Cancer Staging And Its Treatments

Stages of Cancer Treatment

Being diagnosed with cancer brings about a multitude of emotions and concerns. After a doctor gives an official diagnosis of cancer, they target certain methods to determine the type and stage of the cancer. The most critical aspect to managing cancer is understanding its staging, which provides valuable information about the tumor size and its spread within the body. Recognizing cancer at the earliest stages can provide the greatest chance of an effective treatment. In this article, we will delve into the different cancer staging systems, while discussing some additional factors that help determine the course of treatment.

Understanding Cancer Staging

Cancer staging is a kind of process that analyzes the kind and form of tumor that the patient is suffering from. Basically, it forms a good base for determining the extent to which it will respond to treatment and also the general survival rate. However, the exact criteria for staging are different for different types of cancer.

Discussing the cancer staging groups, generally it categorizes four broad stages, denoted in Roman Numeral form. These stages are instrumental in guiding your doctor predicting outcomes, while assisting in determining the most effective treatments options. The majority of cancer stages range from 0 (carcinoma in situ) to IV (advanced or metastatic cancer) where the higher number indicates the most advanced form of cancer. 

Stage 0: This is a stage where a doctor identifies growth of some abnormal tissues that have not yet spread to other parts of the body. Doctors often call this stage as carcinoma in situ. At this stage, the abnormal cells aren’t in fact cancerous, but could develop into cancer if not treated.

Stage I: Considered as an early stage of cancer where the tumor is usually small and confined to one area of the body. This stage typically has a better survival rate than the more advanced types of cancer.

Stage II: This stage recognises that the tumor has grown a little in size and begun to spread in surrounding tissues. The outlook for those suffering from stage II can vary depending on their age, general health and the kind of cancer they suffer from.

Stage III: This stage refers to a position where the tumor has grown in size than in stage I and II, trying to invade larger body areas.

Stage IV: Considered as the most severe cancer stage, where the tumor is usually large and has spread to different areas within the body.

A Brief About Clinical and Pathological Stages

According to some tests conducted prior the treatment begins, doctors use clinical and pathologic information to determine the overall stage. Basically, Clinical stage refers to the severity estimate based on some test results prior to the surgery. The doctors base their diagnosis on the information they gather from physical examinations and other tests. While, the Pathological stage, generally obtained after surgery is considered more accurate. Moreover, these stages involve imaging scans, blood tests, and biopsies that contribute to determining the extent of cancer spread.

TNM System:

The TNM system forms the most common cancer staging system which stands as Node, and Metastasis. The values T, N, and M are assigned based on the following measurements and observations:

Tumor (T): This describes the information on the size and location of the primary tumor at the time of diagnosis.

Node (N): This tells if cancer has spread to lymph nodes as through these nodes the cancerous cells expand to other areas of the body. Based on these details, the doctor bases their classification of lymph nodes on their location and the number of lymph nodes carrying cancer.

Metastasis (M): Metastasis occurs when a tumor has grown beyond the lymph nodes into other parts within your body. A MI diagnosis determines if cancer has spread to distant organs and tissues.

Other Factors That Involve Cancer Staging

In addition to staging, there are some extra factors that doctors may use to understand the cancer behavior better and tailor treatment plans. These may include:

Grade: For most cancer types, it is a measurement of how abnormal cancerous cells appear in the microscope. Also known as differentiation, it is crucial to know the grade because cancers tend to have more abnormal-looking cells that spread and grow more quickly.

Location: For some cancers, the primary location can affect its outlook and must be considered essentially when determining the stage.

Tumor Markers: In certain cancers, the elevated levels in blood or urine can indicate the influence of the cancer stage.

Genetics: Sometimes, the specialists also prefer to analyze the DNA of the cancer cell as it helps to predict the likelihood of spread and informs treatment decisions.

Conclusion

As we discussed, understanding the cancer staging system holds a paramount importance in navigating through the complex landscape of diagnosis and treatment. This information can help the doctors to predict the treatment course, and how likely the treatment will be successful. While the circumstances may vary from person to person based upon the cancer type and outlook. However, the individuals can easily navigate through their cancer journey with a clear understanding of their stage and prognosis with the best consultation. Selecting the collaborative approach with Dr. Sameeksha Dubey will help the patient to foster a sense of confidence and resilience. 

