Over 14.6 crore women across the country have been screened for breast cancer and 57,184 were diagnosed with the disease while 50,612 are receiving treatment, Union Health Minister J P Nadda said on Friday. Citing the national NCD portal data, he said in a written response to a question in Lok Sabha that more than nine crore women have been screened for cervical cancer out of which 96,747 were diagnosed with the disease and 86,196 are under treatment. The National NCD Portal was rolled out by the government in 2018 under NP-NCD for non communicable diseases (NCDs) screening and management and ensuring continuum of care for five common NCDs, including breast and cervical cancer. In order to prevent and control major NCDs like hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) was launched by the Department of Health and Family Welfare, in 2010 with a focus on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion, early diagnosis, management and referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facilities. Under the programme, 770 district NCD clinics, 233 cardiac care units (CCU), 372 district day care centres and 6410 NCD clinics at community health centres have been set up across the country. In Odisha, 30 district NCD clinics, 12 CCUs, 32 district day care centres and 414 community health centres have been set up, Nadda stated. The Department of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to the states and Union Territories under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of National Health Mission (NHM). The programme focusses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, early diagnosis, referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment and management and health promotion and awareness generation for prevention of NCDs, Nadda said. Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) administer community based assessment checklist (CBAC) for all individuals of 30 years and above age group in the population. Risk assessment for NCDs is done through CBAC and all the high risk individuals are referred for screening of common NCDs as part of the comprehensive primary health care under NHM, Nadda stated. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
07 February,2025 02:32 PM IST | Mumbai | PTIThe resilience of humans is very inspiring and a Ghatkopar woman who has successfully been treated for a bleeding brain has just proved that after walking out after surgery to attend her granddaughter's wedding. The team led by Dr Viswanathan Iyer, brain and spine surgeon at Zynova Shalby Hospitals in Ghatkopar successfully treated the nonagenarian with a bleed on both sides of the brain. The woman’s courageous journey through surgery to attend her granddaughter’s wedding showcases the power of family determination and expert medical care. Despite advanced age, a successful brain surgery enable her to walk out of the hospital, healthier and more vibrant than ever. Vimlaben Shah (94), a resident of Ghatkopar, was rushed to Zynova Shalby Hospital with a severe headache and difficulty in walking. However, the patient got a second lease of life due to timely intervention. Shah's drive to be present for her granddaughter’s wedding was so powerful that it became her motivation as well. She not only recovered from surgery but defied every expectation. She walked out of the hospital with her head held high and with her entire family by her side.” Dr Viswanathan said, “The patient was weak on the left side and with severe imbalance. Her MRI scan of the brain was done and there was a clot in the brain. The reason for bleed is aging and trivial trauma. She was scheduled for Bilateral Subdural Hematoma Evacuation. We drilled two holes on each side of the skull under anesthesia and evacuated the bleed and the surgery lasted around 90-120 minutes. Without surgery, the patient has no chance to improve, her health may have deteriorated and she could also have lost consciousness.” With family support and a resolute spirit, Shah underwent surgery and made a remarkable recovery in just two days. Her determination to be fit enough to attend her granddaughter’s wedding drove the family to make an extraordinary choice, resulting in an inspiring recovery and a joyful family reunion. "I was determined to attend my granddaughter's wedding, no matter what. I knew I had to be there to bless her on her special day. Despite my age and the challenges I faced, I was motivated to recover. I was in no way going to miss my granddaughter’s D-DAY. After all, it was one of the best moments of her life, her dreamy wedding which we had been planning for a long time to make memorable. Thanks to Dr. Iyer's timely treatment and expert care and with my family’s support, I was able to overcome the stroke and walk out of the hospital just in time. I ordered three sarees from Rajkot and was proud and elated to be able to wear them during the wedding and welcome all the guests as well as supervise all the arrangements by myself. I am forever grateful to him for giving me the chance to witness this joyous moment in my family's life. I was also emotional after seeing the smile on my granddaughter’s face as she hugged me with immense contentment," concluded the patient Vimalben Shah.
