Lung Cancer Awareness Month: Understanding The Formidable Lung Cancer

Lung cancer, a formidable adversary within the realm of oncology, has long been a source of concern and curiosity. Lung cancer kills more people than breast, colon, and prostate cancer combined, thus we at RRMCH bring to you this blog that aims to shed light on the intricacies of this disease, exploring its causes, risk factors, types, symptoms, and the crucial role of early detection and prevention strategies. 

Understanding Lung Cancer

Lung cancer occurs when abnormal cells within the lungs undergo uncontrolled growth, leading to the formation of tumours. Primarily categorised into two types—small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)—this disease is notorious for its aggressive nature and potential to metastasize.

Risk Factors

Several factors contribute to the development of lung cancer, with tobacco smoke being the leading culprit. Individuals who smoke, or are exposed to secondhand smoke, face a significantly higher risk. Other risk factors include exposure to radon gas, asbestos, certain chemicals, a family history of lung cancer, and pre-existing lung diseases.

Types of Lung Cancer

These two main types, NSCLC and SCLC, have distinct characteristics, behaviours, and treatment approaches.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

  • Prevalence: NSCLC accounts for approximately 85% of all lung cancer cases, making it the most common type.
  • Subtypes: NSCLC is further categorised into three main subtypes based on the type of cells where cancer originates:
    • Adenocarcinoma: This subtype often begins in the cells that produce mucus in the bronchi and is more common in non-smokers and women.
    • Squamous Cell Carcinoma: Arising in the squamous cells lining the bronchial tubes, this subtype is often linked to smoking.
    • Large Cell Carcinoma: This is a less common subtype and tends to grow and spread quickly as it can spread in any part of the organ.

Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)

  • Characteristics: Small-cell lung cancer is characterised by small, round cells that grow rapidly and have the potential to metastasize early in the disease.
  • Aggressiveness: SCLC is known for its aggressive nature, and it is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
  • Association with Smoking: Almost all cases of SCLC are associated with a history of smoking, either current or past.
  • Treatment Approach: SCLC is typically treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Surgical removal is less common due to the tendency of SCLC to spread quickly.

The choice of treatment depends on factors such as the type and stage of lung cancer, the patient’s overall health, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. It’s important to note that within NSCLC, the specific subtype (adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, or large cell carcinoma) can influence treatment decisions. Additionally, advancements in molecular and genetic testing have led to the identification of specific mutations and biomarkers that can further guide targeted therapies for certain types of lung cancer, contributing to more personalised and effective treatment strategies.

Symptoms

Lung cancer symptoms can be subtle in the early stages, making it challenging to detect. However, as the disease progressed the symptoms became apparent and more commonly noticeable. Common signs include persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, hoarseness, weight loss, and recurring respiratory infections. When the symptoms prompt and you recognize them more commonly seek medical attention as it might help with early diagnosis.

Diagnosis

To develop an effective treatment the doctor will require an accurate diagnosis. Diagnostic methods include imaging tests (X-rays, CT scans), biopsy, and bronchoscopy. Early detection significantly improves the chances of successful treatment and increases survival rates.

Treatment Options

The treatment of lung cancer is complex and varies based on several factors, including the type and stage of the cancer, the patient’s overall health, and individual preferences. Here, we’ll delve into the primary treatment modalities for lung cancer:

Surgery

During surgery, the tumour and surrounding tissue are removed. The kind and stage of the cancer determine how much surgery is required.

  • Applicability: Surgery is often most effective for early-stage lung cancer when the tumour is localised.
  • Types:
    • Lobectomy: Removal of the entire lobe of the lung.
    • Segmentectomy: Removal of the infected portion of the lung.
    • Wedge resection: Removal of a small section of the lung containing the tumour.
  • Considerations: Surgery may not be suitable for advanced stages or certain health conditions.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves the use of drugs to kill or slow the growth of cancer cells throughout the body.

