Cancer is a disease that affects millions of people worldwide, causing abnormal cell growth in the body. There are various types of cancer, each requiring different treatment approaches.

Cancer is amongst the fastest growing non communicable disease and every year more than 20 million new cases of cancer diagnosed.

Common Symptoms-

The symptoms of cancer can vary widely depending on the type of cancer, its location, stage, and other individual factors. It’s essential to note that many of these symptoms can also be caused by non-cancerous conditions

1. Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant and unexplained weight loss, often without changes in diet or exercise habits.
2. Fatigue: Persistent and unexplained fatigue, weakness, or lethargy that doesn’t improve with rest can be a symptom of several cancers.
3. Persistent Pain: Chronic or persistent pain in specific areas of the body may , especially if it doesn’t improve with time or with typical pain management approaches.
4. Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits: Changes in bowel habits such as diarrhea, constipation, blood in the stool, or changes in bladder habits such as blood in the urine or changes in urination patternS.
5. Persistent Cough or Hoarseness: A persistent cough, hoarseness, wheezing, or coughing up blood can be symptoms of lung cancer, throat cancer, or cancer that has spread to the lungs.
6. Skin Changes: Changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of moles or skin lesions
7. Changes in Breast Appearance: Changes in the size, shape, or texture of the breast, nipple discharge, or skin changes on the breast or nipple.
8. Difficulty Swallowing or Indigestion: Persistent difficulty swallowing, indigestion, or discomfort in the abdomen or chest.
9. Swelling or Lumps: Unexplained lumps, bumps, or swelling in the breast, testicle, lymph nodes, or other parts of the body
10. Changes in Appetite: Persistent loss of appetite, feeling full after eating small amounts, or unexplained nausea or vomiting.

Common treatments for cancer include

Surgical Oncology – broadly means  removing Tumours, there are different techniques in it like;

• Minimal invasive surgery- Surgery that is done using small incisions (cuts) and few stitches. During minimally invasive surgery, one or more small incisions may be made in the body. A laparoscope (thin, tube-like instrument with a light and a lens for viewing) is inserted through one opening to guide the surgery.
• Robotic surgery- Robotic surgery, also known as robot-assisted surgery, is a cutting-edge surgical technique that utilizes robotic systems to aid surgeons in performing minimally invasive procedures with enhanced precision, control, and flexibility.
• Hipec Surgery- Hyperthermic intraperitonealchemotherapy (HIPEC) surgery is a two-step procedure that treats certain cancers in the abdomen. Cancerous tumors are surgically removed, and then heated chemotherapy drugs are applied directly inside the abdomen to eliminate the remaining cancerous cells.

Medical Oncology-  broadly  means treating patients using medicine. Medical oncologist doctor, who has special training in diagnosing and treating cancer in adults using chemotherapy, hormonal therapy, biological therapy, and targeted therapy. A medical oncologist often is the main healthcare provider for someone who has cancer. A medical oncologist also gives supportive care and may coordinate treatment given by other specialists. Medical oncology includes;

• Chemotherapy- to kill cancer cells, medicine is given
• Immunotherapy- that harnesses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
• Targeted Therapy- drugs are specifically target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells
• Harmone Therapy

Radiation Oncology Radiation therapy uses high levels of radiation to kill cancerous cells in the breast or stop them from multiplying further. All the mutated cells that are left after chemotherapy are also killed in the process. in India includes advanced cancer treatment facilities such as Proton therapy, Cyberknife, TomoTherapy, Trilogy Tx Linear Accelerator, HDR Brachytherapy and  the latest configuration of Image Guided Radiation Therapy (IGRT). Radiation therapy- to shrink tumors,

Proton Therapy is a highly sophisticated form of Radiation Therapy that uses high energy protons to target tumours accurately while greatly reducing the radiation dosage to the surrounding healthy tissues. The precision of proton therapy allows it to preserve vital structures at the tumour site, thereby giving myriad benefits to the patient. One of the most significant advantages of Proton Therapy is the reduced side effects and enhanced quality of life for a patient during and after treatment.

The CyberKnife System is a non-invasive treatment for cancerous and non-cancerous tumors and other conditions where radiation therapy is indicated. It is used to treat conditions throughout the body, including the prostate, lung, brain, spine, head and neck, liver, pancreas and kidney, and can be an alternative to surgery or for patients who have inoperable or surgically complex tumors. CyberKnife treatments are typically performed in 1 to 5 sessions. The CyberKnife System uses advanced technologies to track tumors anywhere in the body, while its unique robotic design keeps the radiation on target even while the tumor moves. Before delivering the radiation beam, the CyberKnife System is the only device that verifies the exact tumor position then adjusts the robot to precisely target the tumor.

Image-guided radiation therapy (IGRT), is a type of radiation therapy. Radiation therapy uses powerful energy beams to kill cancer. The energy can come from X-rays, protons or other sources. In IGRT, images are used to help plan the treatment.When undergoing IGRT, high-quality images are taken before each radiation therapy treatment session. The images are used to increase the accuracy and precision of the radiation treatment. This may increase the effectiveness of the treatment and may result in shorter treatment schedules. The radiation may reach less of the healthy tissue around the target.

 IGRT is used to treat all types of cancer, but it’s particularly ideal for tumors and cancers located very close to sensitive structures and organsIGRT is the standard of care for radiation therapy treatment. It’s used to treat all types of cancer. It’s also sometimes used to control tumors that aren’t cancerous.

TomoTherapy^® is a form of image-guided radiation therapy that combines a form of intensity modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), with the accuracy of computed tomography (CT) scanning technology, in one machine. The combination of these technologies allows doctors to adjust the radiation beam to better match the location, size and shape of the tumor. This radiation therapy delivery system is designed to allow doctors to target tumors more precisely while sparing surrounding tissue and nearby organs.

It is essential for individuals with cancer to work closely with their healthcare team to determine the most effective treatment plan for their specific type and stage of cancer. Early detection and treatment can significantly improve outcomes and increase the chances of a successful recovery.