Cervical Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
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Nivethitha Ashok
23 Jan, 2023
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Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment

Ovarian Cancer, being the third most common cancer in women, typically accounts for 6.7% of observed cancer incidences in India. Ovarian cancer is a sobering reminder of the silent threats that can exist within an intricate tapestry of women's health. It is a silent but deadly disease that frequently goes undetected until it reaches advanced stages, making treatment and survival extremely difficult.

Here’s our guide to ovarian cancer, which includes information on symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options of ovarian cancer.

What is Ovarian Cancer?

Ovarian cancer is a malignant tumour that develops in the ovaries, the organs that produce eggs in females. The female reproductive system consists of two ovaries, one on either side of the uterus, (which are about the size of an almond) that produce eggs and the hormones oestrogen and progesterone. In the early stages, ovarian cancer has usually no symptoms, but a person may experience lower abdominal pain or pressure, as well as vaginal bleeding.

Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer:

The symptoms of ovarian cancer can vary from person to person. However, it may develop and spread throughout the abdomen before noticing any symptoms, which makes early detection very difficult. Ovarian cancer symptoms can include:

  • Abdominal bloating or swelling
  • Pelvic pain or discomfort
  • Difficulty eating
  • Frequent or urgent urination
  • Changes in bowel habits, such as constipation
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Back pain
  • Vaginal discharge
  • Menstrual irregularities

If you are worried about any of these signs or symptoms, it is vital that you immediately schedule an online consultation with either an oncologist, or a gynaecologist, have all your queries sorted out, and get proper guidance regarding ovarian cancer.

Causes of Ovarian Cancer:

It is uncertain what causes ovarian cancer, but researchers have identified factors that may enhance the risk of the disease. Doctors acknowledge that ovarian cancer develops when cells in or near the ovaries undergo DNA changes (mutations). A cell's DNA contains instructions that teach the cells what to do. The changes cause the cells to grow and multiply rapidly, forming a mass (tumour) of cancer cells. Cancer cells continue to live while healthy cells die, invading neighbouring tissues and breaking off from the original tumour, allowing it to spread to other parts of the body.

However, there are a few risk factors that can increase the likelihood of developing ovarian cancer, which includes:

Age: Ovarian cancer is more common in women over the age of 50.

Family history: Women with a family history of breast, colorectal, or ovarian cancer have an increased risk of the disease.

Endometriosis: Women with endometriosis (a disease in which tissue similar to the lining of the uterus grows outside the uterus) have a higher risk of certain types of ovarian cancer.

Obesity: Obesity is associated with an increased risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Never been pregnant: If you have never been pregnant, you may be at a higher risk of developing ovarian cancer.

Diagnosis of Ovarian Cancer:

Diagnosing ovarian cancer might be challenging due to unclear symptoms and limited screening methods. Healthcare providers may use a variety of diagnostic tools to assess suspicious symptoms, including:

Pelvic examination: A physical exam to look for abnormalities in the ovaries or pelvis.

Imaging tests: Ultrasound, CT scans, and MRI scans can help discover the ovaries and detect abnormalities.

Blood tests: The CA-125 blood test examines a protein that is frequently high in women with ovarian cancer, although it is not conclusive on its own.

Biopsy: A tissue sample can be taken through surgery or minimally invasive techniques and examined under a microscope.

Treatment of Ovarian Cancer:

The goal of cancer treatment is to remove as much of the cancer cells as possible from your body. The most common treatments for ovarian cancer are:

Surgery: This often includes the removal of your reproductive organs as well as any organs that have cancer. Your surgeon may perform laparoscopy (minimally invasive surgery) or laparotomy (open surgery with an abdominal incision).

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy may be recommended either before or after surgery. Chemotherapy medications are intended to target and kill malignant cells.

Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs are prescribed to specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissues.

Hormonal Therapy: Some ovarian tumours use hormones to grow. This sort of therapy inhibits cancer growth by blocking hormones.

Radiation Therapy: In some cases, radiation therapy may be used to target and kill cancer cells.