07 February,2025 01:53 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentMumbai doctors have given a new lease of life to a Shirdi woman after successfully completing a kidney transplant. The Jaslok Hospital & Research Centre has achieved a ground-breaking milestone in kidney transplantation by successfully performing India's first kidney transplant in a patient with the extremely rare “Bombay” blood group. The “Bombay” blood group (hh) is exceptionally rare, occurring in approximately 1 in 10,000 individuals in India and 1 in a million worldwide. Because it lacks the H antigen, which is present in all other blood types, even O negative blood can cause a severe reaction in individuals with the “Bombay” blood group. This makes finding compatible donors incredibly challenging. Pooja, the 30-year-old woman, had been suffering from kidney failure due to diabetes since 2022. When she visited the hospital, her reports from another hospital initially indicated she had an 'O' blood group. However, it was at Jaslok Hospital that her blood group was accurately diagnosed as the rare 'Bombay' blood group. An accurate blood group diagnosis is essential for any medical procedure, especially in major surgeries like a kidney transplant. A proper understanding of the blood group is crucial for a successful transplant, as the blood group plays a significant role in the organ's acceptance by the recipient's body. Her rare ‘Bombay’ blood group, also known as hh, presented a significant obstacle to finding a compatible donor. Individuals with this blood type lack the A, B, and H antigens on their red blood cells, making them universal plasma donors but extremely difficult recipients. After being turned away by multiple hospitals, she found hope at Jaslok Hospital. The patient's mother, with a different and incompatible blood type (B positive), bravely stepped forward as a donor. The transplant team, led by renowned nephrologists and urologists, meticulously planned the procedure, including specialised treatments to minimise the risk of organ rejection. This involved closely monitoring and managing antibody levels, a critical aspect of incompatible transplants. The hospital's blood bank also played a crucial role, sourcing rare “Bombay” blood products from across the state to ensure patient safety during the surgery. The team responsible for this remarkable achievement included nephrologists Dr. Rushi Deshpande and Dr. Ashwin Patil; urologists Dr. A. A. Raval and Dr. J. G. Lalmalani; anaesthetists Dr. Dipankar Dasgupta and Dr. Savi Shah; Blood Bank officers Dr. Asha and Dr. Tejaswini; and transplant Coordinators Ruchita, Nilesh, Pradnya, and Sheetal. Their combined expertise and collaborative efforts were instrumental in this groundbreaking success. Dr. Rushi Deshpande, director of the department of Nephrology (Academics) at Jaslok Hospital stated, “Performing this transplant was a formidable challenge, given that no similar cases had been undertaken anywhere in the world to the best of my knowledge. Further, it was at Jaslok Hospital that her correct blood group was diagnosed and knowing this before the transplant was crucial; otherwise, it could have resulted in a catastrophe. The expertise of our highly trained team of doctors and nurses, coupled with the top-notch infrastructure and laboratory support here, played a pivotal role in ensuring the success of the procedure.” "Jaslok Hospital is a pioneer in ABO-incompatible renal transplants," stated Dr. Milind Khadke, medical director, Jaslok Hospital. "However, performing an incompatible transplant with a 'Bombay' blood group recipient is exceptionally rare and complex, requiring meticulous planning and a precise desensitization protocol." Dr. Ashwin Patil, consultant nephrologist, added, "While we routinely monitor ABO titres and perform plasma exchange in incompatible transplants, this case required additional monitoring of 'Anti-H' antibody titres, further highlighting the complexity of the procedure." The patient with tears of joy said, ”Dr Deshpande, his team and everyone at Jaslok hospital looked after me like a family. I had given up on living but today I am thankful to them for giving me this new lease of life when so many hospitals turned down my case.”
