Signs that spell cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

CANCER the word itself is a dangerous one which in literal terms means a group of more than 100 diseases in which cells begin to grow out of control or a disease where abnormal cells begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), every 13th new cancer patient in the world is an Indian. India is also witnessing a steep rise in cancer cases and significantly, more and more people are falling prey to this life threatening disease. 

Let’s look at the following few signs that spells cancer: 

1. Sudden weight loss: 

you are a gym freak or following any diet that leads you to weight loss then its fine but without working out if you are experiencing the unexpected or sudden weight loss then it is indeed a matter of concern. It might put you at the risk of developing cancer of pancreas or stomach. 

2. Skin problems or developing lumps on body: 

Everything shows on our face from hormonal imbalance to indigestion. It might appear in the form of skin rashes or moles or skin warts.  But if you are getting rashes too frequently, or are experiencing any lumps on your body like on chest, under arms, on breast, legs. It might be cysts, do get yourself checked immediately. 

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3. Constant indigestion:  

Heart burning or indigestion is common and even if you observe a long-term change in your bowel function such as persistent diarrhoea or constipation, it may be a

Liquid biopsy: The new wave in treatment of cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Biopsies can be difficult and painful for cancer patients, but it is very important to precisely diagnose the disease and determine the best course of treatment. 

Many researches have been done in the past and recently researchers of University of California reported that a new blood-based "liquid biopsy" could be a revolutionary alternative. Liquid biopsy can accurately detect mutations in cancer DNA; in Liquid biopsy the blood is drawn from a patient's arm to analyze DNA that tumors typically shed into the bloodstream. It provides valuable information for doctors using targeted therapies to treat cancer. 

In India, the most common types of cancer are lung cancer, breast cancer and prostate cancer. It's been known for decades that tumors release their DNA into the bloodstream, particularly in advanced cases where cancer has spread to other parts of the body. The question has always been whether this can serve as an alternative to a biopsy for diagnosis and for the assignment of appropriate targeted therapy and it’s been found that genetic analysis of blood-borne cancer DNA very accurately detected cancer-causing mutations that were also found in tumor tissue samples collected for research. 

The overall result says that the liquid biopsy revealed possible treatment options for more than 63 percent of patients tested during research, including FDA-approved drugs as well as eligibility for clinical trials. The cost of a liquid biopsy could be

Hepatitis and its perils

By Dr. Vikas Goswami

Hepatitis virus can give you Liver cancer as well. Hepatitis B is primarily spread through sexual contact and blood transfusion. People in India can get their tattoo from anywhere even on roadsides they use used needles by which chances of blood transfusion are high and thereby increasing the chances of Hepatitis. The main reason for the increase in liver cancer is the number of people who have hepatitis B and hepatitis C, two viruses that can infect the liver and lead to cancer. 

Hepatitis as we all know is the inflammation of the liver and proves to be deadly in the long run if ignored. According to the World Health Organization, there are 400 million people worldwide who are living with Hepatitis B or C. Globally, every year 1.4 million people die from viral hepatitis. There are five viruses that can

5 Most widespread cancers in India

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

CANCER in the most literal term means a group of more than 100 diseases in which cells begin to grow out of control or a disease where abnormal cells begin to grow in an uncontrolled way. According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI) which is part of the US Department of Health and Human Services (USDHHS), every 13th new cancer patient in the world is an Indian. India is also witnessing a steep rise in cancer cases and significantly, more and more people are falling prey to this life threatening disease. 

Large number of ageing population, unhealthy lifestyles, use of tobacco and tobacco products, unhealthy diets, lack of diagnostic facilities, etc. are some of the factors that can be attributed to the increase in the number of cancer deaths. The biggest problem behind the rising numbers is that most Indians don't suspect they may have cancer, or simply they IGNORE the warning signals. Let’s see what are the top 5 common cancers that are prevailing in India: 

1. Breast Cancer: A cancer that forms in the cells of the breasts. Women who have menstruated early, with late or no pregnancies, late menopause, which have not breast fed their babies, are particularly at risk. Also, if you have any family history of breast cancer when your mother, sister, nani or masi has detected then you have a higer risk of developing it too.  If you notice any lump in the breast or abnormal swelling then please do not ignore it, immediately go for the screening tests. 

2. Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is one of the most common form of cancer worldwide. Symptoms of developing lung cancer can be chronic cough, blood in sputum, change in voice , weight loss or distant symptoms like bone pain or seizure etc.  The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking, tobacco consumption, urban pollution, chulha cooking in villages. 

3. Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer develops in women who menstruate early, marry early, having sex with multiple partners; many children and poor anti natal care, as well

Warning signs that every woman should know about Ovarian Cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Ovarian cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the ovaries. Women have two ovaries, one on each side of the uterus. Ovaries produce eggs which helps a woman to become pregnant. Ovary cancer is one of the most common cause of death among women with gynecological cancers. The most common reason for such high mortality is a late diagnosis of this disease. The disease has been labeled as Silent killer as the symptoms don't manifest till the disease has spread considerably or because the symptoms masquerade so much that it is often ignored by the patient and dismissed at the primary care physician. 

Early diagnosis is of utmost importance in ovary cancer cases but unfortunately effective screening policies have not yet been made. So, the awareness is one important tool that is also needed from a woman’s point of view. Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it has spread within the pelvis and abdomen. 

Let’s look for the following symptoms or warning signals of ovary cancer: 

1. Progressive abdominal bloating or heaviness 
2. Loss of appetite or quickly feeling full when eating 
3. Discomfort in lower abdomen 
4. Pain during sexual activity 
5. Change in bladder or bowel habits such as constipation 
6. Low back pain  

The suspicion for something threatening should be high if / or when to see a doctor:   

1. If the symptoms are new to a lady in the past 1 year    

OR  

Are you at the risk of Lung cancer?

By Dr. Vikas Goswami   

Lung cancer is one of the most common form of cancer worldwide. Symptoms of developing lung cancer can be chronic cough, blood in sputum, change in voice , weight loss or distant symptoms like bone pain or seizure etc.  The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking.   

In India apart from cigarette smoking other forms of smoking like bidi , hukka, chewing tobacco in various forms  is part of culture.  

Cigarette smoking is increasing in younger age . Risk of lung cancer is up to 30 times higher in long term smokers compared with lifetime non smoker.   

Smoking cessation decreases risk of lung cancer. Lung cancer chances decrease by 25 to 90% by abstinence of more than 15 years.  The risk nevertheless is more than a non smoker. Adults who quit smoking on a long term basis can gain 5-10 years of life.   

If cessation is not possible even a reduction of smoking also helps in reducing the number of cigarettes to half decrease the chance of lung cancer by 25%. Surprisingly up to 20% of lung cancer can happen in non/never smokers.    

The primary reasons are:    

1) Passive Smoking : Relatives and close associates of a smoker who inhale smoke exhaled by the smoker or room smoke are at increased of lung cancer esp. people who have inhaled passive smoke on long term basis like children, this form of exposure is called as second hand smoke.   

2) Environmental pollution: WHO (World Health Organization) has labeled pollution especially the vehicular exhaust and industrial emission as carcinogen. That means people living in polluted cities are constantly exposed to cancerous agents- there is no escape.   

3) Asbestos : Asbestos means a highly heat-resistant fibrous silicate mineral that can be woven into fabrics, and is used in brake linings and in fire-resistant and insulating materials.  It’s exposure leads to lung cancer. It is used in industry (textile shipping, insulation, construction). The workers of such industry are at increased risk of developing lung cancer.  This product is banned in various countries but asbestos industry continues to thrive in India.   

4) Radon exposure:  This colorless and invisible gas is naturally occurring in nature. It has a tendency to accumulate in the basements of buildings.  Those working for long hours

Living with Myeloma

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Do you often feel tired, feel fatigue or exhausted thirsty or pale all the time or have chronic backache ? It could be a form of cancer called Multiple Myeloma. Unlike other forms of cancer there are not much ready figures are available that how many people in India are suffering from such cancer. This usually affects people over 40 years of age. 

Multiple myeloma is a rare form of blood cancer which is also known as Kahler’s disease. Myeloma is a cancer of a special type of white blood cells known as plasma cells. These plasma cells are part of the immune system formed in the bone marrow which fights infections. When the plasma cells become cancerous, they populate the bone marrow thereby crippling the immune system, causing infections and other symptoms. 

Signs and symptoms of Myeloma are: 

• fatigue,  
• sudden weight loss,  
• Bone pain, especially in your spine or chest 
• Nausea 
• Constipation 
• loss of appetite 
• Mental fogginess or confusion 
• Frequent infections 
• Weakness or numbness in your legs 
• Excessive thirst 

Factors that may increase your risk of multiple myeloma which includes: 

• Increasing age: Your risk of multiple myeloma increases as you age, with most people diagnosed in their mid-60s. 
• Men are more likely to develop the disease than are women. 

As you can see the symptoms of myeloma are very vague nondescript, this leads to delays in diagnosis and misdiagnosis. 

The causes of multiple myeloma and thereby