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Frequently asked questions
Find answers to common questions about cancer, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. For personalized advice, please book a consultation.
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Abnormal and excessive growth of cells which have lost the natural self-destruct mechanism.
Due to uncontrolled growth of cancer cells, the normal cells get crowded out. Nutrition and blood flow is diverted to the cancer cells and the normal cells are unable to function leading to worsening general health.
There isn't one characteristic symptom that can define cancer. However, here are some of the symptoms that may be suspicious for cancer:
- Lumps in any part of the body that grow over a period of weeks to months and are often not accompanied by pain or tenderness.
- Ulcer in any part of the body especially the oral cavity which do not heal for weeks and months with normal over the counter therapy.
- Persistent cough and blood in sputum which does not go away even after antibiotics for a few weeks.
- Unexplained weight loss for 3-6 months.
- Altered bowel habits – especially onset of complaints after the age of 50.
- Persistent fever or night sweats or weakness for 3-6 months.
- Hereditary / Genetic factors – About 5% of the cancer are hereditary in nature. Especially patients who develop breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer and colon cancer are usually advised to undergo genetic testing. Once the mutated gene is identified, the other family members can potentially be screened for the same.
- Modifiable risk factors – Tobacco usage in any form can lead to a host of cancers including – Head & Neck cancers, Lung cancer, Pancreatic cancer, Genito-urinary cancers. Excessive alcohol usage has been implicated in many Gastro-intestinal malignancies. There has been a rising incidence of cancers in women linked to obesity and lack of physical activity including breast and endometrial cancers.
- Breast cancer – Self breast examination starting from the age of 25, annual mammograms starting from the age of 40.
- Colon cancer – Stool test for occult blood for men and women above the age of 50. Routine sigmoidoscopy once in 5 years or colonoscopy once in 10 years.
- Lung cancer – For current smokers or ex-smokers with significant history of tobacco use, annual low dose CT scan of chest between the ages of 55-74 years.
A biopsy or tissue sample from the suspected site of cancer is the most definitive way of diagnosing cancer. Apart from this, certain imaging tests like CT scans, MRI or PET scan may be done to check the stage of cancer. In the era of precision medicine, genetic sequencing using either tissue based NGS or liquid biopsy may be recommended for many advanced cancers including blood cancers.
Most early stage cancers and a few advanced blood cancers can be completely cured using advanced treatment modalities like targeted therapy, immunotherapy and chemotherapy. Each cancer is different and treatment has to be tailor made on an individual basis to achieve the best outcomes.
- Diet and exercise – Emphasis has to be on ensuring a balanced diet and sticking to recommended calorie intake. Avoid fast food and frozen food to the extent possible. Ensure a minimum of 45 minutes of mild intensity activity like walking or 25 minutes of moderate intensity activity like running for at least 4-5 days a week.
- Strict avoidance of tobacco in any form including smokeless tobacco and e-cigarettes.
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