Tag Cancer

Mumbai/Kolkata, 8th November’24: In commemoration of National Cancer Awareness Day, Medica Superspecialty Hospital, a leading healthcare provider in Kolkata, hosted an interesting panel discussion – ‘Focusing on the important role of NGOs in making modern cancer treatment more accessible to economically disadvantaged patients in private healthcare facilities’. Representatives of reputable NGOs such as Rotary, Fight Cancer, Cancer Fight Foundation, Jadavpur Pension Association, Gauri Bari Welfare, Cankids and Dinante joined the discussion as panelists, moderated by Prof. (Dr.) Subir Ganguly, Senior Consultant and Advisor in Radiation Oncology. A few of the cancer survivors were also present during the discussion.

This year’s National Cancer Awareness Day theme, “Prevention, Early Detection and Treatment,” emphasizes the need for vigilance to recognize early signs and accessible care. Financial barriers often prevent many people from seeking cancer treatment. And NGOs play a key role in bridging this gap. In cooperation with private hospitals These organizations help patients get the treatment they need. They usually support or subsidize medical expenses.

During the discussion, Prof. (Dr.) Subir Ganguly, remarked, “Many lives are lost to cancer, and sadly, some of these losses are due to limited access to treatment. For many, the high cost of cancer care makes it unaffordable, leaving critical treatments out of reach. Here, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) have an important role to play in making cancer treatment more accessible and affordable for people from lower economic backgrounds. These organizations fill health care gaps by providing essential services such as financial assistance. In collaboration with private hospitals, they provide inexpensive treatment options and necessary services, like free screenings to patients. NGOs often run awareness campaigns to prevent cancer and are additionally involved in providing emotional and logistical support, such as counseling, Nutrition advice and transportation assistance to cancer patients. At Medica, we also work with many NGOs to make cancer care affordable for the patients in need and we are quite successful in associating with the NGOs which benefited the patients. In the near future, we look to collaborate with more such organizations to help our patients.”

Dr. Ayanabh Debgupta, Regional Chief Operating Officer, Manipal Hospitals (East), shared, “Cancer is the biggest threat to our society and being healthcare professionals, our top priority is to make cancer treatment affordable and accessible for patients in need. It is heartbreaking to see people losing their lives due to lack of treatment. From the very beginning, we have partnered with various non-governmental organizations to support patients from lower economical background. Through these collaborations, we have been able to ease some of their financial burden, and we will continue to support our patients in this way at our hospitals.”

Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest and most challenging cancers, often called a “silent killer” due to its subtle symptoms and aggressive nature. Unlike many other cancers that present early warning signs, pancreatic cancer remains asymptomatic in its early stages, making early detection extremely difficult. As a result, it is often diagnosed late, leading to poor survival outcomes.

Late Detection
One of the most unique aspects of pancreatic cancer is the absence of early symptoms. The pancreas is located deep within the abdomen, making it difficult to detect tumours in their early stages. Symptoms such as jaundice, weight loss, and abdominal pain often only appear when the cancer has spread to other organs, usually by Stage IV. This contributes to the low 5-year survival rate, which globally is less than 10%.

Aggressive Progression
Pancreatic cancer spreads rapidly and tends to invade nearby organs like the liver, lungs, and peritoneum early in its development. It also tends to metastasize to distant organs, making it more difficult to treat and contributing to its aggressive nature.

Treatment Resistance
Pancreatic cancer is notoriously resistant to traditional treatments like chemotherapy and radiation. Surgery is the most effective option, but only about 20% of patients are candidates for surgical resection due to the advanced stage at which the disease is typically diagnosed. Furthermore, the pancreas’ proximity to major blood vessels complicates surgical removal, limiting the options for curative treatment.

Links to Diabetes and Obesity
Interestingly, pancreatic cancer has a strong association with metabolic disorders like diabetes, particularly Type 2 diabetes. Many patients are diagnosed with diabetes shortly before the onset of pancreatic cancer, suggesting a potential causal relationship. Additionally, obesity and chronic pancreatitis are significant risk factors for developing this cancer.

A Growing Concern
Pancreatic cancer is a significant but under-recognized health issue in India. Though relatively rare compared to other cancers, the incidence of pancreatic cancer is on the rise in India, with lifestyle changes, increasing rates of diabetes, and obesity contributing to this upward trend.

The lack of awareness about the disease also plays a role in the delayed presentation, with many patients only seeking medical attention when the cancer has progressed to an advanced stage.

