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FAQs about Cancer

For women:

  • Clinical breast examination every year by a specialist (gynae or breast surgeon) starting at age 20.
  • PAP Smear & HPV DNA starting a year after the first sexual intercourse every 5 years till age 65.
  • Digital Mammography once between 40 and 45 years and then every 2 years lifelong.
For men:
  • PSA blood test once a year starting at age 55.
  • Low dose CT scan lungs every year for smokers more than 40 years.
  • CEA and stool occult blood once in 3 years starting at 45 years.
  • Oral examination in Tobacco chewers / smokers once a year.
Yes it does. It is recommended that cancer screening begins 10 – 15 years before the age at which the relative was diagnosed with cancer.
The risk of radiation exposure during mammography is extremely low. Therefore, an annual mammography is safe.
No, it is imperative to confirm the imaging findings with a biopsy. The cause of abnormal scans could be due to other conditions and not only cancer.

It is important to remember that cancers are best treated by a good team of cancer specialists, rather than an individual. This team should consist of Medical, Surgical and Radiation Oncologists who work closely together. The track record, qualifications and experience of a cancer team also is important.

 
As soon as possible. There is absolutely no reason to delay treatment. Delay allows the cancer cells to grow. By all means take one second opinion, but no 3rd, 4th and 5th opinions.
Take a second opinion at the start of a treatment. Plan in order to re-enforce your confidence. Second opinions when things go wrong (and they can) usually don’t help much. Make sure the team giving a second opinion is really nationally and internationally renouned.
  • Get a dental check up done.
  • Do all necessary blood tests and a 2D Echo before the procedure.
  • Get a diet plan from your doctor.
  • Ask for a list of Do’s and Dont's during chemotherapy so you can prepare your mind and body.
  • Address all fertility issues with your doctor; egg/sperm banking & embryo cryopreservation especially if you are less than 25 years.
Chemotherapy is given often after surgery to prevent a relapse of the cancer. It is assumed that microscopic cells remain behind after surgery and these grow later to cause the relapse. Treating patients with chemotherapy prevents this. In general, chemotherapy is started 2 to 4 weeks after surgery.
Cancer cells can be attacked in 3 ways. Surgery to remove the main tumour, Radiation is to prevent it from coming back in the same place, and Chemotherapy to prevent it from spreading to distant organs. All 3 treatments given in sequence can therefore improve chances of a permanent cure.
No. There is no permanent pain associated with cancer treatment. Temporary discomfort after cancer surgery or radiation is normal and easily treated. Chemotherapy is not painful.
Fear of recurrence is one of the most common fears cancer patients face. It is a real fear. Recognising your fear and taking control of it helps to act as a motivator. Do not worry alone, join a support group to address this fear. Talking with the health care team about follow up will help address this fear. Seek a mental health professional if the fear is overwhelming and if it is affecting the quality of your life.
Inspite of the information available for patients and their family, cancer is still surrounded by stigma. The most common emotions associated with cancer are fear, guilt and shame. Also, the cost of the treatment often makes patients feel like a financial liability to the family. Often the only talk that takes place is about the disease, the treatment and the doctor’s visit. (Talking and sharing one’s thoughts and feelings help in connecting with the family, helping them to cope and adjust to the diagnosis together.)
Cancer can occur anywhere in the body. The purpose of treatment is:
  • To prevent the cancer from relapsing or spreading to other organs of the body.
  • If the cancer is advanced the main goal is to reduce troublesome symptoms (pain) of the cancer so as to improve quality of life and also prolong life.
Chemotherapy is given in different situations; after surgery it given to prevent the disease from coming back, so the direct effect is not seen, but, one knows it has worked when you remain well many years after treatment. Sometimes chemotherapy is given upfront to shrink the tumour before surgery. During treatment, both clinical examination and tests will show that the tumour is shrinking and that chemo is working.
  • Frequent and small meals help.
  • Adopting a high protein intake.
  • Moderate exercise and being active as much as possible.
  • Breaking the day with short naps.
  • Tracking haemoglobin levels.
  • Trying different relaxation techniques.
No, chemotherapy does not shorten life.
Yes, but in consultation with your treating doctor.
It is probably the steroid given alongside chemotherapy. However, please check with your doctor.
One can eat raw food as long its handled properly, i.e., washed with potassium permanganate or veg wash. Certain fruits and vegetable that can be peeled, can be eaten raw, e.g., carrots, beetroots, apples etc. Avoid lettuce and raw leafy vegetables as they are difficult to clean thoroughly.
Some chemotherapy drugs can have long term effects, on the heart, lungs and even infertility. However, these side effects are very rare. Careful planning of the dosing during treatment is done so as to avoid these rare side effects.