05 February,2025 02:21 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentWomen who go through menopause later in life have healthier blood vessels which reduces their risk of heart disease, finds a study on Wednesday. Women are less likely to die of a heart attack or stroke than men for most of their lives, but studies have shown that their risk spikes and overtakes male risk after menopause. The study, published in the American Heart Association journal Circulation Research, offers new insight into why females who stop menstruating at age 55 or later are significantly less likely to have heart attacks and strokes in their postmenopausal years. The findings by researchers at the University of Colorado Boulder in the US could help lead to new therapies, including dietary interventions, to reduce the risk of heart disease -- the number one killer of women. "Our study identifies that there's actually a physiological benefit to later-onset menopause and is one of the first to identify the specific mechanisms driving these benefits," said Sanna Darvish, a PhD candidate in the Department of Integrative Physiology at the varsity. The team assessed the vascular health of 92 women in the US, looking specifically at a measure called brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD), or how well their brachial artery - the main blood vessel in the upper arm - dilates with increased blood flow. The results showed that all the postmenopausal women had significantly worse arterial function than their premenopausal counterparts. The researchers explained that when menopause hits, the age-related decline in vascular health accelerates. But the 10 per cent or so of women who experience late-onset menopause appear to be somewhat protected from this effect, said senior author Matthew Rossman. In particular, the study found that vascular function was only 24 per cent worse in the late-onset menopause group. On the other hand, among women in the normal-onset group 51 per cent had worse vascular health. Notably, such differences between the groups persisted five years or more after the women went through menopause, with the late-onset group still having 44 per cent better vascular function than the normal onset group. This health benefit in the late-onset group was related to better functioning of mitochondria which produced fewer free radicals, the study found. The circulating blood of the two groups also looked different, with the late-onset group showing "more favourable" levels of 15 different lipid or fat-related metabolites in their blood. "Our data suggest that women who complete menopause at a later age have a kind of natural inherent protection from vascular dysfunction that can come from oxidative stress over time," said Rossman, an assistant research professor in the Department of Integrative Physiology. Also Read: ‘I was always exhausted’: Things about menopause that no one prepares you for This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 February,2025 12:34 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSObesity is the mother of many non-communicable diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure and cancer, said experts from the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Tuesday. Joining together to raise awareness about the adverse health impacts of obesity, the experts noted that obesity is fully preventable in adults. It may also ease the health burden of the country. "Obesity is the mother of many non-communicable diseases, and that is why it has to be taken seriously," Dr. Naval Kishore Vikram, Professor of Medicine at AIIMS, told IANS. He noted that the most important effect of obesity is the development of insulin resistance and a pro inflammatory state. This insulin resistance can lead the development of diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and over a period can also be related to development of certain cancers, the expert explained. "Obesity is 100 per cent preventable disease in adults. Although there are some genetic causes of it, but that is very rare and is seen only in children," Vikram told IANS. Dr. Ambuj Roy, Professor of Cardiology at AIIMS told IANS how obesity raise the risk of cardiovascular , diseases like heart attack; as well as causes other problems like stroke, joint problem, liver problem and PCOD, and infertility, among others. Roy also mentioned how obesity can trigger mental health issues. The experts noted that the best way to tackle obesity is by changing the sedentary lifestyle and eating right. "The cause of obesity lies somewhere in our lifestyle and our eating habits," Dr. M. Gahlot, Sr. Dietician at AIIMS told IANS. She said that people are eating less of the healthy things, but high processed food, sugary food items. "It is important to include fruits and vegetables in your daily diet. You also must control the total amount of fat in your diet," Dr. Gahlot said. "Check your diet. Eat, mindfully, eat healthy and be active. Because activity is very important. People are not usually very active. And a lot of people have a sedentary lifestyle," advised Dr. Vikram. The experts suggested indulging in any form of exercises like running, cycling, or jogging. Recently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in his address to the athletes and other delegates at the 38th National Games held in Dehradun emphasised the importance of a healthy body that is key to a healthy mind, which in turn could lead to a healthy nation. During his speech, PM Modi spoke vividly about the obesity that has India in its throes and why we need to deal with this issue urgently. This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
