Cancer occurs due to abnormal proliferation of cells in the body. The primary factor driving the formation of cancer cells is the mutation or alteration of the cell’s genetic material. Although cancer can occur in anyone, there are certain differences in the incidence of types of cancer between men and women. It’s important that the cancers are diagnosed when they are in nascent stage so that treatment could yield high cure rate and minimize morbidity associated with cancer.

Common cancers among women include:

1. Breast cancer: Screening in the form of mammogram is recommended to all women, to pick up the disease in nascent stages when the person is asymptomatic. The disease manifests as painless lump in the breast, skin changes, nipple discharge, and lump in the axilla. Diagnosis is made by imaging (diagnostic mammogram) and confirmed by a biopsy.

Also Read: Breast cancer : One in every five women in India carry anomalies in breasts 

2. Cervical cancer: Screening in the form of PAP smear is recommended to diagnose the condition in early stages. The disease manifests as irregular menses, intermenstrual bleeding (i.e., bleeding in between the menses cycle), bleeding after sexual intercourse, foul smelling vaginal discharge. The disease is initially identified by a PAP smear. Positive results are followed with colposcopy and biopsy.

Commonly occurring cancers irrespective of sex include:

1. Oropharyngeal cancer: Common among tobacco chewers. There’s no specific screening test. Disease is usually picked up by a routine dental and oral cavity exam. If symptoms arise, there could be painless ulcer, soreness of mouth, lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing. Diagnosis is confirmed by biopsy of the lesion.

2. Lung cancer: Usually arises in long term smokers. Symptoms include long standing cough, coughing up blood, weight loss and fatigue, chest pain, recurrent chest infections. Diagnosis is done by imaging of the chest and confirmed by a biopsy.

Also Read: Lung cancer : A significant risk factor is cigarette smoking

3. Prostate cancer: Usually asymptomatic in initial stages. Symptoms, if present include urinary urgency, urinary frequency, and pain during urination, passing blood in urine. Sometimes disease is diagnosed in advanced stage by which time, metastases would have occurred. The symptoms of metastases (distant spread) include bone pain (especially the back), swelling of legs, weight loss. If the disease is suspected, the doctor will suggest DRE (Digital Rectal Exam) to assess prostate, PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test, imaging in the form of MRI, and biopsy of the prostate.

4. Stomach cancer: Usually asymptomatic in initial stages. Symptoms start when the disease has already progressed. Symptoms include vomiting, abdominal pain, indigestion, loss of appetite and weight, passing black coloured stools. Diagnosis is picked up by the endoscopy and is confirmed by biopsy. The patient may be subjected to imaging to stage the disease, so that management is planned accordingly.

5. Blood cancer: Common in men than in women. There are various types of blood cancers of which lymphoma is common. Symptoms include swelling of the lymph nodes, long standing fever, night sweats, bleeding from gums and weight loss. Diagnostic tests include blood film and visualization under microscope, blood counts and imaging studies. This is followed by procedures like biopsy of lymph node and/or bone marrow aspiration and biopsy.

Dr. Sudarshan S

Consultant Physician, Bengaluru

The post Commonly occurring cancers and how to spot them? appeared first on Health Vision.

Bangalore, February 03, 2022: To commemorate World Cancer Day 2022, Aster CMI Hospital in association with Datar Cancer Genetics, a leading cancer research company launched Comprehensive Cancer Screening Programme. With an aim to help patients detect cancer at its early stage that can save lives and drastically reduce the cost of cancer treatment, the hospital is bringing in EasyCheck360 (multiple cancers), EasyCheck FemmeSafe (women’s) and EasyCheck Prostrate cancer screening tests. EasyCheck is a revolutionary, radiation-free, globally recognized simple blood test for early cancer detection. It is clinically validated by one of the world’s largest clinical trials registered with the WHO clinical Trial Registry brought to you by Datar Cancer Genetics.

EasyCheck360 is a simple blood test that can detect more than 30 cancers. It is intended to be performed annually as a screening test, in individuals without any symptoms suggestive of cancer and aged > 30 years. And it can help detect cancers early that originate in the Oral Cavity, Lung, Breast, Esophagus, Stomach, Liver, Pancreas, Gallbladder, Kidney, Ovary, Cervix, Prostate, Bladder and specified Sarcomas. EasyCheck-FemmeSafe for women can detect cancers early that originate in the Breasts, Ovaries, Endometrium and Cervix. FemmeSafe is the outcome of intensive research efforts of the last several years by internationally recognized scientists and doctors.  EasyCheck prostrate is a blood test that can detect Prostate Cancer and it is intended to be performed annually as a screening test, in individuals with no symptoms.

