Lung Cancer: Affects the lungs and is often caused by smoking or long-term exposure to harmful chemicals.
Brain Cancer: Occurs in the brain, affecting its functions. Symptoms may include headaches, seizures, or changes in behavior.
Stomach Cancer: Affects the stomach, leading to symptoms like weight loss, nausea, or stomach pain.
Throat Cancer: Affects the throat, leading to difficulty in swallowing, voice changes, or a sore throat.
Liver Cancer: Occurs in the liver, often seen in people with liver diseases like hepatitis or cirrhosis.
Kidney Cancer: Starts in the kidneys and may cause pain in the side, blood in urine, or unexplained weight loss.
⦿ Stage 0 (Carcinoma in Situ): Cancer cells are present but have not spread beyond the original location. Often treatable and highly curable.
⦿ Stage I (Localized Cancer): Cancer is confined to one area or organ, with no signs of spread. Treatment is usually more effective at this stage.
⦿ Stage II (Early Spread): Cancer has grown but is still localized to the organ of origin. Nearby lymph nodes may be involved.
⦿ Stage III (Advanced Local Spread): Cancer has spread to surrounding tissues or lymph nodes. Treatment options become more aggressive.
⦿ Stage IV (Metastatic Cancer): Cancer has spread to distant parts of the body, such as bones, liver, or lungs. Treatment focuses on controlling symptoms and prolonging life.
⦿ Smoking: Smoking is one of the leading causes of cancer, especially lung cancer.
⦿ Poor Diet: Eating unhealthy foods, like processed foods and high-fat diets, increases the risk of certain cancers.
⦿ Family History: If someone in your family has had cancer, you may be more likely to develop it yourself. Certain genetic mutations can increase cancer risk.
⦿ Exposure to Harmful Substances: Working with toxic chemicals or living in polluted areas can increase the risk of developing cancer.
⦿ Radiation: Prolonged exposure to radiation from the sun or other sources can lead to skin cancer or other types.
Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type and location of the cancer, but there are several common signs to be aware of:
⦿ Persistent Fatigue: Constant tiredness despite rest.
⦿ Unexplained Weight Loss: Sudden weight loss without trying.
⦿ Body Pain: Unexplained or constant pain in specific areas.
⦿ Persistent Cough: A cough that doesn’t go away or worsens.
⦿ Continuous Fever: Fever without a known cause.
⦿ Skin Changes: New moles or changes in existing ones.
⦿ Changes in Bowel or Bladder Habits: Blood in stool or urine, or persistent changes.
⦿ Difficulty Swallowing: Trouble swallowing food or liquids.
⦿ Lumps or Swelling: Unexplained lumps or swelling in any part of the body.
⦿ Bleeding: Unexplained bleeding from any part of the body.
⦿ Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing without an obvious cause.
⦿ Indigestion or Nausea: Ongoing indigestion or nausea.
⦿ Blood tests help detect abnormal substances like tumor markers, which can indicate cancer presence.
⦿ Common markers include CEA, AFP, and PSA, linked to specific cancer types.
⦿ They are non-invasive and assist in monitoring treatment progress and disease recurrence.
⦿ CT Scan: Provides detailed images to locate and size tumors.
⦿ MRI: Uses magnets to create detailed images of organs and tissues.
⦿ X-rays: Detect tumors in the chest, lungs, and bones.
⦿ Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to detect cancers in organs like the liver or kidneys.
⦿ Endoscopy uses a flexible tube with a camera to visualize internal organs.
⦿ It helps diagnose conditions in the digestive tract, lungs, or other hollow organs.
⦿ Procedures like gastroscopy and bronchoscopy are common types of endoscopy.
⦿ A biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample for microscopic examination.
⦿ It helps confirm the presence of cancer and determine its type and stage.
⦿ Common methods include needle biopsy, surgical biopsy, and endoscopic biopsy.
⦿ Advanced imaging techniques like PET scans and MRIs provide detailed views of tissues and organs.
