Emerge a winner against cancer

18/10/2017

Years of research and clinical experience have given medical science the tools including advanced software and imaging solutions-to detect cancer early, which cuts down on the cost of treatment, preserves quality of life and help save lives
Cancer is characterised by the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to infiltrate and destroy normal body tissue. Each year, India reports more than a million new cases of cancer and there are many more that remain undetected. This is a huge challenge that needs to be addressed because most of the cancers in India are diagnosed when the tumours are big or have spread in the body (metastasis), at which point they become either untreatable or are harder to treat.
As much as `1.4 lakh crore is going into cancer treatment in the country at national level from patients as well as from the governments. Keeping in view the rising menace, the Union government has set a goal to reduce cancer cases by 15 per cent by 2020 and 30 per cent by 2030.
An aggressive approach to control rising cancer cases, making affordable treatment available in different cities, inculcating healthy lifestyle practices are some of the suggestions made by the experts to tackle the menace of this disease.Once a person identifies the signs and symptoms of cancer, he should immediately discuss his concerns with the doctor. He should not hesitate to ask which cancer screening tests and procedures are appropriate for him.
EARLY SCREENING: Diagnosing cancer at its earliest stages often provides the best chance for a cure. For some cancers, screening tests can save lives by early diagnose. For others, screening tests are recommended only for people with the highest risk. A variety of medical organisations and patient advocacy groups have recommendations and guidelines for cancer screening. Review the various guidelines with your doctor and together you can determine what's best for you.Your doctor may use one or more approaches to diagnose cancer. These include physical examination, laboratory tests such as urine and blood tests, imaging tests like CT scan, MRI, ultrasound and X-ray or a biopsy, where doctor collects a sample of cells for testing in the laboratory.
DISEASE STAGES: Once cancer is diagnosed, the doctor works to determine the stage (extent) of your cancer. The doctor uses the cancer's stage to determine the treatment options and the chances for a cure. Staging tests and procedures may include imaging tests, such as bone scans or Xrays, to see if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.Cancer stages are generally indicated by Roman numerals I through IV, with higher numerals indicating more advanced cancer.
VARIOUS TREATMENTS: Medical science has many options when it comes to cancer care.These options include surgery, chemotherapy--where drugs are used to kill cancer cells and radiation therapy, which uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. Stem cell transplant, biological therapy, hormone therapy and targeted drug therapy are some of the other treatments available, depending on the type of cancer.
While no alternative cancer treatments have proved to cure cancer, but they may help a patient cope with side effects of cancer and cancer treatment, such as fatigue, nausea and pain. A patient should talk with the doctor about what alternative medicine options may offer him benefit.
COPING WITH IT: Each person has to find his or her own ways of coping with the emotional and physical changes that come with cancer. But when you're first diagnosed with cancer, sometimes it's difficult to know what to do next. To cope with it, learn enough about cancer to make decisions about your care. Ask the doctor about your cancer, including your treatment options and, if you like, your prognosis. As you learn more about cancer, you may become more confident in making treatment decisions.
Also, keeping your close relationships strong will help you deal with the disease.
Friends and family can provide the practical support you'll need, such as helping take care of your kids if you're in the hospital. They can also be of immense help to serve as emotional support when you feel overwhelmed by the disease. Also, talking to a counsellor, medical social worker or cancer support group also may be helpful.
Years of research and clinical experience have given medical science the toolsincluding advanced software and imaging solutions to detect cancer early. There are also an array of treatment regimens to tackle it. As infrastructure continues to improve, more people will be routinely screened. When screening is done correctly, we will be able to detect cancers earlier, which will cut down on the cost of treatment, preserve quality of life and save numerous lives.
(This Article is Provided in Public Interest By Deptt of Community Outreach Programme By Dr Kanchan Kaur (Associate Director-Medanta Breast Cancer Services-Gurugram)

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