The Ovarian Cancer Statistics:

  • Among the world's population, India has the second largest estimated incidence of ovarian cancer, after China. India accounts for 76.5% of the incidence and 77.5% of the mortality of ovarian cancer patients among the south-central Asian countries.
  • Among gynaecologic cancers, ovarian cancer has the worst prognosis, with roughly 3,14,000 new cases and 2,07,000 deaths each year.
  • According to the WHO classification, 90% of ovarian tumours develop from the epithelium, 3% from germ cells, and 2% from sex-cord stromal.
  • Cases are typically discovered in the late stages III and IV, when the tumour has spread beyond the abdomen. The diagnosis is mostly based on imaging techniques, CA-125 blood tests, and surgical specimens, and is associated with a poor prognosis. In India, Ovarian cancer patients had a 5-year survival rate of approximately 45%.

 
Ovarian cancer poses significant obstacles, but early identification and treatment improvements have led to improved prognosis for many patients. Let us continue to raise awareness by promoting routine screenings, genetic testing, and proactive healthcare practices.



Reference:

1. Frontiersin - Analysis of the Indian Ovarian Cancer Cohort

https://rb.gy/c683et

2. Cleveland Clinic - Ovarian Cancer: Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/4447-ovarian-cancer



Cancer
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7 Rare Cancers: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment

Over the recent times, it is heart-breaking to see so many individuals lose their precious lives to cancer. Cancer is one of the most dangerous life-threatening diseases in the world as it can impact any part of your body. We all know that cancer comes in different types, and it is crucial that we educate ourselves on the several types of cancers and the various symptoms that is associated with each cancer type. From cervical cancer to breast cancer, lung cancer to thyroid cancer, endometrial cancer to stomach cancer, the list goes on. But there are some rare types of cancer which we might not have even heard of. Let us get to learn about seven rare types of cancer, its symptoms, and its treatment.

Rare cancers, as defined by the National Cancer Institute, affect less than 15 per 100,000 people each year. Most types of cancer are rare, and they are often harder to prevent, diagnose, and treat than the more common cancers. Anal, stomach, and laryngeal malignancies are all examples of uncommon forms of the disease.

1. Anal Cancer

Anal carcinoma is a rare type of cancer that develops in the anal canal. The anal canal is a small tube at the end of your rectum through which faeces leave your body. It can cause signs and symptoms like:

  • Rectal Bleeding
  • Pain around the anus
  • Itching in the anus
  • Change in the bowel movements

To diagnose anal cancer, your doctor might need your medical history, your age, and your signs and symptoms. In addition to that, a few tests are also used to diagnose anal cancer. The tests include, Anoscopy, Biopsy, Ultrasound, X-ray, CT scan, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan and Digital rectal examination (DRE).

The treatment for anal cancer includes, surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, radiosensitizers, and immunotherapy.

2. Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in lymphocytes, which are part of the immune system and help the body fight off infections. Lymphocytes can be found in the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and lymph nodes. The signs and symptoms of this cancer include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Cough
  • Itchy skin

The diagnosis for Lymphoma cancer includes tests like, Blood tests, PET scan, MRI, Chest X-ray, Bone scan and Abdominal ultrasound. The treatment option varies from chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, stem cell transplant and bone marrow transplant.

3. Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia

Chronic myeloid (myelogenous) leukaemia (CML) is a type of blood cancer that starts in your bone marrow in the blood-making myeloid cells or stem cells. It is a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells and is most common in people over 60 to 65 years old. Innovative treatments have turned CML from a life-threatening illness into a chronic illness. The signs and symptoms include:

  • Bone pain
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Night sweats

The diagnosis for Chronic myeloid leukaemia includes physical examination, Blood tests, and Bone marrow tests. CML is now mostly treated with a drug called imatinib. The treatment includes chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.

4. Heart Cancer

Heart cancer occurs when malignant cells develop uncontrollably on or around the heart. Most tumours that form in the heart are not cancer. However, some heart tumours are cancerous. Most cases of heart cancer are sarcomas, which develop in the body's softer tissues. The symptoms of heart cancer are:

  • Chest pain
  • Arrhythmia
  • Chronic back pain
  • Fainting

To people who are suffering with these symptoms, a doctor will need the following tests to diagnose: Chest X-ray, Electrocardiogram, Coronary angiography, Echocardiogram and CT scan. The treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation, and management of symptoms.

