Questions and Concerns Relating to Cancer

The word cancer isnt a pleasant thing to hear. It stirs a mix of panic, worry and anxiety in all of us. In
India alone, the incidence of cancer is around 70-90 per 1,00,000 people. Its prevalence is established
to be around 2.5 million with more than 8,00,000 new cases and 5,50,000 deaths occurring each year.
On February 4, the world observes Cancer Day, to fight against this global epidemic. As an initiative to
spread awareness, the medical experts at Narayana Health came together to address the important
questions and concerns relating to cancer.
Dr. Sharat Damodar, Consultant Hematologist, who runs one of the largest bone marrow center in the
country, along with Dr. Santosh Gowda, Medical Oncologist, and Dr. Moni Kuriakose, Doctor and
Director of Head and Neck Surgery at Narayana Health, joined Dr. Devi Shetty for a discussion. Through
an online Webinar session, called NH dialogues, the doctors discussed topics such as the definition of
cancer, causes, symptoms, types, stages, prevention, treatment methods, relapse risks, medical
advancements, mortality rates as well as lifestyle changes necessary to keep cancer at bay.

About Cancer
The body is made up of cells. Each cell is programmed to function in a certain way. In the case of a
cancer cell, this isnt the case. A cancer cell undergoes changes at the genetic level, i.e. the DNA
structure, which forms the blueprint of the cell. The cancer cells are immature and dysfunctional cells
that innumerably divide and multiply, thereby, attacking the bodys healthy cells, tissues and organs
and finally the immune system, resulting in the death of the person. This is why cancer is termed as a
malignant disease; malignant means an evil disease that torments and haunts a patient once hooked
on to. However, the good news is that if cancer is detected at an early stage, it can be cured.

How does cancer creep into the system?

There is a high misconception that cancer is a hereditary disease. Dr. Santosh Gowda says that 90% of
people, who develop cancers, do not have a family history. This means that there is a mere 10% chance
of developing a cancer from a blood relative with the same DNA composition. While the genetic factor
plays a minor role in ones lives, the other elements that increase the risk of developing cancer are:
the excess use of tobacco, alcohol, cigarettes, unhealthy diets, intake of processed foods, practice of
unsafe and unprotected sex as well as the exposure to excess ultraviolet radiation.

What are the types of cancer?

Cancer can affect literally every part of the body. So the types of cancer have become uncountable.
Surprisingly, in India, 30-40% of the patients come under the face and neck cancer issues when
compared to 2-3% in the US and Europe. This is attributed to the large number of tobacco and betel
leaf chewers. Smoking is also a contributing factor but not so much as tobacco. The reason being the
presence of areca nut, a toxic ingredient that is present in most pan masala packets. However, the
saddening fact is that people are ignorant of its harmful side effects, making it the number one reason
for mouth cancers.
The other frightening type is the blood cancer, otherwise known as leukemia. The doctors at Narayana
Health repeatedly mention that leukemia is no more a death sentence type of cancer, but can be cured
with the help of the latest medical advancements. Bone marrow transplant is becoming an
increasingly common treatment option for leukemia patients. A bone marrow donor can donate
his/her white blood cells to an active leukemia patient. The patients WBC is replaced by injecting a
substance that will stimulate the growth of the donated cells. The donors WBCs are then used to
change the cancer patients blood structure as well as their immune system. Owing to this advanced
mechanism, the process has resulted in a higher survival rate among kids and adults of up to 60%.
But its also important to understand that the chances of a leukemia survivor to easily relapse are very
high. As cancer of the blood deals with a fluid system, the presence of even one cancer cell somewhere
in the blood system, can spread again bringing back the disease to its fullest form. But, if a cancer
patient has crossed the five-year survival mark, then chances of a relapse are rare.

Treatment options
Chemo, surgery and radiotherapy comprise the trinity of cancer treatments. While medicines and
vaccines are an option for the treatment, they play a minor role in bettering the patients condition.
Globally, chemo is the most effective option in most types of cancers. In the past, chemo was used to
avoid death. But with recent developments such as bone marrow transplant and stem cell transplant,
treatments seem to cure cancer. .

Prevention
Needless to say, a healthy diet, especially plenty of fruits and vegetables, will help boost the immune
system and fight diseases. Plus, lots of exercise and a peaceful mind will help you not only prevent
cancer but also help eliminate other diseases or health issues and improve the overall quality of life.

Are there any good cancers?

As strange as it may sound, there are a few good types of cancers. The term good here refers to a
complete cure. Cancers such as thyroid is a favorable cancer, because the cure rate is almost 99%.
However, if the stage is advanced, then more aggressive treatment is required. Likewise, Hodgkin
lymphoma can be cured up to 50-60% even in its advanced stages.

Are stage 4 cancers really the end?

In most cancers, yes. Although N stage is terminal stage cancer, testicular cancer and lymphoma are
exceptions. These two types can be cured and patients can continue to live a normal life afterwards.
Doctors admit that stage 4 cancers cannot be cured. However, the focus leans more towards
palliation-to extend their lifespan of the cancer patients and alleviate their symptoms. Treating stage
4 cancers is not only about the chemo or radiation, but focusing more on the quality of life.
Finally, to avoid the chances of getting cancer, put an end to living an unhealthy lifestyle and switch
to a more active lifestyle, nutritious diet for a healthier well-being. Watch the full Length webinar at
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVPsVgkwY_0

About Narayana Health:

We are headquartered in Bengaluru, India, and operate a national network of hospitals in India with a particularly strong
presence in the southern state of Karnataka and eastern India, as well as an emerging presence in western and central India.
Our first facility was established in Bengaluru with approximately 225 operational beds and we have since grown to 57
facilities with 5,442 operational beds as on Jan'16, through a combination of greenfield projects and acquisitions. We believe
our "Narayana Health" brand is strongly associated with our mission to deliver high quality and affordable healthcare services
to the broader population by leveraging our economies of scale, skilled doctors, and an efficient business model.
In aggregate, our centres provide advanced levels of care in over 30 specialties, including cardiology and cardiac surgery,
cancer care, neurology and neurosurgery, Orthopaedics, nephrology and urology, and gastroenterology.
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Includes 56 facilities in India and the 1 facility in the Cayman Islands operated by our associate company, HCCI.
Includes facilities and beds across hospitals that are owned, operated, leased and managed, and the 101
operational beds and 104 capacity beds facility in the Cayman Islands operated by our associate company, HCCI.

For more information about Narayana Health, visit http://www.narayanahealth.org/