Early Detection and Future Directions
Currently, there are no routine screening tests for pancreatic cancer, which makes early detection nearly impossible. The key to improving outcomes lies in better diagnostic tools, increased awareness, and early intervention. Research is ongoing into improving imaging techniques and developing blood tests that can detect pancreatic cancer markers at an earlier stage.

Raising awareness about the symptoms, risk factors, and importance of early medical consultation is essential in improving survival rates. Regular health check-ups for those at high risk, such as individuals with a family history of pancreatic cancer, long-standing diabetes, or chronic pancreatitis, could lead to earlier detection and better treatment outcomes.

Pancreatic cancer remains one of the most challenging forms of cancer. Its late detection, rapid progression, and resistance to treatment make it a formidable adversary. However, with continued advancements in research and a focus on early diagnosis, there is hope that outcomes for pancreatic cancer patients will improve in the years to come.

Early detection is the only way forward to tackle Cancer: Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad

Cyberabad, 11th July 2024 – The much-anticipated Quambiant Global Grace Cancer Run 2024 by the Grace Cancer Foundation is set to take place, bringing together thousands of participants to raise awareness and funds for cancer research and screening.

It is the World’s largest Cancer awareness run being organized in partnership with HYSEA, SCSC (Society for Cyberabad Security Council), and many other organizations. Avinash Mohanty, the Commissioner of Police unveiled the Race Date, Theme, and Commencement of Registrations at a function held on Wednesday evening at Cyberabad Police Commissionerate at Gachibowli.

The run is to be held on 6th October, with more than 1 lakh participants from across 130 countries through Physical and Virtual Modes expected to participate.

This year’s theme, “Run for Grace Screen for Life,” highlights the importance of early detection and preventive measures in the fight against cancer.

Speaking on the occasion the Chief Guest Shri Avinash Mohanty said, “I am honoured to support the Grace Cancer Run 2024. Together, we can make a difference and save lives through awareness and early detection.”

Speaking further he said there is hardly any family without getting suffered from Cancer. It is so prevalent now. It not only affects families medically and psychologically but also ruins them financially. Early detection is the best way to contain it. Grace Cancer is reaching out to those people who don’t have access to early detection. Which is very commendable. It is a great service to humanity, he added

We are honoured to have the Chief Guest, Shri. Avinash Mohanty IPS, Commissioner of Police, Cyberabad. His presence underscores the significance of community involvement and support in our collective battle against cancer, said Dr. Chinnababu Sunkavalli, Senior Consultant Robotic Surgical Oncologist and the Founder of GRACE (Global Research and Cancer Education) Cancer Foundation.

The Race Categories are 2k Walk, 5k Fun Run & 10k (timed run). It will be held at Gachibowli Stadium, Hyderabad. For registrations, please visit the website – www.gracecancerrun.com and register online.

Speaking more, Dr Chinnababu said, the Grace Cancer Run is more than just a race; it is a movement dedicated to saving lives through awareness, education, and early detection. By participating, you contribute to vital cancer screening programs and research initiatives.

We want to see a world where there is no cancer. There are four health problems responsible for nearly 80% of deaths in India. And they are Cancer, Heart, Lung and Diabetes, he said. With the funds generated from the Run, we have screened 40,000 poor, rural populations. This year we aim to screen one lakh people free of cost. As a Cancer surgeon, I know the pain. I work full time on this cause and work as a doctor, part-time for my living, he said.

I have seen two problems in fighting cancer. One is poor awareness and the second is lack of access to early detection. We started the run with 5000 people about six years ago. Last year we touched one lakh people. This year we would like to cross, he said.

Ramesh Kaza, Secretary General of the SCSC, said his mother suffered from cancer and could not save her as she was diagnosed very late. People who go through the pain of their family member suffering from Cancer will only know their pain

Speaking further he said it is very strange to hear from a cancer specialist saying that he is on a mission to eliminate cancer, which in other words eliminates his job, but still, he doesn’t bother much. It is very nice of a doctor to say this.

Prashant Nandella, President of HYSEA (Hyderabad Software Enterprises Association) said diagnosis and detection are very important. That is only possible by creating awareness. Grace Foundation has saved many lives by cancer screening. HYSEA with so many IT employees can amplify their efforts to save more lives.

Krupakar Reddy, Race Director said that they were aiming to surpass the previous record number of participants. He also said each of the three categories of run has its own set of thrills and urged large numbers to participate and join in the same.

