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

Let’s get to know about Childhood Cancer

BPositive Magazine November issue 2016

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Cancer cases in teenagers and adults are biologically very different. According to a data published in Indian journal of cancer it is estimated that approximately 45,000 children diagnosed with cancer every year. The common form cancers found in children are leukaemia, brain tumors, lymphoma, abdominal tumors, and muscle and bone tumors. Cancer is such a sensitive issue and when children are exposes to it the cause of concern gets more serious. 

The cause of most childhood cancers is not known. In today’s time our lifestyle plays a pivotal role in our overall health. Easily available packed or junk food, not doing enough exercises, prolonged sitting, obesity, drinking too much alcohol or cigarette smoking are exposing adults to cancer but these factors doesn’t affect much in childhood cancer. But few studies and past researches has shown that smoking in front of your children does affect their health and might increases their risk of cancer but there aren’t much proofs available. Also environmental factors like radiation exposure, too much exposure to pollution or environmental disasters like Bhopal gas tragedy have been linked to some childhood cancers. 

Apart from environmental factors your family history of cancer could also affect your future generation and expose them to cancer. Parent’s genes increase the risk of certain types of cancer in children or sometimes they can cause a syndrome which creates developmental problems. 

If your child has been diagnosed with cancer then as a parent you need to be very strong to be able to stand by your child. Coping with your child’s cancer and finding ways to stay strong is challenging for everyone in a family. Parents and family support

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. 

The Pioneer

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

Diabetes raises risk of Cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Diabetes and Cancer both are prevailing diseases in India which are increasing globally. Diabetes as we all know is a chronic disease caused when either pancreas do not produce enough insulin or the cells in the body that do not respond properly to the insulin. There are three types of diabetes Type 1 corresponds to first condition and Type 2 corresponds to the second condition and Gestational Diabetes formed during pregnancy. 

While on the other hand Cancer 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. Diabetes is also a deadly disease which gives rise to many other diseases as well in your body. One of them we can say would be Cancer. 

A study conducted in Australia in 2014 by National Diabetes Service Scheme (NDSS) says that people with type 1 or type 2 diabetes are diagnosed with more of some types of cancer and are more likely to die from cancer than people without diabetes. 

It is also found that females with type 1 diabetes  were at the increased risk of cancers of the pancreas, liver, esophagus, thyroid, brain, and lung, as well as ovarian and

Air Pollution can cause cancer

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

DNA

Every year after Diwali, India suffers air pollution problems. It is so obvious that air pollution triggers major health issues in adults as well as children.  The most recent data from the Global Burden of Disease Project indicate that in 2010, 3.2 million deaths worldwide resulted from air pollution, including 223,000 from lung cancer. 

As we know that heavy smog has covered up various cities these days and this smog contains dangerous chemicals like carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide, manganese dioxide, zinc oxide, nitrates etc. Chemical pneumonitis is the irritation of the lungs or we can say it created breathing difficulty due to inhaling above mentioned few chemical fumes or breathing in and choking on certain chemicals. Chemicals from firecrackers and presented in the smog will penetrate deeper into the lungs which further may lead to stiffness of the lungs, which decreases the ability of the lungs to get oxygen to the body. If left untreated, this condition may ultimately lead to respiratory failure, lung cancer or even death.  

Yes, you heard it right, air pollution is associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. Most of us think about the risk associated with lung cancer is through smoking cigarettes, but little did we know that air pollution can also causes lung cancer. Actually everyone

Protect your lungs this Diwali

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

Diwali is the festivals to spread joy, happiness, and share and increase relationship bond. But people spread worst kind of air and noise pollution making this festival a nightmare for many. The fire crackers busted during this month produces the nastiest kind of gases in air and intoxicating the air we breathe. 

Fire crackers are the major part of Diwali celebration. Crackers like gola bomb, anar, chakris, phuljharis, even rockets contains heavy metals and pollutants like copper, cadmium, sulphur, aluminium and barium, which not only harming the environment but also giving major health hazards, The toxicity spread by these crackers in the air is not only dangerous for those suffering from pulmonary diseases, but it also causes breathing problems in others. It also causes irritation in the eyes, nose, throat and causing skin allergies; asthma and other respiratory issues and major changes in lung-cell structure causing life taking disease Cancer. 

What happens is when crackers are lit, they produce different oxides of heavy metals like sulphur, barium, cadmium etc as mentioned above too; which are harmful for lungs and gets absorbed into the circulation and affect other organs of the body. So, every year we suggest people not to burst crackers for their health sake. Diwali is such a beautiful festival, instead of crackers lit candles, diyas, electrical lights. 

Following are the few important measures to be taken during diwali: 

1. It is advisable for children and the elderly persons or people with lung or heart disease and are especially sensitive should stay indoors and

October is Breast Cancer awareness month

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

As we know that October is Breast Cancer awareness moth so, here are few tips to reduce the risk of breast cancer. 

1. Indulge yourself in household chores: Being active reduces a woman's risk of breast cancer. From cleaning the house to decorating it, indulge yourself in such activities. Also take time out to exercise as it reduces the number of fat cells, which are responsible for the release of hormones such as oestrogen and testosterone. This can reduce breast cancer risk by at least 20%..  

2. Breastfeeding is very important: Women who breastfeed their babies for about a year or so cut downs the risk of developing breast canc er by atleast 5% than those who don't breast-feed at all. It is an analysis of cancer statistics by the World Cancer Research Fund found. The longer a woman breast-feeds, the lower her chances of getting the disease.   

3. Refrain yourself from alcohol: Regularly drinking alcohol increases your risk of developing breast cancer and the more drinks you have