  • Applicability: Used in various stages of lung cancer, often in combination with other treatments.
  • Administration: Chemotherapy can be given orally or through intravenous infusion.
  • Considerations: While effective, chemotherapy can have side effects, including nausea, fatigue, hair loss, and an increased susceptibility to infections.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy as the name suggests uses high doses of electromagnetic waves to target and destroy developing cancer cells.

  • Applicability: Can be used as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with surgery or chemotherapy.
  • Types:
    • External Beam Radiation: Radiation is directed at the cancer from outside the body.
    • Internal Radiation (Brachytherapy): Radioactive material is placed directly into or near the tumour.
  • Considerations: Side effects may include fatigue, skin changes, and irritation of the oesophagus.

Immunotherapy:

Immunotherapy helps revamp the body’s immune system to protect, recognize and attack cancer cells.

  • Applicability: Particularly effective for certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that express specific markers.
  • Types:
    • Checkpoint Inhibitors: Block proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking cancer cells.
    • CAR T-cell Therapy: Genetically modifies a patient’s T cells to target cancer cells.
  • Considerations: Immunotherapy can lead to long-lasting responses and has shown promising results.

Targeted Therapies:

Targeted therapies focus primarily on particular molecules involved in cancer growth.

  • Applicability: Primarily used for advanced-stage NSCLC with specific genetic mutations.
  • Types:
    • EGFR Inhibitors: Target mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor.
    • ALK Inhibitors: Target mutations in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase gene.
  • Considerations: Targeted therapies often have fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

Clinical Trials

Clinical trials involve testing new treatments or combinations of existing treatments to evaluate their effectiveness.

  • Applicability: Patients may consider clinical trials, especially if standard treatments are not yielding desired results.
  • Considerations: Participation in clinical trials can provide access to cutting-edge treatments, but potential risks and benefits should be carefully weighed.

Patients must work closely with their healthcare team to determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on their specific diagnosis and circumstances. Additionally, ongoing advancements in research and personalised medicine continue to shape the landscape of lung cancer treatment, offering new hope for improved outcomes.

Prevention and Early Detection

While certain risk factors, such as genetics, cannot be modified, adopting a proactive approach can significantly reduce the likelihood of developing lung cancer. Key prevention strategies include smoking cessation, minimising exposure to environmental carcinogens, and routine health check-ups.

Sum Up

Lung cancer remains a formidable health challenge, but advancements in research and medical technologies provide hope for improved outcomes. Increased awareness, early detection, and lifestyle modifications can collectively contribute to a reduction in the incidence and impact of this disease. By unravelling the mysteries surrounding lung cancer, we empower ourselves to confront it head-on, fostering a future where its shadows no longer loom so ominously. 

Weight Loss After 50 Years Of Age Reduces Breast Cancer Risk

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers amongst women in India and worldwide. A recent study about women who lost weight at 50 and maintained a healthy weight thereon showed a decreased risk of breast cancer as compared to women with more weight. This study is therefore a way to help women work around prevention of cancer.

Breast Cancer Risk

The study is published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute. In USA over two third of the adult women are overweight or obese. The study was carried out by the researchers at the American Cancer Society, Harvard T. H. Chan School of Public Health using the Pooling Project of Prospective Studies of Diet and Cancer (DCPP) in order to determine the connection between sustained loss of weight after menopause or later adulthood and the risk of breast cancer.

The study involved over 180,000 women over 50 years of age across 10 studies. The sample size is huge and this analysis is the first to assess the breast cancer risk impact over sustained weight loss. The study did examine weight three times across 10 years period viz. at the time of enrollment, post five years and again four years thereafter.

The results showed that women who were able to reduce more weight in later adulthood and sustained it were able to lower the risk of breast cancer. The women who were able to shed around 9 kg’s of weight and then game some of it but not all did show a significant reduction in breast cancer risk.

The lead author of the study Lauren Teras, PhD says ‘These findings may be a strong motivator for the two thirds of American women who are overweight to lose some of that weight. Even if you gain weight after age 50, it is not too late to lower your risk of breast cancer”.