Exploring the Impact of Obesity on Cancer Risk

Exploring the Impact of Obesity on Cancer Risk: What You Need to Know

Obesity and overweight are the second most significant cause of cancer in the world, and the fight against obesity has become a widespread problem in today’s rapidly changing society. According to a new report by the World Obesity Federation, more than half of the world’s population will be overweight or obese by 2035.

What is Obesity?

Obesity is a medical condition characterized by excessive body fats that increase the risk of multiple health problems and diseases. This can include heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver disease, sleep problems, as well as certain cancers.

The Best Medical Oncologist in Nagpur suggests numerous reasons individuals have trouble losing weight. Often, obesity results from inherited, physiological, and environmental factors combined with diet, physical activity, and exercise choices.

Obesity has wide-ranging consequences that can include heart disease, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver disease, and sleep problems, it substantially increases the likelihood of developing multiple diseases, such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke, and various cancers, including: 

 

  • Cancer of the breast
  • Cancer of the colon and rectum
  • Cancer of the uterus
  • Cancer of the esophagus
  • Tumour in the gallbladder
  • Cancer of the liver
  • Cancer of the kidneys
  • Cancer of the pancreas
  • Stomach cancer
  • Cancer of ovaries
  • Meningioma
  • Multiple Myeloma 

 

Symptoms

The Body Mass Index (BMI) is the principal metric to ascertain whether an individual is obese or overweight. A person with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher is classified as obese, per the CDC. It is important to note that BMI may not be the sole indicator of obesity; age-related muscle decline (sarcopenia) and muscle mass should also be considered.

 

Categories of BMI:

  • Under 18.5: Underweight 
  • 18.5 to 24.9; healthy 
  • 25.0 to 29.9: overweight 
  •  30.0 to 39.9: Obesity 
  •  40.0 or more: severe obesity 

 

Various ways to clarify the direct /indirect relationship between obesity and cancer:

Adipose cells can create an environment that leads to chronic inflammation by damaging cellular DNA and promoting unchecked cell proliferation, which ultimately leads to the growth of tumors.

Obesity significantly increases the risk of developing cancers, including those of the breast, gynecologic, colorectal, kidney, and other organs, by disrupting hormone secretion, including that of estrogen and insulin.

Cell Regulation: Hormones or proteins that regulate cell growth may be disrupted by adipose cells, leading to aberrant cell division and the development of tumors.

Obesity may weaken T-cells close to tumor cells, limiting their ability to attack and eliminate cancerous cells.

 

Treatment and Diagnosis Implications:

The Best Oncologist in Nagpur says that beyond the risk of developing severe cancer, obesity can also increase complexities in diagnostic imaging and difficulties in acquiring images. Also, the complexity of radiation therapy and surgery is highlighted as a result of the expansion of tissue and the possibility of unintended harm. 

A study in 2017 found that cells may be capable of absorbing and degrading chemotherapy medications, thereby diminishing their efficacy and possibly elucidating the association between obesity and unfavorable prognoses across a range of cancers.

In addition to increasing the risk of developing cancer, obesity contributes to the development of complications like diabetes. The convergence of obesity, diabetes, and cancer presents healthcare professionals with a complex predicament that requires them to maintain a nuanced equilibrium throughout treatment.

 

Principle Obstacle Include:

Steroid use of chemotherapy can lead to high glucose levels. This can cause an inability to regulate blood sugar, resulting in unfavorable outcomes, impaired wound healing, and increased risk of infections. Additionally, cancer-related fatigue and loss of appetite can worsen. 

 

Reducing the Risk of Cancer via Weight Loss:

Despite obstacles, Eating healthy and being more active is the best way to improve your health. Suppose a person is overweight or obese. Losing 10% of body weight can reduce the risk of developing cancer and other serious diseases. Research shows that postmenopausal women lose 5 percent of their body weight and have a lower risk of developing endometrial cancer. If you find losing weight difficult, eating a more balanced diet and exercising regularly can help to lower the risk of cancer.

 

Here are Some Steps you can take to help you make a healthier choice 

Exercise Daily: If you struggle with being more active and are on a diet, Your dietician can help. A professional dietician, gym trainer, physiologist, or doctor specializing in weight loss can quickly help you change your routine.

Get Support: Feeling supported when pushing yourself very hard to make lifestyle changes is essential. They can help you to make healthier changes and stick with them over time. Talk to your friends about the changes you want to make and ask them for help. 