5. Wilms Tumours

Wilms tumour, also called nephroblastoma, is a type of childhood cancer that begins in the kidneys. It is the most common kind of cancer in children that affects the kidneys. It usually affects around children of ages from 3 to 4 years.

The most common symptoms are:

  • Pain in the abdomen
  • Swelling in the stomach
  • Fever
  • Hypertension

The diagnosis includes physical exam, tests like CT scan, X-rays, MRI scan, blood and urine tests and biopsy. The treatment includes chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

6. Male Breast Cancer

Male breast cancer is a rare cancer that develops in a man's breast tissue. Even though breast cancer is most often thought of as a disease that affects women, it does occur even in men. The most common symptoms are:

  • Painless lump in breast tissue
  • Discharge from nipple
  • Redness in nipple

The diagnosis includes breast exam, mammogram, and biopsy. The treatments include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery, and hormone therapy.

7. Esophageal Cancer

Esophageal cancer is cancer that starts in the esophagus, a long, thin tube that runs from your throat to your stomach. Your esophagus moves food from the back of your throat to your stomach so that it can be digested. The symptoms are:

  • Chronic chest pain
  • Weight loss
  • Coughing
  • Vomiting

Esophageal cancer can be diagnosed with tests like Biopsy, ultrasonography, Barium swallow, and PET scan. The treatment of this cancer includes radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery.

It is not easy to come across these seven uncommon forms of cancer. An oncologist is someone you may consult if you have concerns or questions regarding cancers.

Cancer
12 Mins Read
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World Cancer Day: History, Objectives and Significance

As far back as recorded history goes, cancer has always been the leading cause of death worldwide. Each year on February 4, people throughout the world unite to rid the world of cancer and the fear it inspires just by its name. The annual event is themed around the colors orange and blue to encourage people to band together in the fight against cancer.

World Cancer Day is a global health event that raises awareness of cancer. It is celebrated on February 4th every year since 2000, to educate people about how they can identify cancer, treat it, and prevent it. The annual observance of World Cancer Awareness Day has grown into a major global event for raising public awareness about cancer. More than 900 events were held in 105 countries during the 2017 campaign. On this World Cancer Day, 3,75,000 tweets and posts were made using the trending hashtag #WorldCancerDay. There were over 1,10,000 downloads of campaign materials, and over 50,000 unique posters were made by site visitors.


History

The World Cancer Summit Against Cancer in the New Millennium, which took place on February 4, 2000, in Paris, officially named February 4 as World Cancer Day.  

At the Summit in Paris on 4 February 2000, then-General Director of UNESCO Kichir Matsuura and then-French President Jacques Chirac signed the Charter of Paris Against Cancer, a document designed to encourage cancer research, prevention, and better patient services. The charter also includes an article establishing the anniversary of its official signing as World Cancer Day. 

 
Objective

The purpose of World Cancer Day is to increase public understanding of cancer as a major health problem and to mobilize efforts to provide all cancer patients with timely and effective diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care.

 
Theme

This year's World Cancer Day theme, "Close the Care Gap," is a continuation of the 2022 theme and will run until 2024 (a three-year campaign) with yearly goals. It was hoped that by launching a multi-year campaign, there would be more time to gain traction with target audiences, generate more awareness, and ultimately make a bigger impact on the world.

The objective of this year’s theme is “Uniting our voices and taking action.” The focus of this second year is on mobilizing the support of people, groups, activists, and officials who are all committed to making things better. The Union for International Cancer Control(UICC) plans to investigate in greater depth the role that the consumption of unhealthy items like tobacco, alcohol, and ultra-processed foods play in causing cancer and other preventable deaths. The UICC strives to draw attention to the fact that the sales of these products primarily affect the marginalized groups (such as youth, those from low-income backgrounds, and ethnic minorities).