*Sourced from Internet

RRMCH is one of the Best Cancer Treatment Hospital in Bangalore India

Changes In Diet That Help You Reduce The Risk Of Cancer

As per statistics cancer is the causes the second highest number of deaths in India every year. Out of the 9.6 mn, over 8% are from India. Well, that’s not a small number. One of the most common cancers in India today is breast cancer. We all know that with all the innovations and advances in Science, even today cancer does affect the life expectancy negatively and also quality of life. So, trying to prevent it seems a better idea.

A new study has revealed that the foods that are rich in flavonoids are helpful in decreasing the risk of cancer and extending longevity. The study was carried out over 50,000 participants across a span of 20 years. Finding out the impact of single compounds on health conditions as well as mortality is not an easy study, even though food does form the most important part of our lives.

Researchers have already brought to light that eating vegetables and fruits factually reduce the risk of cardiovascular conditions and increase life span too. Though, the details on how they do it is under research phase yet. Many researchers believe that it is rich in flavonoids play a vital role in the same.

Flavonoids are found in different natural food likes vegetables, dark chocolates, fruits and tea are form a chemical class known as polyphenols. These compounds are further divided into six sub classes namely Flavonols, flavanones, flavan-3-ols, anthocyanins, flavones and isoflavones.

A group of scientists from Edith Cowan University of Australia did begin a research in order to find out how the compounds could help increasing life span and help protect against health conditions. They also wanted to look into the effects of alcohol and smoking around the benefits of flavonoids. For investigation of the same, the scientists used the Danish Diet data of over 56048 adults across 23 years. During the process over 14083 participants passed away too. The researchers concluded that it was true that flavonoid rich diets with individual flavonoid subclasses do actually reduce the risk of cancer and cardiovascular diseases also increasing longevity.

*Sourced from the Internet

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Lymphoma – A Cancer Of The Infection Fighting Cells

Lymphoma is the cancer of lymphocytes, the infection fighting cells of the immune system. In this condition, the lymphocytes start growing out of control. The lymphocytes are present in the spleen, bone marrow, lymph nodes and other parts of the body. The two types of lymphomas include –

  1. Hodgkin

  2. Non Hodgkin – This is the most common type of lymphoma

lymphoma

The growth rate is different for different lymphomas and they have different lymphocyte cells. For people who aren’t aware, Lymphoma and Leukemia are not the same because both the cancers start in different cells. Lymphoma begins in the infection fighting lymphocytes as mentioned before while Leukemia begins in blood forming cells within the bone marrow.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Lymphoma are not very severe in the beginning. They include swelling on the lymph nodes, shortness of breath, fever, cough, weight loss, fatigue, itching and night sweats.

Diagnosis

The oncologist will carry out a physical examination and ask for one of the tests including Biopsy, MRI, chest X ray, Molecular Test and PET scan and Blood Test based on the examination.

Treatment

The treatment is based on the diagnosis that includes Chemotherapy, Radiation therapy, targeted therapy and immune therapy primarily. If the cancer does not subside then stem cell transplant is the alternative. This treatment involves killing the cancer cells but along with them even the stem cells get destroyed. So, after the therapy is completed, you need to get a stem cell transplant. There are two types of stem cell transplants namely autologous and allogeneic transplant. Autologous transplant involves replacement of own stem cells and allogeneic involves donor stem cells transplant.

Causes/ Risk Factors– As yet scientists haven’t been able to figure out exact cause of this cancer but risk factors include the following –

  1. Weak Immune System due to some organ transplant or HIV/Aids or some immune disease by birth.

  2. Virus infections like Hepatitis C, Epstein Barr or lymphoma(HTLV-1) / T-cell leukemia

  3. Exposure to chemicals or benzene use for killing plant bugs and weeds

  4. The age group prone to Hodgkin lymphoma is 15-40 years and 55 or older while for Non Hodgkin Lymphoma it is 60 plus.

  5. Family history of having this condition.

 

RRMCH is one of the recognized premiere institute in Bangalore, to start surgical oncology department at its inception to cater to the growing needs of the society and offers surgical treatment to various cancers.”