05 February,2025 09:51 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSThe latest entrant in the list of diet trends that have taken the social media world by storm is the popular ‘anti-inflammation diet’. This approach usually prioritises whole fruits, vegetables, grains, etc., and limits consumption of processed foods. While many are trying and advocating for the diet to reduce the body’s inflammatory response, celebrity nutritionist Rujuta Diwekar recently took to Instagram to caution people against following fads. In a video, she said, “Every 5 years, the weight loss industry introduces a new diet, and everyone starts believing it to be the solutions to all health problems. Right now, the focus is on the anti-inflammation diet.” Stating that inflammation is a natural body response, she said, “Inflammation is normal and it is a process which allows the body to heal and repair tissues. So, you need that. But inflammation also needs to decrease with time. No single messiah or food or diet can do that. Your entire lifestyle can remove inflammation and keep it under control." View this post on Instagram A post shared by Rujuta Diwekar (@rujuta.diwekar) She shares the following tips to control inflammation, without depending on a single diet. Eat home-cooked food: Consuming foods that are familiar to you and cooked at home is essential. Additionally, eating at the right time, and without any distractions like TV and social media, is also important. Exercise regularly: Exercising is essential to reduce inflammation and maintain overall health. However, Diwekar recommends a balanced approach. Don’t overdo it, and only exercise in a way that you are easily able to recover from. Maintain proper sleep schedule: Late nights can prove to be harmful for the body, especially as one grows older. It might not affect people in their teenage and early 20s as much as it affects people in their 40s, 50s and 60s. Prioritise sleep, and stay well-rested. Ignore fads: Diwekar also recommends people to not pay much attention to what others are doing so as not to fall prey to fads.
04 February,2025 06:47 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAccording to the World Health Organization’s latest data, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths worldwide in 2022. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime. The disease is a leading cause of death, with approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women dying due to it. In India, there were 1.41 million new cancer cases and 0.9 million deaths due to the disease in 2022. World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 every year to raise awareness about the growing cancer incidence and facilitate action for reducing disease risk and improving cancer care. Several biological, chemical and environmental factors can interact to cause the condition. While some of these are out of one’s control, deliberate lifestyle choices like consuming tobacco also contribute in increasing cancer risk. Overlooked habits increasing cancer risk Consuming tobacco, alcohol Unhealthy lifestyle, including inadequate exercise and poor-quality food Sleep deprivation Smoking Storing hot food in plastic containers Using chemical-laden cosmetics Dr Shishir N. Shetty, Senior Consultant-Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital Vashi, informs, “More than 50 per cent of cancers are caused due to unhealthy lifestyle. Inadequate exercise, eating poor quality or junk food and not sleeping well are known to have major effects on the body, including obesity, which can increase cancer risk. Also, consumption of alcohol, tobacco, highly processed food, processed meat, and use of certain cosmetics and house cleaning agents which have benzene and formaldehyde, are known to be potential risk factors of cancer,” he adds. Sharing other overlooked practices that can prove to be risk factors, Dr Pritesh Munot, Medical Oncologist, Zynova Shalby Hospital, Mumbai, says, “Certain daily habits and lifestyle choices can significantly increase your chances of being exposed to cancer-causing agents. This can include practices and situations like using plastic containers to store hot food, applying chemical-laden cosmetics, excessive smoking, and exposure to pesticides.” The link between diet and cancer According to Ushakiran Sisodia, Chief Dietician, Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre, fructose syrup added to bakery products, processed, and refined foods, frozen foods, and those with zero fibre can prove to be harmful. Unhealthy food kept in the open and too much refrigeration can also be risk factors. Foods that can increase cancer risk: Foods that contain too many preservatives and artificial colours Highly processed foods Foods that are high in sugar or have high calories Fried, grilled, or charred meat Alcohol To prevent cancer risk, individuals are advised to eat well-balanced and healthy foods. Your diet should include plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, nuts and antioxidant-rich foods. "Eat fibre-rich foods like flaxseeds, or whole grains to support your gut health while lowering the cancer risk,” advises Dr Munot. Probiotic foods naturally prepared at home are good for health. Traditional food preparation and avoiding fast food is essential, recommends Sisodia. Existing diseases and risk of cancer While some lifestyle factors may not directly cause cancer, they can cause other diseases, which in turn can contribute to developing cancer. Dr Munot informs, “Existing health conditions and diseases can also increase the risk of developing cancer. Conditions like obesity, diabetes or gastrointestinal issues can cause chronic inflammation while severely damaging cells.” Dr Shetty further states, “Some existing conditions like obesity, diabetes, viral infections like human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B, hepatitis C, Epstein-Barr virus, autoimmune diseases like lupus, very rarely, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or polycystic ovarian disease, can be one of the causatives for cancer.” The role of simple lifestyle changes in reducing cancer risk is often overlooked. From daily activities to food consumption, every aspect impacts health. It is thus essential to make healthy lifestyle choices, not only to prevent cancer but to maintain overall well-being.