Weight loss Surgery: If you have a severe health condition related to obesity, such as heart disease or diabetes, weight loss surgery can be an option for you. Weight loss or bariatric surgery is only considered for people with a BMI of 40 or 35 or more severe health conditions.

Conclusion – Dr. Sameeksha Dubey, a Cancer Specialist in Nagpur research, highlights the connection between obesity and cancer. It is essential to work with your healthcare team and make healthy changes in your lifestyle to reduce weight and the risk of disease. It emphasizes the urgent need for awareness and proactive measures by understanding the complex interplay of factors that can help reduce cancer risk and improve well-being. Losing weight is a fictional step towards a healthy, cancer-resistant life.

Understanding the Role of Immune Checkpoints in Cancer: A Key to Unleashing the Body's Defense

Understanding the Role of Immune Checkpoints in Cancer: A Key to Unleashing the Body’s Defense

In the field of oncology, years of research and practice are devoted to understanding the complexities of cancer and its relationship with the immune system. In recent times, the concept of immune checkpoints has emerged as a groundbreaking avenue in cancer therapy, rerevolutionizinghe way we approach treatment strategies.

What are Immune Checkpoints?

To comprehend the significance of immune checkpoints in cancer, let’s first grasp the basics. Immune checkpoints are pathways in the immune system that regulate the duration and strength of an immune response. They act as crucial gatekeepers, preventing the immune system from attacking healthy cells while also modulating the immune response against threats like cancer cells.

The Role of Immune Checkpoints in Cancer

Cancer cells can exploit these checkpoints, tricking the immune system into believing they are harmless, thus evading detection and destruction. Tumours often express molecules that interact with checkpoint proteins, effectively putting the brakes on the immune response, allowing cancer to thrive unchecked.

The discovery of immune checkpoint proteins such as CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1 has led to a paradigm shift in cancer treatment. These checkpoints act as ‘immune brakes’ that, when inhibited, can unleash the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Revolutionising Cancer Therapy: Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors

Enter immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), a class of drugs designed to block these checkpoints, reinvigorating the immune response against cancer. Drugs targeting CTLA-4, PD-1, or PD-L1 have shown remarkable success in various cancers, significantly improving patient outcomes and survival rates.

Take, for instance, the success of anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapies in melanoma, lung cancer, and bladder cancer. By blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 interaction, these therapies enable T cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells effectively.

Challenges and Future Directions

Despite the promising results, challenges persist. Not all patients respond to immune checkpoint inhibitors, responses may take a long duration to become apparent on radiology and some may experience adverse effects due to the unleashed immune response attacking healthy tissues, known as immune-related adverse events (irAEs). Understanding the factors influencing response rates and managing these side effects remain crucial areas of research. 

Moreover, combination therapies involving ICIs, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or other immunotherapies are being explored to enhance efficacy and overcome resistance mechanisms developed by tumours.

The Need for Personalized Medicine

Every patient’s cancer is unique, necessitating a personalised approach to treatment. Biomarkers play a pivotal role in predicting a patient’s response to immune checkpoint inhibitors. Identifying reliable biomarkers can aid in selecting patients who are most likely to benefit from these therapies, optimising treatment strategies for better outcomes.

Conclusion

The discovery and utilisation of immune checkpoints in cancer therapy represent a monumental leap forward in oncology. By unleashing the body’s natural defence mechanisms, immune checkpoint inhibitors have transformed the landscape of cancer treatment, offering hope to patients and paving the way for more targeted, effective therapies.

As we continue to delve deeper into the complexities of the immune system and cancer interactions, the future holds immense promise for further advancements in immunotherapy. It’s a privilege to witness and contribute to this groundbreaking era in cancer research, bringing us closer to more personalised and effective treatments for patients worldwide.

Precancerous Conditions and the Vital Role of Early Detection in Cancer

Understanding Precancerous Conditions and the Vital Role of Early Detection in Cancer

Cancer, a formidable adversary to human health, often starts as minuscule changes within the body that progress over time. In many cases, these changes manifest as
precancerous conditions, indicating a potential for the development of cancerous cells. Understanding these precursors and the significance of early detection can be pivotal in preventing the progression of cancer.

What Are Precancerous Conditions?

