Cancer is a disease characterised by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the body. There are different types of cancers depending on the part of the body affected as well as the factors that cause it. Cancer cells can affect the surrounding tissues and organs, causing a disruption in the normal functioning of the human body.
There are several factors that can be said to be the cause of cancer. One of the most common factors is genetic mutations, which can be acquired from parents. Environmental factors, such as pollution, have also been known to cause certain types of cancers. Other factors include lifestyle habits that include frequent alcohol intake, unhealthy diet, smoking, and lack of physical activity, which have been known to increase the risk of many cancer types.
The technique of treatment will be determined by several factors: the specific type of cancer, the stage it has reached, and what the patient's health looks like. Examples of treatment offered by the cancer specialists in Hyderabad include the following:
Surgery: Surgery is mainly performed to remove tumours and the tissues surrounding them. It is helpful in treating localised cancers and is usually curative if the entire tumour is removed. Surgery may also be performed during biopsy (taking small sample of tissue for examination).
Radiation Therapy: This is the clinical management of cancer through the use of high energy particles or waves including x-rays and gamma rays to treat cancer cells. This type of therapy can be a primary treatment or an adjuvant (supplementary) therapy after surgery.
Chemotherapy: It is the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells or to stop them from spreading. These drugs may be administered intravenously or taken orally. Chemotherapy is often used when surgery is not an option.
Targeted Therapy: This therapeutic technique is related to the identification of cancer cell characteristics, in particular, such as genetic disease or other proteins responsible for the spread of cancer. Targeted therapies are often associated with fewer side effects and are more effective than chemotherapy. The goal of targeted therapies is to try and control the disease while also minimising any damage to healthy cells.
Immunotherapy: This approach seeks to make use of the body’s immune system to target and kill cancer cells.
Hormone Therapy: Hormone therapy is designed to prevent the growth of hormone-sensitive tumors by reducing the levels of these hormones in the body.
It is true that not every type of cancer is preventable. However, modifying certain lifestyle practices can help to lower the chances of tumor growth. Here are a few techniques that you should try to inculcate in your lifestyle:
Healthy Diet: Balanced diet consisting of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean proteins can help in lowering the risks of formation of cancerous cells as well as enhancing recovery of the body.
Antioxidant rich foods like berries and leafy green vegetables help in reducing oxidative stress caused by free radicals that can lead to cancer.
Regular Exercise: Regular physical activity assists in controlling body weight and in lowering the chances of acquiring particular types of cancer, such as breast, colon, and endometrial cancer. Aim for doing 150 minutes of moderate intensity exercise on a weekly basis.
Avoid Tobacco: Tobacco use and smoking causes different types of cancers, particularly lung cancer. Quit smoking and develop healthy habits to reduce your chances of developing cancer.
Limit Alcohol Consumption: High intake of alcohol has been associated with higher risk of cancers like liver cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer.
Sun Protection: Skin cancer has also been strongly associated with exposure to UV radiation from the sun. Avoid overexposing your skin to the sun, and wear sunscreen and protective clothing to avoid skin damage.
Regular Screening: Keeping up with regular screening and check-ups usually detects cancer in the early stage when it can be treated more effectively. Consult your doctor to know the risk factors of developing cancers and to understand the type of screening that is appropriate for your age.
Vaccinations: It is well known that there are different types of infections that lead to different types of cancers, such as liver cancer which is caused by viral infections. Cancers that are caused by such infections can be mitigated with appropriate vaccinations which include the HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) vaccine and the Hepatitis B vaccine.
While coping with a diagnosis of cancer may not be easy, knowing about the treatment options as well as the preventive strategies could give patients a sense of control over their health.
As a leading cancer hospital in Hyderabad, Citizens Specialty Hospital offers cutting-edge therapies in a supportive and patient-friendly environment. Citizens Specialty Hospital is committed to offering the best cancer services and assistance to patients and their families, reassuring them, and restoring their hope in facing cancer challenges. Having all the required state-of-the-art facilities and trained oncologists, the hospital deals with various facets of cancer care including cancer diagnosis, treatment, and other associated services.
Moreover, the hospital educates its patients about the availability of supportive services such as nutritional therapy, pain management as well as palliative care to provide comprehensive cancer treatment in Hyderabad.