Dr Neeraj Chaudhary, Director – GI-HPB Oncology, GI Surgery, Minimally Invasive Surgery (Robotics and Laparoscopic) and Liver Transplant, Yatharth Superspeciality Hospital, Greater Noida and Noida 110

Gastrointestinal cancers impact the GI tract and the digestive system including Esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, etc. These cancers can originate from any organ in the abdomen as ulcers or masses and can metastasize to the other parts in no time if go unnoticed. While timely diagnosis increases the chances of better treatment and prolonged survival of the patient, delayed treatment impacts the outcome of the treatment and may also have adverse consequences on the quality of life. The rise in cases also show the low level of awareness due to which early detection isn’t possible.

From the past few years, the incidences of gastrointestinal and HPB cancer cases have been rising at an exponential rate in our country, particularly due to the lack of awareness associated with the subject. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment have significant importance in preventing mortality from such diseases. On the other hand, the rapidly growing advancements in the field of science and technology, newer treatment options like minimally invasive GI surgeries, Laparoscopic surgeries and Robotic surgeries have completely changed the face of cancer treatment at a greater scale. Minimal invasive GI surgeries have become a great addition to the field as they provide an innovative approach in the treatment of cancer while ensuring minimal blood loss, quicker recovery and shorter hospital stays.

Recent data shows that developing countries are facing a sharp increase in cancer incidence. But at the same time, there have been numerous advancements in cancer care. However, the majority of our population is not able to avail of the benefits of these developments due to a sheer lack of knowledge and myths associated with the subject.

One of the biggest reasons for the rise in such cases is lack of awareness among the general public about the early signs and symptoms which leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment causing poor prognosis. Poor lifestyle choices including unhealthy dietary intake with dependence on junk food, along with binge alcoholism and erratic sleep patterns are some of the major known causes of the exponential rise in such cases. Early and prompt treatment can help prevent the rise in GI diseases.

As of the Globocan India 2020 report, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers continue to pose a significant health burden in the country. The data reveals varying incidences and mortality rates across different types of GI cancers. Colorectal cancer, a common GI malignancy, showed notable incidence, with a substantial number of new cases reported. Similarly, stomach cancer demonstrated a significant presence in the population. The mortality rates associated with GI cancers underline the severity of these conditions, emphasizing the need for effective prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies. The Globocan India 2020 findings underscore the importance of ongoing efforts to address the challenges posed by GI cancers and to implement comprehensive public health measures to reduce the incidence and mortality rates associated with these diseases.

With the advancement of technologies, minimal access to cancer surgeries has also become commonplace. Experts can adequately resect difficult tumors including colon cancers, stomach cancer, including liver metastases which suggest a late-stage disease, with minimal incisions or even laparoscopically, in certain cases.

Some of the key diagnostic tools used for detecting GI cancers:

Endoscopy:
Colonoscopy: This procedure involves inserting a flexible tube with a camera (colonoscope) into the rectum to examine the entire colon. It is effective in detecting colorectal cancers and polyps.
Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD or Upper Endoscopy): This involves the insertion of a scope through the mouth to examine the esophagus, stomach, and the beginning of the small intestine. It is commonly used for detecting esophageal, stomach, and duodenal cancers.
Endoscopic Ultrasound (EUS):
EUS combines endoscopy with ultrasound imaging, providing detailed images of the digestive tract and surrounding structures. EUS is particularly useful for assessing the extent of GI cancers, staging tumors, and guiding biopsies.
Computed Tomography (CT) Scan:
CT scans are used to obtain detailed cross-sectional images of the abdomen and pelvis. They are valuable for detecting tumors, evaluating lymph nodes, and determining the extent of cancer spread.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):
MRI can provide detailed images of soft tissues, making it useful for evaluating the liver, pancreas, and other abdominal organs. It is often employed for staging and planning treatment.
Biopsy and Pathological Examination:
Tissue samples obtained during endoscopy, surgery, or other procedures are examined under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer and determine its type and grade.
Tumor Markers:
Blood tests measuring specific biomarkers associated with certain GI cancers may aid in diagnosis and monitoring treatment response. Examples include CEA (carcinoembryonic antigen) for colorectal cancer.
PET-CT Scan:
Positron emission tomography combined with computed tomography can be used to detect abnormal metabolic activity, helping to identify areas of possible cancer spread.

Minimally invasive surgeries have numerous advantages for patients in comparison to traditional surgeries including minimal scars, faster recovery, reduced pain, shorter duration of hospital stays, and lesser post-surgery complications. The preference for Robotic Surgery has increased after the pandemic since it reduces hospital stay and post-surgical complications.

People still need to be aware that with recent advancements in oncology, cancer is completely treatable. And early diagnosis can, not significantly increase the chances of survival, but also provide a better quality of life.