04 February,2025 06:37 PM IST | Mumbai | Raaina JainResearch led by Australia's nuclear and radiation safety agency has found no link between mobile phone use and various cancers. The research, commissioned by the World Health Organization (WHO) and published on Tuesday, found no association between radio wave exposure from mobile phones and various cancers, including leukaemia, lymphoma and cancers of the thyroid and oral cavity. It was the second WHO-commissioned systematic review undertaken by the Australian Radiation Protection and Nuclear Safety Agency (ARPANSA), reports Xinhua news agency. The first review, published in September 2024, explored the association between mobile phone use and brain and other head cancers and found no link. Ken Karipidis, the lead author of both studies and assistant director of Health Impact Assessment at ARPANSA, said the new research assessed all available evidence on the association between mobile phones, mobile phone towers and cancers. He said that the researchers found no link between radio wave exposure and the various cancers but that the team cannot be as certain of the results compared to the review on brain cancers. "This is because there is not as much evidence on the association between these cancers and exposure to radio waves from wireless technology," Karipidis said. Rohan Mate, an ARPANSA scientist who contributed to the study, said the findings would "add to the body of knowledge to inform the public about wireless technology and cancer". The two systematic reviews will inform an updated assessment of the health effects of radio wave exposure currently being prepared by the WHO. According to the WHO, Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs. The latter process is called metastasising and is a major cause of death from cancer. A neoplasm and malignant tumour are other common names for cancer. Cancer is the second leading cause of death globally, accounting for an estimated 9.6 million deaths, or 1 in 6 deaths, in 2018. Lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach and liver cancer are the most common types of cancer in men, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical and thyroid cancer are the most common among women. The cancer burden continues to grow globally, exerting tremendous physical, emotional and financial strain on individuals, families, communities and health systems. Many health systems in low- and middle-income countries are least prepared to manage this burden, and large numbers of cancer patients globally do not have access to timely quality diagnosis and treatment. Also Read: Five gynaecological cancers that every woman should be aware of This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 February,2025 01:45 PM IST | Mumbai | IANSEvery year, World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 to raise awareness about the life-threatening disease. While finding a cure and the treatment for the many different types of cancer are still underway, the journey is often difficult for many cancer patients and their families. During this time, listening to people who have gone through the same journey may help. It inspiring and makes one reflect, raise awareness and honour the strength of those affected by cancer. This curated selection of audiobooks and podcasts provides a deeper understanding of cancer - from deeply personal accounts of resilience and healing to expert insights on treatment, prevention and innovation in care. Whether you're looking for support, information about the disease or some inspiration, these titles provide valuable insights into the emotional and physical strength required to navigate this disease while fostering important conversations about hope, healing, and resilience. HealedWritten by: Manisha Koirala, Neelam Kumar; Narrated