Precancerous conditions refer to cellular changes that are not yet cancerous but have the potential to become cancer if left untreated. These alterations may vary in
severity, ranging from mild abnormalities to more advanced changes. Examples of precancerous conditions include:

1.Leukoplakia & Erythroplakia : White or flat red spots/lesions found on the oral mucosa ( inside mouth), which cannot be removed or explained by any other cause, have the potential to develop into oral cancers.

2. Actinic Keratosis: Commonly found on sun-exposed skin, these crusty, scaly patches can develop into skin cancer if not addressed.

3. Cervical Dysplasia: Abnormal cells on the cervix, often detected through Pap smears, can lead to cervical cancer if not managed.

4. Colon Polyps: Growth in the colon lining, some of which can evolve into colon cancer over time.

5. Barrett’s Esophagus: Changes in the esophagus lining due to chronic acid reflux, which may progress to esophageal cancer.

Importance of Early Detection

Early detection plays a crucial role in combating cancer. Detecting precancerous conditions or cancer in its initial stages significantly increases the chances of
successful treatment and cure. Here’s why early detection matters:

Increased Treatment Options: Detecting cancer early often offers a wider array of treatment options, including less invasive procedures and higher success rates.

Improved Prognosis: When cancer is diagnosed at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment and a positive prognosis are significantly higher.

Reduced Morbidity and Mortality: Early detection may prevent cancer from spreading, reducing the risk of complications and mortality associated with advanced-stage cancer.

Methods of Early Detection

Several screening methods and tests aid in the early detection of cancer and precancerous conditions:

Regular Screening Tests: Routine screenings such as mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and skin examinations help detect abnormalities before they progress into cancer.

Genetic Testing: Assessing genetic predispositions to certain cancers enables individuals to take preventive measures or opt for more frequent screenings.

Biopsies and Imaging Tests: Biopsies of suspicious areas and imaging techniques like MRI, CT scans, and ultrasounds assist in identifying abnormalities for further evaluation.

Reducing Risks and Preventive Measures

While not all cancers can be prevented, adopting certain lifestyle changes can minimise the risk of developing cancer or precancerous conditions:

Healthy Diet and Exercise: Maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains while staying physically active can lower cancer risk.

Avoiding Tobacco and Limiting Alcohol: Steering clear of tobacco products and moderating alcohol consumption decreases the likelihood of various cancers.

Sun Protection: Using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding excessive sun exposure can prevent skin cancer.

Regular Check-ups and Screenings: Following recommended screening guidelines based on age, gender, and individual risk factors is crucial in early detection.

Challenges in Early Detection

Despite the advancements in medical technology, some challenges persist in early cancer detection:

Access to Healthcare: Socioeconomic factors often limit access to healthcare services and screenings, leading to delayed detection.

Limited Sensitivity of Tests: Some screening tests may yield false-negative results, giving a false sense of security while cancer or precancerous conditions may still be present.

Patient Compliance: Adherence to recommended screenings and follow-up appointments can be challenging for some individuals, affecting timely detection.

Conclusion

Understanding precancerous conditions and the importance of early detection is pivotal in the fight against cancer. Regular screenings, adopting a healthy lifestyle, and raising awareness about the significance of early detection are key elements in reducing the burden of cancer. Empowering individuals with knowledge about preventive measures and the value of proactive healthcare can contribute significantly to improving cancer outcomes.

Remember, early detection saves lives. By staying informed, proactive, and attentive to your health, you play an active role in safeguarding yourself against the potential risks of cancer and precancerous conditions.

Know 10 Main Causes of Cancer in India

Unravelling the 10 Main Causes of Cancer in India

Cancer, a formidable adversary of human health, continues to pose a significant threat worldwide. In India, the burden of cancer is on the rise, with millions of lives affected each year. Understanding the root causes of cancer is crucial for effective prevention and early detection. In this personalized blog, we’ll delve into the ten main causes of cancer in India, shedding light on how lifestyle, genetics, and environmental factors contribute to this formidable disease.

 

Tobacco Consumption

Tobacco consumption is a major driver of cancer in India, with a significant portion of the population addicted to smoking or chewing tobacco. The carcinogenic chemicals present in tobacco products, such as nicotine and tar, increase the risk of cancers of the lung, mouth, throat, and esophagus. It’s imperative to promote anti-smoking campaigns and provide support for those trying to quit.