 

*Sourced from the internet

Depression and Anxiety can be as Harmful to Health as Smoking

A recent study has revealed that people who have high anxiety levels as well as depression are at 65% higher risk of developing a heart condition, 64% at a higher risk of developing a stroke, 50% high risk of developing high blood pressure and 87% higher risk of developing arthritis.

Comparatively, even people who smoke and are obese are at the same level of risk thus pointing out the importance of mental health condition with respect to physical health. The lead author Andrea Niles of the University of California San Francisco said that hence smoking and obesity as well as mental health conditions like depression and anxiety pose the same risk.

Depression and Anxiety can be as Harmful to Health as Smoking

Yet, cancer is not included in the list of conditions that are a result of depression and anxiety. The co-author Aoife O Donovan from UCSF has said that the study is similar to the other studies in terms of the psychological distress being a strong predictor of many types of cancers. She also asked people not to attribute cancer diagnosis to stress, depression and anxiety history.

Niles also said that the study was the first one that compared between anxiety and depression with smoking and obesity as potential risk factors for health conditions that could be life threatening.

In a nutshell, the study is only brings to light the fact that mental health is to be cared for equally and has the ability to do equal harm as addictions or unfit habits do. And that it is time that people shun away the taboo around mental health and habits and take a step to consult mental health practitioners if they are facing issues like depression, anxiety or more so that they can be treated not only for it but also to avoid their physical health being affected.

 

Just know about RRMCH is of the best medical colleges in Bangalore

 

*Sourced from the Internet

Early Cancer Detection To Be Easier In The Coming Times

Cancer is killing people across the world and there is a significant rise in the number of deaths that are caused by cancer. We are all aware that the cancer detection and treatment as well as life expectancy has lot of do with the stage of detection. The earlier you detect it the more the life expectancy and possibility of eliminating it completely. Here is some good news in the regard. Researchers at MIT have recently found a way to detect cancer at an early stage which always has been a challenge as the particular proteins that cancer cells secrete are not easy to detect, thus aiding cancer growth prior discovery.

Early Cancer Detection To Be Easier In The Coming Times

Now there is a breakthrough in cancer research at MIT wherein, using nanotechnology, researchers can make tests to detect potential life threatening conditions like Alzheimer’s, cancer and more in the early stage. They used the nano-technology in the blood scanner. It is especially useful in detection on cancers within the body like ovarian, pancreatic and lung cancer including 100 types.

Presently, the most popular method of detecting cancer is MRI scan, CT scan or a biopsy. But, the fact still remains that even these technologies aren’t able to detect micro-metasteses or micro tumors due to the minute size of them. Using Nanotechnology though, practitioners can effectively detect them and find out where the cancer is growing and spreading. These light emitting nano particles allow tracking of cancer in real time. The results are based on the research that was carried out by a team on a mouse model with human breast cancer. They injected the nano-probes, tiny X-ray using optical devices for detecting micro-tumors. These probes move around or commute through the blood stream and locate the cancer cells where-ever there are. These work quite faster than MRI and have the ability to identify micro-tumors in suprarenal, adrenal, bones and other animal glands.

In a nutshell, the researchers believe that they have been able to find the address of cancer now, as it can detect withing the first five years itself, if used. If this projection works in humans well then it will help save many lives.

Rajarajeswari Medical College and Hospital is one of the leading cancer hospitals in Bangalore

Microscopic Robots To Replace Doctors Sooner or Later?

Microscopic robots may seem a new phrase but we all are aware of nanotechnology, the word at least if not more. Now, nanometer is equal to one billionth of a meter and is smallest of the scales. It is apparently the size we consider for atoms and cells inside the body. We all know are body is made of millions of cells and atoms but when it comes to treatment, it happens on a greater scale. Cells or atoms are not even visible through the naked eye. So, nanotechnology works at the cellular level thus matching the levels at which our body cells or atoms work. Though, its not perfected as yet, we’ve certainly come out with a lot of solutions based on nanotechnology and are probably heading northward in the arena.