by: Aishwarya SinghManisha Koirala's audiobook, 'Healed', chronicles her experience with ovarian cancer. It details her treatment in the US, coming back home, and the emotional challenges she faced throughout her battle. Marking six years cancer-free, Koirala shares her story of fear, disappointment, and uncertainty, highlighting the lessons she learned. Her audiobook seeks to demystify cancer, offering a powerful message of courage and hope to those facing the disease. Tune in for a raw and unfiltered personal account of her journey to recovery. My Ex-breastWritten by: Tahira Kashyap Khurrana; Narrated by: Tahira Kashyap KhurranaTahira Kashyap Khurrana's seven-part Audible podcast series, My Ex-Breast, offers a personal account of her breast cancer journey, taking listeners through the uncertainty of diagnosis, a mastectomy, and reconstruction. In the series, Tahira shares her experience of dealing with cancer, explaining how she and her family chose joy in the face of fear. She delves into the emotional rollercoaster of treatment and recovery, offering insights into resilience and the power of positive thinking. My Ex-Breast is a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit, reminding listeners that even in the darkest times, light can be found. Through its inspiring narrative, it encourages embracing hope and discovering inner strength in the face of adversity. The Metabolic Approach to CancerWritten by: Dr. Nasha Winters ND FABNO LAc DiplOM, Jess Higgins Kelley MNT; Narrated by: Suzie AlthensCancer rates have skyrocketed since the 20th century, affecting nearly 50 per cent of Americans. While traditional treatments use chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation, 95 per cent of cancers are linked to lifestyle and diet. The Metabolic Approach to Cancer offers a metabolic nutrition plan, focusing on ten key "terrain" elements like epigenetics, gut health, and blood sugar, explaining their role in cancer and offering dietary solutions. The audiobook revisits the 1931 metabolic theory, suggesting cancer is fueled by carbs, not genetics, a theory gaining renewed interest due to positive results from glucose deprivation in cancer cells. Tune in for this interesting and refreshing take on approaching cancer by Naturopathic integrative oncologist and cancer survivor Dr. Nasha Winters and nutrition therapist Jess Higgins Kelley. Chris Beat CancerWritten and narrated by: Chris WarkAt 26, Chris Wark was diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer. After surgery, he chose to forgo chemotherapy and instead radically altered his diet and lifestyle. In Chris Beat Cancer, Wark details his healing journey, criticises the conventional cancer industry, and shares the strategies he and others have used to combat cancer. These strategies encompass mindset, diet and lifestyle changes, mental and spiritual healing, and integrative therapies. The audiobook offers both emotional support and practical solutions for those seeking wellness. If you are looking for an inspirational narrative on wellness, fire up your device and get started here. Cancer is Not a DiseaseWritten by: Andreas Moritz; Narrated by: Richard PowersAndreas Moritz challenges conventional wisdom, arguing that cancer is a symptom of the body's desperate attempt to eliminate harmful factors. He asserts that true healing requires addressing these root causes, not just attacking the cancer itself. The audiobook explains what he believes truly causes cancer, why standard treatments can be dangerous, and how to facilitate the body's natural healing abilities. He argues that cancer isn't a threat, but rather a survival mechanism and encourages readers to shift from feeling victimized to empowered, transforming disease into health by understanding cancer from this new perspective.
