not everyone with a breast cancer gene will develop breast cancer.

Myth: Having a biopsy will cause breast cancer to spread.
Fact: A biopsy is the surest way to diagnose breast cancer. If the disease spreads, it’s not because of the biopsy.

Myth: A breast cancer diagnosis requires immediate surgery.
Fact: That is not always true and depends on your stage of cancer. Take a second opinion, and make sure you have the right information about all the treatment options available before you start treatment.

Myth: Breast Cancer surgery always results in ugly scars.
Fact: Although breast surgery does involve leaving scars, it’s possible to hide them. Advanced technology, minimally invasive techniques, cosmetology as well as breast reconstruction surgery leave minimal or no scars.

Myth: Most women with breast cancer have a family history of the disease.
Fact: About 80 percent of women with the disease don’t have a family history. There are a lot of other factors that play a role in developing breast cancer.

Treatment at Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital
Expert oncologists at our Centre for Cancer work together to help women for screening and early treatment of breast cancer. The Comprehensive Breast Care Unit offers advanced screening, diagnosis, treatment as well as rehabilitation for breast cancer.

Our Centre for Cancer is well-equipped with state-of-the-art radiation machines and daycare chemo suites that provide comprehensive treatment options. Our team of specialists has conducted over 1,100 breast cancer surgeries, of which over 50 percent have been breast conservation surgeries. In addition to breast conservation, commonly performed procedures are modified radical mastectomy with whole breast reconstruction pedicle free flaps/implants using oncoplastic surgery for good cosmesis.

Our team of highly trained specialists follows the model of Evidence-Based Medicine so that our patients can receive the highest level of care in surgery, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy that is prevalent in the world.

If you or a loved one need help for screening, diagnosis, or treatment of breast cancer, meet our experts. Please find below the link for our website:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/centresofexcellence/centrefor_cancer/comprehensivebreastcareunit.html

Causes, Risk Factors & Symptoms of Cervical Cancer

Thursday, February 27th, 2020
What causes Cancer Cervix?

The causative factor for cervical cancer is a virus called Human Papilloma Virus (HPV), which causes over 99% cases of cervical cancer. This virus is transmitted through sexual contact. There are over 90 types of HPV viruses which have been identified. These are categorized into Low risk /high risk depending on there ability to cause cervical cancer. Women with persistent infection with High risk types are likely to develop cervical cancer

What are risk factors for developing cervical cancer?

Sexual intercourse at an early age, multiple sexual partners, multiple childbirth, smoking and weakened immune system are known risk factors associated with the development of cervical cancer.

Is it preventable?

Cervical cancer is definitely preventable, as there is an effective screening test available to detect precancerous changes which can be treated and progression to cancer can be stopped.

What is screening?

Screening is looking for cancer before you have symptoms. It is a test which helps us to diagnose the precancerous changes or cancer early and hence the disease can be treated more effectively.

What are the screening tests available for cervical cancer?

Worldwide cervical cytology (Pap smear) is used as a screening test for cervical cancer.

Current evidence also points effectiveness of HPV- DNA testing as a screening test for cervical cancer.

What is a Pap smear test?

It is a simple outpatient procedure in which cells will be collected from the cervical surface by scrapping and will then be evaluated by Pathologist to see if abnormal cells are present. Depending on the result further evaluation is planned.

When should I get myself tested?

As per international recommendations, one should start getting regular Pap tests at age 21, or within three years of the first time you have sex, which ever happens first. The Pap test is one of the most reliable and effective cancer screening tests available.

It is vital for women over 30 yrs to be part of the screening programme. The screening initially is done at yearly interval and after three negative smears the interval can be increased. It is also important to follow-up results of the test, after you have done a Pap smear

What are the signs and symptoms of cervical cancer?

Following are some of the symptoms of cervical cancer: –

  • Abnormal bleeding-.
  • Unusual heavy discharge-
  • Pelvic pain
  • Pain during urination-
  • Bleeding between regular menstrual periods, after sexual intercourse or douching.
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