- What is cancer?Cancer is a group of diseases where a group of cells grow uncontrollably and spread to various parts of the body.
- What causes cancer?Cancer can be caused by exposure to various risk factors, including carcinogens (tobacco, alcohol, etc), genetic mutations, radiation, dietary habits, virus and more.
- Is cancer hereditary?Most cancers are not hereditary. Only a few percentages of cancer can be hereditary, meaning they are passed down through families. Genetic testing can help assess and reduce the risk of hereditary cancer.
- What are the symptoms of cancer?The symptoms of cancer depend on the stage and location. Some common symptoms are fatigue, weight loss, lump in breast, ulcer in oral cavity, swelling in the body, vomiting, changes in bowel habits and cough.
- How is cancer diagnosed?Cancer diagnosis requires detailed history taking, thorough clinical examination, biopsy procedure and imaging tests like CT, MRI and/or PET Scan.
- What are the stages of cancer?Cancer is typically staged from 1 to 4. Stage 1 refers to the localised cancer stage, while stage 4 reflects the advanced stage.
- What are the treatment options for cancer?The treatment of cancer is usually multi-modality. It includes a combination of mainly surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and immunotherapy.
- Is cancer always fatal?No. The outcome of a cancer depends on the type and stage at the time of diagnosis. The success rate of cancer in the early stage is very high. Moreover, newer advances in cancer treatment have increased the survival rates.
- How can I reduce my risk of cancer?One can reduce the risk of cancer by preventing exposure to the risk factors. Lifestyle choices like not smoking, avoiding alcohol, eating a healthy diet and being physically active. Visit to an oncologist can further help in reducing your risk of getting cancer by using screening tests like mammography, colonoscopy and PAP smear.
- Are there screening tests available for cancer?Yes. Some common cancers like breast, colon, prostate, lung, etc can be detected in early stages with the use of screening tests. The cure rate of screen detected cancer is comparably very high.
- Is there a cure for cancer?Yes. The cancer which is detected in the early stage can be treated and cured effectively. While advanced cancer may require continuous treatment.
- What is palliative care in cancer?Patients with advanced cancer suffer from severe symptoms like pain, vomiting, abdominal fullness and difficulty in breathing. The goal of palliative care is to relive the patient from such symptoms and improve quality of life.
- Can cancer recur after successful treatment?Cancer recurrence is possible after a successful treatment, however it depends on the type, stage and initial treatment offered. Regular follow-up visit to our oncologist helps in early identification of the recurrence.
- Are there financial assistance programs for cancer patients?Yes, there are some cancer organizations that offer financial help to cover the cancer treatment costs
- What should I expect during cancer treatment?Cancer treatment is complex and time consuming. One should understand the complete treatment plan. The cancer treatment experiences vary, but it often includes a combination of different therapy, few side effects, and regular follow-up visits to the oncologists.
Please note that cancer is a complex and diverse set of diseases, and the information provided here is general. Specific details and recommendations may vary based on individual circumstances and the type of cancer involved. It’s important to consult with Dr. Priyansh Jain, Oncologist (cancer specialist) for personalised guidance and information regarding cancer diagnosis and treatment.