 

Air Pollution

India’s air quality has long been a concern, and prolonged exposure to pollutants in the air can lead to lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. Particulate matter, volatile organic compounds, and heavy metals in the air can damage DNA and increase the risk of cancer. Adopting cleaner energy sources and promoting vehicular emission controls are essential steps to mitigate this risk.

 

Poor Diet and Obesity

Dietary habits and obesity are closely linked to cancer risk. A diet high in processed foods, red meat, and sugary drinks can increase the chances of developing colorectal, breast, and prostate cancer. Promoting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, along with regular physical activity, can help combat obesity and reduce cancer risk.

 

Infections

Infections, particularly viral infections, can lead to cancer. In India, hepatitis B and C infections are linked to liver cancer, while the human papillomavirus (HPV) is associated with cervical and other cancers. Vaccination and early screening can help prevent and detect these infections before they progress to cancer.

 

Alcohol Consumption

Excessive alcohol consumption is another risk factor for several types of cancer, including mouth, throat, esophagus, liver, and breast cancer. It’s essential to promote responsible drinking and provide education about the risks associated with alcohol abuse.

 

Lack of Physical Activity

A sedentary lifestyle is a growing concern in India and contributes to cancer risk. Physical inactivity is linked to colorectal, breast, and endometrial cancers. Encouraging regular physical activity and reducing prolonged sitting time can lower cancer risk and improve overall health.

 

UV Radiation

Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds can lead to skin cancer. Promoting sun-protective behaviors such as wearing sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak sun hours can help prevent skin cancer.

 

Environmental Toxins

Exposure to environmental toxins and industrial pollutants can increase cancer risk. Efforts to regulate and reduce exposure to harmful chemicals in water, soil, and consumer products are essential to lowering cancer rates.

 

Genetic Factors

While lifestyle and environmental factors play a significant role, genetic factors also contribute to cancer risk. Certain genetic mutations can increase susceptibility to cancer. Genetic counselling and testing can help individuals assess their risk and make informed decisions about prevention and early detection.

 

Lack of Awareness and Early Detection-  

Immunosppression is lack of ability of our body to fight against outside infections and cancers. Any person with immunosppressive state of body becomes high risk for development of cancer. Eg, HIV/AIDS infections increases risk of cervix cancer, anal cancer. Lymphomas etc. People living with such immunosuppressive states like HIV, Hepatitis B infections, should be made more aware about the possible cancers that can develop in thema nd the importance of regular screening for early detection. 

 

Limited awareness about cancer and its risk factors often leads to late-stage diagnoses. Promoting cancer education and regular screenings for common cancers can significantly improve early detection and treatment outcomes.

 

Conclusion

Understanding the primary causes of cancer in India is the first step towards prevention. By adopting a healthy lifestyle, reducing exposure to risk factors, and increasing awareness about cancer, we can collectively work towards reducing the burden of this disease in our country. Remember, early detection and prevention are key in the fight against cancer, so prioritize your health and well-being.

Old Age – Is Everyone Unfit For Cancer Treatment

Old Age – Is Everyone Unfit For Cancer Treatment ?

In India, we are slowly moving toward an increased ratio of the geriatric population. Cancer is 11 times more likely to develop in people above 65 years compared to younger people. Advancing age is a risk factor for the development of cancer. Patients aged more than 65 account for 60% of newly diagnosed cancer cases and about 70% of all cancer deaths. Most common cancers include breast, lung, prostate, cervix, ovary, oral cancers and oesophagus. The global definition of geriatric patients is 65 years  and above, but Indian guidelines include patients above 60 years of age in the geriatric population. It is known that the geriatric population is more prone to diagnosis malignancies than the younger ones. Some of the reasons why cancer is more common in the elderly include defective DNA repair mechanisms, age-related alterations in the immune system, accumulation of random genetic mutations leading to oncogene activation, lifetime carcinogen exposure, and hormonal alterations.

Geriatric population is also associated with various issues like comorbidities, polypharmacy, frailty, geriatric syndromes, socioeconomic situations which makes their disease management more difficult; the comprehensive assessment of the geriatric patient in cancer treatment is necessary and recommended by the International society of Geriatric oncology but often not done since it requires more prolonged duration of time and trained oncologists. Furthermore, such data is much less available in Indian patients.