04 February,2025 01:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAccording to World Health Organization (WHO), cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women globally. Its effects can go beyond the diagnosis, impacting other aspects of health including fertility. Link between cervical cancer and fertility Among patients of child-bearing age, the crucial topic of whether cervical cancer impacts fertility frequently comes up. Dr Shishir N. Shetty, Senior Consultant - Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hiranandani Hospital, Vashi, says, "Depending on the cancer's stage, the kind of treatment needed and the patient's general condition, the answer is complicated.”“Although a woman's reproductive health may be impacted by the measures taken to control and remove the illness, fertility-preserving techniques like a cone biopsy or a trachelectomy (removal of the cervix while leaving the uterus intact) may be options for early-stage cervical cancer. Many women are able to conceive and carry a pregnancy to term because of these procedures. However, problems including premature labour or cervical insufficiency are more likely to occur,” he further explains. However, treatment for advanced stages of cervical cancer can significantly affect fertility. Explaining the same, Dr Shetty says, “More severe therapies like chemotherapy, radiation therapy or a hysterectomy (uterine removal) are required for advanced stages of cervical cancer. The mainstay of treatment for cervical cancer, especially when it has progressed, is radiation. It targets and eliminates cancer cells using high-energy radiation, frequently in conjunction with chemotherapy for maximum efficacy. Radiation therapy poses serious hazards to fertility even if it can save lives. Depending on the medications and dosage, chemotherapy may also affect ovarian function.” Beyond the physical effects, a woman's reproductive decisions may also be impacted by the emotional and psychological toll of receiving a cervical cancer diagnosis and undergoing treatment. Fertility preservation techniques “For people who had dreamed of having biological children in the future, the possibility of infertility can be upsetting. New developments in fertility preservation methods, such freezing eggs or embryos, provide hope to lessen this. Before starting treatment, a fertility doctor should be consulted about these techniques,” suggests Dr Shetty. “Additionally, counselling programs and support groups are crucial in assisting women in overcoming the psychological difficulties brought on by infertility loss. Maintaining open lines of communication with medical professionals guarantees that patients are aware of all of their options and the possible consequences of the treatments they select,” he further states. Preventing cervical cancer Regular screenings and early diagnosis are key to preventing, detecting and treating cervical cancer. “The most effective method for preventing cervical cancer and maintaining fertility is still early identification with routine Pap screenings and HPV testing. Another successful preventive strategy is vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is a major contributor to cervical cancer,” informs Dr Shetty. Also Read: Cervical Health Awareness Month: Why a healthy cervix is important for a successful pregnancy Advances in medical research and early detection offer optimism, even though cervical cancer therapies may affect fertility. Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.
04 February,2025 09:45 AM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentSouth-East Asia region is expected to witness an 85 per cent increase in the number of new Cancer cases and deaths, said the World Health Organization (WHO) on Monday, ahead of World Cancer Day. Each year 4 February is commemorated as World Cancer Day. “The theme this year United by Unique is a reminder of the collective commitment against cancer,” said Saima Wazed, Regional Director for WHO South-East Asia. “WHO acknowledges every patient’s unique experiences and the value of people-centered care delivered jointly by healthcare providers, families, friends, and community,” she added. In 2022, the WHO South-East Asia Region had 2.4 million new cases of cancer, including 56,000 children, and 1.5 million deaths. “Among all the WHO regions, our Region had the highest number of cancers of lips and oral cavity, uterine cervix, and childhood cancers. It is estimated that by 2050, there will be an 85 per cent increase in the number of new cases and deaths in the Region,” said Wazed. She also noted the progress made in countries in the Region in the last few years. This includes a reduction in tobacco consumption. “The Region has seen the fastest rate of decline in tobacco use which is a major risk factor for several high burden cancers,” Wazed said. Wazed said six countries have dedicated national plans for cancer control, and two countries have included cancer as part of the national NCD plan to strategically guide cancer prevention and control activities. Eight countries have introduced nationwide Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccination. The Regional Director said that 10 countries are implementing global initiatives for childhood cancer and seven countries have operational population-based cancer registries. In 10 countries, tertiary-level cancer care is generally available, reaching 50 per cent or more patients in need. However, some persisting challenges include scattered responses to cancer control. National cancer control programmes and plans are not fully aligned with evidence or best practices resulting in their ineffective implementation. Policies and guidance on control of cancer-causing agents prevalent in the Region, such as areca nut, are lacking. Existing cancer prevention policies and programmes are not fully implemented, leading to millions of avoidable cases, Wazed said. Late diagnosis and lack of national capacities to manage the increasing cancer burden also hinder cancer control. Also Read: ‘It was shocking’: How to manage being a family caregiver for a cancer patient This story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed, agencies. Mid-day accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability, trustworthiness, reliability and data of the text. Mid-day management/mid-day.com reserves the sole right to alter, delete or remove (without notice) the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever
04 February,2025 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | IANSADVERTISEMENT
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