Different Cancers and their treatment: FYI

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

In my previous blogs I have talked about different types of cancer, here in this blog let’s find out different treatments for different types of cancer. Cancer as we all know is the most dangerous disease that has affected people from all over the world. In India, the biggest problem behind the rising number of cancer patients is that the most Indians don't suspect they may have cancer, or simply they IGNORE the warning signals. But, thankfully, today with the advancement in medical sciences and commitment from researchers and doctors, superior treatments have been developed resulting in success stories. 

First of all let’s figure out what all different types of cancers commonly occur: 

1) Lung Cancer 

2) Breast Cancer 

3) Throat Cancer 

4) Stomach Cancer 

5) Prostate Cancer 

6) Cervical Cancer 

7) Skin Cancer 

8) Oral Cancer 

9)  Bone Cancer 

10) Esophagus Cancer 

11) Colon Cancer 

12) Head and Neck Cancer 

13) Ovarian Cancer 

14) Brain Cancer 

All these different cancer types have certain precise symptoms, which help to detect and treat them successfully. Treatment of cancer entirely depends on the stage and size of the tumor, which helps a doctor to design and advance to specific treatments. One might be suggested to undergo a surgery or radiation or a combination of both. What type of treatment given at a particular time depends on patient’s condition too. 

Now let’s discuss about few common types of cancer treatments and their preferences: 

1. Surgery – Surgery involves taking out a part or whole of the tumor out from the body, it is an early stage treatment to reduce or remove the tumor, combined with different treatments. It is preferred at an early stage of cancer. 

2. Radiation - This therapy uses high-energy rays to destroy malignant cancer cells. It would target any cancerous cells left behind by the tumor. It is preferred for – Throat Cancer and Prostate cancer 

3. Chemotherapy – Chemo or Chemotherapy is a drug that kills and slows the growth of 1.     malignant cells. It not only kills cancer cells throughout

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