 
Importance of World Cancer Day

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cell growth occurs in one part of the body and then spreads to other parts. Over one crore people lost their lives to cancer in 2020, making it the leading cause of death worldwide. Reports indicate that there were between 19 and 20 lakhs (estimated) of cases in India in the year 2022. Cancer risk factors include tobacco use, heavy alcohol use, poor diet, insufficient exercise, and environmental factors including smog and car exhaust.

Various chronic diseases increase the likelihood of developing cancer, and this is a special difficulty for countries with low and moderate incomes. Cancer survival rates were also lower in these countries because of issues like inadequate healthcare infrastructure, late diagnosis, and high costs. Similarly, even in developed countries, a lack of cancer awareness also causes a delay in diagnosis. According to a study from 2020 that was conducted in four main centers, most people with cancer in India identify the disease and seek treatment only in their later stage. Cancer education is significantly impacted by both literacy and economic status. Those in India with higher incomes and levels of education were more likely to be aware of cancer than others.

 
The main key factors why World Cancer Day is important are,

  • Most common types of cancer can be prevented if detected at an early stage.
  • Talking about cancer and spreading awareness in the rural areas to educate them about the disease.

 
As a result, there is a pressing need to fill the knowledge gaps regarding cancer screening, prevention, and treatment among the Indian and global populations, particularly in low and middle-income countries where literacy rates are low and hence contribute to a rise in cancer prevalence. Some of the prevalent cancer types are
Stomach Cancer, Breast Cancer, Lung cancer, Cervical cancer, etc...On this World Cancer Day, let's all remember how important it is to both detect cancer early and treat it well.

 
World Cancer Day 2023

The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) is organizing many events in honor of World Cancer Day 2023, including a "5k Challenge" in which people from all walks of life are encouraged to participate in activities including running, cycling, swimming, hiking, or walking to symbolize closing the gap in care. In addition, there will be "21-day challenges" designed to help people form new, healthier habits, increase public understanding of cervical cancer, and learn more about disparities in access to cancer care. 

We all know that some cancers are curable when diagnosed and treated at an early stage. Therefore, it is recommended to see an oncologist as soon as you experience any symptoms.



Cancer
12 Mins Read
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Stomach Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis And Treatment

Cancer is one of the deadliest chronic diseases that human beings have been fighting for years. It is a universal plague that can affect any part of the body. Cancer is competent to rapidly create abnormal cells that can grow beyond their usual boundaries, invade adjoining body parts, and spread to other organs. 


Gastric Cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a cellular abnormality that begins in the stomach (the stomach is located Just behind the ribs in the top middle of the belly  which helps with food digestion and breakdown) and it begins in any part of the stomach.


In 2020, stomach cancer accounted for approximately 1.1 million new cases worldwide and was the third leading cause of cancer mortality, accounting for nearly 800,000 deaths. Men are about twice as likely as women to have stomach cancer. About 90% to 95% of stomach malignancies are adenocarcinomas. The gland cells in the deepest layer of the stomach are where these tumours start to grow (the mucosa).

 

There are two main types of stomach adenocarcinomas. They are intestinal and diffuse types.


  • The prognosis for intestinal types is marginally better (outlook). Certain gene modifications that might make it possible to treat cancer cells with targeted medication therapy are more likely to occur in cancer cells.
  • The diffused form typically spreads more rapidly. It is less common than the intestinal type and is frequently more difficult to treat.

Gastrointestinal Stromal tumors (GISTs), neuroendocrine tumors, lymphomas, squamous cell carcinomas, small cell carcinomas, and leiomyosarcomas can also start in the stomach, but these cancers are rare. 

 

Symptoms of Stomach Cancer 

 

Stomach cancer can be hard to find, and there are no symptoms in the early stage.