⦿ PET scans use radioactive tracers to identify cancer activity and its spread.
⦿ These methods assist in staging, treatment planning, and monitoring cancer progression.
⦿ Genetic testing examines the DNA of cancer cells to identify mutations.
⦿ It helps determine targeted therapies and predict treatment response.
⦿ Tests like BRCA or HER2 are used for breast and ovarian cancers.
⦿ Mammography: X-ray used for routine breast cancer screening.
⦿ Pap Smear: Examines cervical cells for abnormalities or early signs of cancer.
⦿ Targeted Therapy: Targets specific genes or proteins in cancer cells to block their growth without harming normal cells. It is a more precise form of treatment.
⦿ Immunotherapy: Boosts the body’s immune system to recognize and fight cancer cells more effectively. It can help the body’s immune system attack tumors.
| Treatment Modality | How It Works | Best For | Common Side Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| Surgery | Removes the tumor physically | Early-stage solid tumors | Pain, risk of infection |
| Chemotherapy | Uses drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells | Advanced and metastatic cancers | Nausea, fatigue, hair loss |
| Radiation Therapy | Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells | Localized cancers | Skin irritation, fatigue |
| Immunotherapy | Boosts the immune system to fight cancer | Cancers with immune system involvement | Flu-like symptoms, skin rash |
| Targeted Therapy | Targets specific cancer genes or proteins | Cancers with specific genetic markers | Diarrhea, liver issues |
⦿ Healthy Diet: Eat fruits, vegetables, and whole grains; limit processed foods.
⦿ Regular Exercise: Aim for 30 minutes of exercise most days.
⦿ Avoid Smoking: Stay away from tobacco products.
⦿ Limit Alcohol: Drink in moderation or avoid alcohol.
⦿ Maintain Healthy Weight: Stay at a healthy weight to reduce cancer risk.
⦿ Sun Protection: Use sunscreen and protective clothing to prevent skin cancer.
⦿ Vaccinations: Get vaccinated for HPV and Hepatitis B.
⦿ Avoid Harmful Chemicals: Limit exposure to toxic substances.
⦿ Regular Screenings: Get routine cancer screenings like mammograms and colonoscopies.
⦿ Depression: Many cancer patients experience feelings of sadness, hopelessness, or loss of interest in life, which can affect their ability to cope with treatment.
⦿ Fatigue: Cancer and its treatments can cause persistent tiredness, which affects both physical and mental well-being.
⦿ Cancer support groups provide a space for patients to share experiences and gain emotional support.
⦿ Psychological counseling can help patients and their families cope with the emotional challenges, reduce anxiety, and improve overall well-being during treatment.
⦿ Immunotherapy: Combining immune checkpoint inhibitors with JAK inhibitors enhances efficacy and tackles resistance.
⦿ Targeted Therapies & ADCs: ADCs link cytotoxic drugs to antibodies for precise cancer cell targeting.
⦿ Nanotechnology: Nanoparticles improve drug delivery to tumors, reducing toxicity.
⦿ Personalized Onco-Genomics: Genetic analysis of tumors enables tailored, more effective treatments.
⦿ Evolutionary Therapy: Evolution-based strategies prevent resistant cancer cell populations.
⦿ Radiation Therapy: Proton and carbon-ion therapies offer precise targeting, reducing damage to healthy tissue.
⦿ Neutron Capture Therapy (NCT): Boron compounds combined with neutron irradiation target cancer cells, showing promise for glioblastomas and head/neck cancers.
⦿ Cordyceps & Natural Compounds: Cordycepin from Cordyceps fungus inhibits cancer cell growth, offering an alternative to chemotherapy.
MS, MCh (GI cancer Surgeon)
Dr Harsh Shah is a well known GI & HPB Robotic Cancer Surgeon in ahmedabad. He treats cancers of esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, rectum & small intestines. He is available at Apollo Hospital.