Even though most cancer patients are in the older age group, participation of older patients in cancer treatment trials has been very low. In Canada, it was found that patients who were 65 years or older accounted only for 22% of patients in the National Cancer Institute of Canada Clinical Trials Group compared with 58% of the Canadian population with cancer from 1993–to 1996.[5] Also, in India, the number of older cancer patients enrolled in trials is much less compared to the other age groups.

In India, according to registry data, about 45–50% of all cancers in males and 35–41% of all cancer in females occur above the age of 60.  The most common thinking in patient, relatives and clinicians mind, when a cancer is diagnosed in geriatric age group is that due to the age either the treatment for cancer is not possible or will not be tolerated. The chronological age of a person is not necessarily equal to their biological age and fitness of the person cannot be decided just by looking at the age

The American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) recommends that all geriatric oncology patients should undergo a comprehensive geriatric assessment (CGA) of various domains, including social support, physical function/falls, cognition, nutrition, medications, comorbid medical disorders, and depression   This assessment can help identify the possible issues in a geriatric person that can be corrected and which can make the patient fit enough for the treatment. This improves patient’s comprehensive care and quality of life. Though the full comprehensive assessment is extensive and require time to be done in routine clinic, there are screening methods available for the clinicians which can guide them, as to which patient needs to be assessed more thoroughly.

As is said “Age is just a number”, its high time that we start believing the same and not decide one’s fate based on just the number. Cancer treatment can be provided for a centenarian as well. Let the oncologist decide on the appropriate management. 

Women related cancers

Cancer In Indian Women Still A Taboo

Women related cancers still remain a taboo in our country and that has become a major hurdle in their early detection and effective treatment. Due to the over whelming sense of shame associated with them, they are mostly diagnosed at an advanced stage.

There are mainly 4 female associated cancers; breast cancer, ovarian cancer, cervix cancer and uterus cancer. There are effective screening methods available for breast cancer (self-breast examination and mammography) and cervix cancer (Pap smear and HPV viral testing) but ovary and uterus cancers do  not have such methods, usually present with non specific symptoms at late stages like abdominal pain, bloating, persistent nausea, difficulty passing urine.

Along with the feeling of shame, there are various misconceptions attached with these gender related cancers, mostly about the cause of disease. Social myths also play role in making women feel reluctant in reporting any symptoms. Women themselves feel that they need to keep their family ahead of any personal need of their own. What they don’t understand is that , they need to remain healthy, to keep the family healthy and happy. Even if they feel the symptoms they are scared of reporting it simply because of the fear of treatment or even just the name of the disease “cancer”.

There is still the need of awareness among women, about the symptoms, treatment options and possibility of cure when a cancer is diagnosed. We need to provide them a safe open minded society which makes them comfortable enough to speak and come forward.

During treatment the most important [part of any decision making process is counselling. All the treatment modalities used for cancer have profound physical and psychological effect on women. Possibility of loosing their body organs like breast , loosing their reproductive capacity, chemotherapy related side effects, long term treatment related toxicities and altering their bodies for life, are the decisions that require time, discussion and support both from their doctors and their loved ones.

The genetic aspects of women cancers like BRCA mutations, their testing, methods, implications if diagnosed positive eon the patient and the family members, is something that is neglected many times during the usual cancer discussion by the patients themselves and at times by the physicians also. But it is the responsibility of the oncologist to make the patient understand the relevance of genetic testing, not just for now but for the future as well.

Lastly, the cancer patient support groups or the survivor group, though available in India, but still seems unable to reach enough people. Groups, not just for the patients who have recovered from cancer, but also for those who are battling it continuously and living with it daily, are the need of the hour. Its not just the medical treatment that matters, but the psychosocial trauma that comes with such a diagnosis should be dealt with utmost care, if we want to give the patient complete holistic treatment.

To conclude it should be emphasized above all things that when a man is affected, it affects one life but when a woman is ill, it affects the whole family. Though there are effective screening and preventive tools are available for women related cancers, the lack of awareness, association of social stigma attached to female related cancers, denial on the patient’s part about the disease diagnosis and treatment, lack of support from society and family , financial burden attached with cancer treatment and overall repression of women in our apparently, socially and economically progressive society has made cancer the epidemic that it is toady and which we shall be dealing with for a long time, if appropriate measures are not taken.

Meet Dr. Sameeksha Dubey, Best Oncologist in Nagpur known for her outstanding qualifications, vast experience, and steadfast commitment to advancing cancer care.