Debunking the Misconception: Cancer Awareness | Cancer Does Not Always Mean Death!

Dr. Amol Dongre MBBS, MD, DM (Medical Oncology) New Delhi: Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, but medical advances have made it easier to treat. The old belief that cancer means death is changing now. “There is no need for people to be afraid of cancer”, said Dr. Amol Dongre, Cancer Specialist (Medical Oncologist) of Alexis Hospital. He believes that all the facilities of the world are available for its treatment in Nagpur. This disease can also be avoided by regular exercise, balanced diet and not consuming tobacco. What is cancer? Cancer occurs when cells in the body start growing and dividing abnormally. When someone has cancer, the cells stop doing their work. Old and damaged cells remain alive instead of dying and new cells are formed even when they are not needed. These extra cells divide uncontrollably, resulting in the formation of a tumor. Most cancers are caused by tumors but not every tumor is cancer. There is no tumor in blood cancer. Cancer can develop in any part of the body. Usually it spreads to the surrounding tissues. Abnormal and damaged cancer cells reach other parts of the body and start forming new deadly and malignant tumors. There are more than a hundred types of cancer including breast cancer, ovarian cancer, skin cancer, lung cancer. The symptoms and tests of all these cancers differ from each other. Typical treatment protocol Dr. Amol Dongre says that cancer is mainly treated by chemotherapy, radiation and surgery. There is a specific protocol for its treatment that has to be followed. The special thing is that in Nagpur and especially in Alexis Hospital, all the state-of-the-art cancer treatment is possible at one place. State-of-the-art techniques like Radiation 3 DCRT, IMRT, IGRT as well. Like radiation, targeted and immunotherapy have also come in chemotherapy. Symptoms of cancer The symptoms of all cancers are different from each other. Some of the common symptoms of cancer are sudden weight loss, extreme tiredness, lumps, skin changes, severe pain, changes in bowel movement and bladder function, swollen lymph nodes, anemia, etc. Causes of cancer There is no known reason behind why cancer occurs. Although some factors can increase the chances of getting cancer. Those who have a history of cancer in their family, they must get screened while taking extra precautions. Due to early detection of cancer, treatment can also be started in time. Chewing tobacco or smoking cigarettes, exposure to carcinogens in the environment, foods and viruses are some of the major factors that can increase the chances of getting cancer. Stages of Cancer Most cancers consist of a tumor and can be divided into four stages. All these stages of cancer show how serious the cancer has taken. Stage-1 In this stage the tumor is small and cancer cells spread only in one area. Stage 2-3 In this, the size of the tumor becomes large and cancer cells start spreading to the nearby organs and lymph nodes as well. Stage-4 This is the last and very dangerous stage of cancer, which is also known as metastatic cancer. In this stage, cancer starts spreading to other parts of the body. Diagnosis of cancer Dr. Dongre says that doctors try to detect cancer by looking at physical symptoms and signs. Physical examination is done after seeing the medical history of the patient. X-rays, computed tomography, MRI, ultrasound and fiber-optic endoscopy tests may be required if cancer is suspected. The stage of cancer goes easily through biopsy. Cancer treatment Generally cancer treatment mainly includes surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, hormone therapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplants. Surgery Doctors try to remove cancerous tumors, tissues, lymph nodes or any other cancer affected area through surgery. Sometimes doctors also perform surgery to find out the severity of the disease. If the cancer has not spread to other parts of the body, then surgery is the best treatment option. Chemotherapy Chemotherapy is done in several stages. In this process, cancer cells are destroyed through drugs. However, this method of treatment is very painful for some. Many of its side effects are also seen, in which hair loss is mainly involved. Medicines are also delivered through intravenous injection along with food. Radiation Therapy Radiation has a direct effect on cancer cells and prevents them from growing again. In this process, an attempt is made to destroy cancer cells using high energy particles or waves. Immunotherapy Immunotherapy enables the immune system to fight cancer cells. Hormone therapy This therapy is used to treat cancers that are affected by hormones. Hormone therapy improves breast and prostate cancer to a great extent.