 

  • Indigestion or burning sensation (heart burning)
  • Discomfort or pain in the abdomen
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Diarrhea  or Constipation 
  • Bloating of the stomach after meals
  • Loss of appetite 
  • Weakness and fatigue 
  • Bleeding (vomiting blood or having blood in the stool)

Causes of Stomach Cancer


Stomach cancer is found most often in people over the age of fifty five, Scientists worldwide are trying to learn more about what causes this disease and prevention  but they could not find the exact reason for stomach cancer and the researchers speculate that genetic, environmental, infection and immunologic factors may contribute to the development of gastric cancer. They include:


  • Family history of stomach cancer
  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Gastritis
  • Epstein-Barr virus infection
  • History of stomach ulcers or stomach polyps
  • A diet high in fatty, salty, smoked, or pickled foods
  • A diet that does not include certain fruits and vegetables
  • Frequent exposure to substances like coal, metal, and rubber
  • Smoking, vaping, or chewing tobacco
  • Drinking too much alcohol
  • Obesity
  • Autoimmune atrophic gastritis

There are considerable amounts of hereditary disorders linked to an increased risk of stomach cancer, including


  • Lynch syndrome.
  • Peutz-Jeghers syndrome.
  • Li-Fraumeni syndrome.
  • Familial adenomatous polyposis.
  • Hereditary diffuse gastric cancer.
  • Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID).

People with Type A blood have a higher risk of developing stomach cancer, though it is unclear why.


Diagnosis of Stomach Cancer


The diagnosis of stomach cancer is based on a thorough clinical examination, a detailed patient and family history, and a variety of specialized testing.


Imaging procedures, including CT scans, MRIs, and positron emission tomography, are just the amount of the tests that doctors can perform to identify stomach cancer (PET). When it comes to stomach problems, barium is frequently used. During a barium swallow test, you ingest the barium liquid, which travels down your food pipe and into your stomach. After that, X-rays are performed to check for any anomalies.


A tiny, flexible, and thin tube with a camera is inserted into the stomach by a doctor to perform an upper endoscopy. During the endoscopic operation of a gastric patient, the doctor can take a biopsy (sample), and malignant cells can be detected in the lab.


An endoscopic ultrasound test might be performed if a person is diagnosed with stomach cancer. The examination, which uses an ultrasound probe, aids in staging the tumors or determining how much of the stomach is impacted by the cancer.


Gastric Cancer Treatment


Treatment options for stomach cancer vary from person to person. According to the tumor's stage, different treatments are used. The principal treatment is surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy.


Surgery is the typical treatment for stomach cancer. The operation is known as gastroplasty. During the surgery, the surgeon removes subtotal or total gastrectomy of the stomach and specific tissues around the abdomen.

Chemotherapy is the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. In this treatment, the drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through the body. Chemotherapy can be used before surgery for stomach cancer. (The dual form of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is referred to as "chemoradiation.”) Neoadjuvant treatment frequently results in tumour shrinkage and may facilitate surgery.

Additionally, it might prolong patients' lives and prevent cancer from returning. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy is one of the standard therapeutic options for specific stages of stomach cancer. Chemotherapy is regularly administered again after surgery.

After surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy can be used to try to eliminate any cancer cells that the surgery did not manage to remove. As a result, cancer may spread more.

Stomach Cancer Treatment in India 

According to a study from Karnataka, stomach cancer is one of the top five cancers among young Indian men and women (aged 15 to 44). In India, 50,000 cases of stomach cancer are estimated to occur annually.


Diagnosis of gastric cancer is made by taking various tests. They are blood tests, imaging tests (endoscopy, ultrasound, CT, PET-CT, biopsy, or diagnostic laparoscopy), and diagnostic laparoscopy, which are all available in India and are highly accurate in their diagnosis. India has improved healthcare facilities like surgery, laparoscopy, and robotic surgery, as well as the top oncologists specializing in treating complicated illnesses like stomach cancer are in India. They are adopting robotic or laparoscopic surgeries to ensure fast, safe alternatives to conservative open surgery. Using this technology, stomach cancer patients have decreased postoperative pain, shorter hospital stays and quicker recovery.

India is one of the most popular locations for stomach cancer treatment since it boasts modern facilities, innovative technology, sophisticated infrastructure, and access to highly qualified medical professionals at reasonable costs. So, people receive treatment in India each year for stomach cancer. 




Cancer
15 Mins Read