The technique employed is a proprietary technology which is a pathbreaking innovation, designed to detect circulating tumour cells (CTC) and their clusters before they become symptomatic or clinically detectable.  The tests analyse CTC in the peripheral blood of an individual, are intended to detect the presence of malignant cells and have been clinically proven to have 88.19% Sensitivity and 99% Specificity in detecting cancer.

Speaking on the launch of the Comprehensive Cancer Screening Programme and the need for early detection for cancer, Dr. Vijay Agarwal, Lead & Sr. Consultant – Medical Oncology & Haematology, Aster CMI Hospital said, “In India, every year 1.2 million cases of cancer are diagnosed which accounts for 7,60,000 deaths. Due to changes in lifestyle as well as other risk factors, these numbers are slated to increase in the future. When cancer care is delayed there is a lower chance of survival, greater problems associated with treatment and higher costs. Hence, early detection and providing timely treatment are important which can significantly improve survival rates. Early detection of cancer requires early diagnosis and screening. Early diagnosis focuses on detecting symptomatic patients as early as possible, while this screening consists of testing healthy individuals to identify those having cancers before any symptoms appear. I am sure that with the launch of this Comprehensive Cancer Screening Programme, one can avail to undergo testing which can help diagnose various types of cancers at the earliest.”

Speaking on the launch of EasyCheck360®: Breakthrough in Early Cancer Detection Ms. Samara Mahindra, Director, New Cancer Initiatives, Datar Cancer Genetics said, “Cancer has become a chronic disease and one which can be treated successfully if detected early. The key to beating cancer is screening and early detection.  Early detection will lead to a high chance of survival in most cases. EasyCheck360® is a breakthrough test and will go a long way in helping witness a cancer free India”

The post World cancer day: Aster CMI hospital launches comprehensive cancer screening programme appeared first on Health Vision.

Prostate-related problems have become the top factor in rising cases of cancer in men in India in the last several years. However, India still lags behind in the awareness of this disease, partly driven by stigma and hesitancy from the patients to approach a doctor till it is too late. The prostate is an important part of male reproductive system that is linked closely to the urinary system. Whereas men across ages can endure from problems related to prostate, it is even more difficult for men age of above 50 years to closely look for signs of inconvenience.

There are a numerous problems related to prostate but 3 mainly common medical problems are inflammation (Prostatitis), Prostate Cancer and Prostate Enlargement (BPH). If diagnosed at an early stage and treated at an early stage, a patient can live a healthy life and survive for over a decade. But the lack of awareness about the condition makes it a fatal disease in most cases as the patients come in at a much later stage.

If the cancer is diagnosed at the stage when it’s confined to only the prostate gland it’s more likely to be cured completely. The treatment can include radiation and therapy to kill the cancer cells or by removing the malignant gland from the body through a surgical procedure.

 A few warning signs that would lead to an early diagnosis:

1. Frequent Urination in night particularly – If the prostate becomes enlarged, it can put extra pressure on the urethra blocking the flow of urine resulting in an irritation to the bladder wall. This causes contractions in the bladder even before it’s completely full and makes one urinate more. The condition is more pressing during night.

2. Trouble During Urination – When cancer blocks prostate gland it can cause a numerous frightening issues like pain while urinating, difficulty while standing up to urinate, a weak stream when urinating etc.

3. Blood in Urine or Semen – Blood in urine or semen can be cause for alarm and can be a result of prostate cancer getting advanced

4. Trouble during ejaculation– Given the prostate gland is a part of male reproductive system it can cause pain or burning sensation during ejaculation. The condition can also cause erectile dysfunction in some cases.

5. Pressure on Rectum– An inflamed prostate can press against the rectum and produce pressure every time.

6. Pain or stiffness in lower back, hips, pelvic or rectal area: Stiffness or pain in the areas around the prostate can indicate an While some advanced conditions like cancer can cause stiffness in lower back, hips, pelvis or upper thighs, in most cases a sharp pain and pressure will be felt in the perineum along with pain around penis and scrotum

It is possible that these symptoms are not always caused by Prostate Cancer but other prostate related conditions like Prostatitis or Benign Prostate Enlargement. With the increasing number of Prostate Cancer cases in India, it’s imperative that we start paying attention to the first signs and consult a doctor. It is also equally crucial to develop a culture of getting regular prostate check-ups to avoid the diseases altogether.

Dr Bivek Kumar
Urological Surgeon
Apollo Spectra Hospital
Kormangala, Bengaluru

The post Prostate Cancer: A few warning signs appeared first on Health Vision.