Don’t let cancer get the better of you. Here’s how you can win the battle right from the beginning
1.Worrying symptoms one must not ignore
Ulcers in the mouth, hoarseness of voice, difficulty in swallowing, persistent cough, lumps anywhere, especially breasts, blood in stool or urine or from vagina are worrying symptoms one must not ignore. Not all of these may be related to cancer. But, it is very important you get examined and get the required tests done.
In case it does turn out to be cancerous, then the advantage of having detected it an early stage helps because often, cancers detected early are cured. Routine screening tests like papsmear, mammogram, USG abdomen, stool for blood etc would detect early cancers.
2. Turn to the best doctor
Once diagnosed with cancer, please do not panic. Visit a dedicated Cancer Institute/hospital (like Apollo Cancer Institute, Indo American Cancer Institute and the likes. Every major city in India has reputed cancer institutes) and seek a group opinion — not an individual’s opinion. The group consisting of surgical, radiation and medical oncologists would be able to give you the best, scientific, unbiased opinion on what your next course of action should be.
3. Cancer care in India is great
There are excellent cancer centres in the country — Rajiv Gandhi Cancer hospital and Apollo Indraprasta in Delhi; Tata memorial and Jaslok in Mumbai, Apollo Cancer hospital and Indo American in Hyderabad, Adyar Cancer Center and Apollo Cancer Hospital in Chennai, Kidwai Memorial and Apollo Cancer hospital in Bangalore.
The treatment, facilities and expertise in these hospitals are on par with facilities in the US. Most of the latest anti cancer drugs are available. Most of the oncologists are well-trained and have exposure to the major cancer centres in the world. Also, most update and exchange knowledge in the National and International conferences happening both within and outside the country. The advantage is that the patient would get family support and the treatment is far less expensive here.
4. Family support is important
Cancer is no more a dreadful, incurable disease. More than 70 per cent of the patients diagnosed are cured. Most importantly, the patient needs family support and encouragement. Don’t pity him and make him feel sick. Allow him to do his routine, except when he has fever and has low blood counts, following chemotherapy. Talk to a cancer patient who was diagnosed with similar cancer and who has undergone similar kind of treatment. Your doctor would provide you the contact details of such patients. You will certainly feel better after interacting with them and will be able to deal with the situation better.
5 Is cancer hereditary?
Only 10 percent of the cancers are hereditary. This means 90 per cent of the cancers can happen without a history of cancer in the family. Few cancers like breast, ovary, uterine, colon, thyroid, pancreas can be hereditary. If a parent or sibling has cancer, you may have more chances of being affected by it.
Genetic testing may identify high risk individuals, but may add to the anxiety or even give out a false sense of security too. The best bet is to follow preventive lifestyle measures like regular (30 min.) exercise, weight control, including fruits, vegetable, grains and fibre in your diet and curbing alcohol and smoking. Get periodic cancer screening tests done.