Microscopic Robots To Replace Doctors Sooner or Later

In layman’s language using nanotechnology, we can shrink the medical tools used for treating or intervention in the human body to the size of cells or atoms present inside. Using the right size tool will help intricate interventions with simplicity. Surgeries with complexities and involving heavy blood loss can be done away with using such a technology. There is a lot of scope to this technology, as per the researchers and experts in the field. Be it targeted drug treatment to treating critical illnesses like cancers, where nano scalpels are presently being used for damage repair of individual cells.

Furthermore, there is a possibility of improved biological sensors as well as disease diagnosis in the times to come. Just imagine subatomic robots just like a miniature army of soldiers getting into your body and fighting against the ailment to cure you off, that too without any major blood filled surgeries or incisions.

One of the examples on which researchers are presently working in some part of the world is ‘drug agnostic’. Consider a reservoir miniature in nature filled with a drug that needs to be delivered to a certain part of the body. All this needs to be done in a sustained linear way without using pumps, valves or any electrically powered tool. Its works through the nano channel delivery system (NDS). On the basis of the size of the drug molecules, the nano channel membranes are tailored and implanted below the skin. It then moves through the membranes into the patients body. As per the researchers, presently, the nano channel size is a barrier to its movement and lower the size to 2.5 nano meters would definitely help overcome the snag and also help control the drug delivery speed. Looking at the potential of this project a multi-million dollar grant has been already approved for the same.

Well, the use of microscopic robots for treatment is just at its infancy stage and a lot needs to be worked on yet, but positively it would take less than a decade to see it reach the operation theatres of hospitals and that’s definitely a good sign.

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* Disclaimer – Sourced from the internet. Verification required

Cervical Cancer Spreading At Alarming Rates In India

Cervical-Cancer Hospitals in Bangalore

Cervical cancer cases in India are increasing at an alarming rate, so much so this monster is known to take 200 lives of women in India, on a daily basis. Over 60,000 deaths have been accounted during the year 2015 itself. It is thus, one of the most common cancers in women in India alongside breast cancer.

FACTS ABOUT CERVICAL CANCER
Human Papolloma virus or HPV causes Cervical cancer. It usually effects women in the age group of 40-65, but 55-65 is the age group with highest associated risks. The virus is easily transmitted through skin to skin contact and not just sexually, which is a myth many of us believe in. In 90% of the cases, the immune system takes care of clearing the virus. The remaining 10% whose bodies are not able to create the antibodies needed to kill these invaders get affected by Cervical cancer. Also, no test is still available for knowing whether your body has the ability to create the antibodies required to defeat the cervical cancer virus or not. The rural areas bear the brunt more so due to failure in doing checkups and ignorance.

Well, it has been also found that women don’t really seem to be willing to take the vaccine available for cervical cancer. In India, its majorly because most of them don’t know about it or because of the cost factor. Well, the side effects also are a major concern for people with numerous myths surrounding the condition doing rounds, already. One such myth is infertility. Though, against the myth about the side effects of cervical cancer, lies the fact sheet of over 200 vaccinated cases that proves no serious long term side effects of the vaccine. Another fact being that over 65 countries have included this vaccine as a part of their health program already. The awareness levels are also less, even though there has been a lot of effort in the area for the past three decades.

TREATMENT & PREVENTION
As mentioned vaccines for cervical cancer are already available and as per experts one of this vaccines is 99% effective in prevention in young women. It’s the nonavalent, but it has yet to see the light of day in India. But, the bivalent and quadravalent vaccines are readily available and provide around 70% protection against the earlier mentioned nonavalent which offers 90%. The world health organization has recommended the vaccine for age groups of 9-13 years old girls due to its immunogenic ability at this age.

In a nutshell, cervical cancer is a deadly condition in women and India needs to have an action plan against it. Each one of us is responsible for our family and kids. So, go ahead and shield your girls against this deadly disease by vaccinating them early on. The HPV virus has the ability to stay in the body of a woman for a decade before it turns cancerous therefore it is advisable to do a pap smear test on a regular basis for detection of any symptoms, early on. For women not eligible for vaccination it is advisable to take up the Pap smear test after a certain age on a recommended basis.

RRMCH conducted Cervical Cancer  awareness programs