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Insights into living with leiomyosarcoma and its impact.
REELS OF JOURNEY
REELS OF JOURNEY
Sharing experiences can foster healing and understanding. Here, I share a personal story of my grandmother’s cancer stages of discovery, recognition, strain, surgical intervention, recurrence, and recovery.
STAGES OF HOPES
From Classes to Clinics
From Classes to Clinics
Stage Three: The Surgery
Stage Three: The Surgery
The ENT surgeon and the oncologist at ESI finally put a name to the stage. If not cancer itself. Stage 2
Stage Four: The Diagnosis Named
Stage Four: The Diagnosis Named
The surgery, the ward, the biopsy all of it was covered by ESI {government funded institution}. It was a relief that went beyond money. She was alive
Stage Five: The Illusion of Recovery
Stage Five: The Illusion of Recovery
The doctor had warned us clearly, the recurrence rate is high. I searched everywhere-Google, PubMed, the library, oncology journals, and still there was barely anything to hold on to.
Stage Six: The Return
Stage Six: The Return
Then the chief complaints began. Burning sensations, vomiting, slurred speech and a small node on the side of the neck
Stage Seven: The Second Chance
Stage Seven: The Second Chance
I couldn't let the story of my grandma end there. I couldn't let my grandma's final thoughts be filled with. guilt and wondering what sin she had committed in her life to deserve so much pain
Stage Eight: The Final Battle
Stage Eight: The Final Battle
Two days later, the pathology report came back. i remember holding the paper in my hands, the report described it clinically 'a well defined swelling just above the hyoid bone'
Websites helping Indian cancer patients
Cancer Patient's Aid Association
Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) is a non-profit organisation, established in 1969, that addresses cancer as a health problem through it’s distinctive philosophy of ‘Total Management of Cancer’. CPAA works side-by-side with the medical fraternity, focusing on activities encompassing Awareness, Early Detection, Support for treatment, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, Research Studies and Advocacy. The primary concern of CPAA is to meet the needs of poor cancer patients who do not have access nor can afford cancer treatment. CPAA reaches out to patients from all walks of life in every possible way. With five decades of experience in cancer management, CPAA now mentors other health care organisations across India, based on this holistic philosophy and has offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune.
Indian Cancer Society
Indian Cancer Society is committed in extending holistic knowledge, treatment and rehabilitation through its “Rise Against Cancer” movement.
Our activities encompass the entire continuum of Cancer Care - cancer awareness, screening for early detection, financial help for treatment, support groups, rehabilitation of cancer survivors, registry, research & education.
CanSupport
Cancer Patients Aid Association (CPAA) is a non-profit organisation, established in 1969, that addresses cancer as a health problem through it’s distinctive philosophy of ‘Total Management of Cancer’. CPAA works side-by-side with the medical fraternity, focusing on activities encompassing Awareness, Early Detection, Support for treatment, Guidance and Counseling, Rehabilitation, Research Studies and Advocacy. The primary concern of CPAA is to meet the needs of poor cancer patients who do not have access nor can afford cancer treatment. CPAA reaches out to patients from all walks of life in every possible way. With five decades of experience in cancer management, CPAA now mentors other health care organisations across India, based on this holistic philosophy and has offices in Mumbai, New Delhi and Pune.
National Cancer Grid
The National Cancer Grid is a network of major cancer centres, research institutes, patient groups and charitable institutions across India with the mandate of establishing uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer, providing specialized training and education in oncology and facilitating collaborative basic, translational and clinical research in canc
MR.MED
At MrMed, redefine accessibility to speciality medicine by offering comprehensive patient care services across India. Whether you're in bustling metros like Mumbai, remote towns on the outskirts of Tamil Nadu, or quaint villages in Arunachal Pradesh, our extensive delivery network spans over 3,500 cities, including Indore, Jaipur, Coimbatore, Patna, Bhopal, Visakhapatnam, and more.
Catalogue of over 7,000 advanced intervention medicines.
Treatments for complex conditions such as cancer, heart disorders, kidney ailments, osteoporosis, and post-organ transplant complications.
Steadfast on-time delivery promise, making every location just a click away.
Minimum savings of up to Rs 40,000 on every purchase.
Through our services, MrMed has reached countless corners of the country, enabling patients to save over Rs 40 crores on their medical expenses. No wonder we’re the No. 1 doctor-approved pharmacy in India!
ICMR – National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research
“India Battles Cancer” is a portal that provides information on the leading cancers in India with a major focus on awareness, prevention and treatment of these cancers. The portal currently focuses on information for the general public and patients and will be upgraded in the near future to include relevant details for health care providers.
Cancer patients at Kidwai Memorial Institute on Oncology in Bangalore, India - 04 Feb 2019.
Dental Checkups' Role in Cancer Prevention & Early Detection
Dental Checkups' Role in Cancer Prevention & Early Detection
Dental checkups aren’t just good for our pearly whites. The dentist is an essential part of our healthcare team.
Dental checkups aren’t something most people look forward to getting. But many people appreciate how they feel at the end of their visit, be it a brighter smile or reassurance about their oral health. And oral health is an important part of our overall health.
Did you know that dental checkups can also play a role in cancer prevention and early detection? Or that dental care can play a key supporting role after a cancer diagnosis?
Here's what to know:
Here's what to know:
What does an oral cancer screening entail?
Currently, there is no established routine oral cancer screening test. But during routine dental exams, your dentist might do a visual oral cancer screening to check for any signs of oral cancer and precancers. They will look closely at your lips, mouth, and tongue. They may also feel your jaw and neck.
What does an oral cancer screening entail?
Currently, there is no established routine oral cancer screening test. But during routine dental exams, your dentist might do a visual oral cancer screening to check for any signs of oral cancer and precancers. They will look closely at your lips, mouth, and tongue. They may also feel your jaw and neck.
What happens if the dentist finds signs of oral cancer or precancer?
If your dentist sees anything concerning, they may perform a biopsy or refer you to an oral cancer specialist. A specialist can do thorough diagnostic testing, including imaging tests and biopsies.
What happens if the dentist finds signs of oral cancer or precancer?
If your dentist sees anything concerning, they may perform a biopsy or refer you to an oral cancer specialist. A specialist can do thorough diagnostic testing, including imaging tests and biopsies.
How often are dental checkups needed?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends seeing the dentist regularly. The often-cited recommendation is twice a year. But the ADA notes that it can vary by person. Once or twice a year might be enough for some people. Others might need to get dental checkups more often, depending on their unique needs. For example, if someone has a greater risk for oral disease, they may require more frequent dentist visits.
How often are dental checkups needed?
The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends seeing the dentist regularly. The often-cited recommendation is twice a year. But the ADA notes that it can vary by person. Once or twice a year might be enough for some people. Others might need to get dental checkups more often, depending on their unique needs. For example, if someone has a greater risk for oral disease, they may require more frequent dentist visits.
Risk factors for oral cavity cancer and lip cancer include:
Risk factors for oral cavity cancer and lip cancer include:
Using tobacco products, Heavy alcohol use, Being exposed to natural or artificial sunlight for long periods, Being infected with HPV (human papillomavirus) if you are not sure how often you should get dental checkups, talk with your healthcare provider to see what’s best for you.
Using tobacco products, Heavy alcohol use, Being exposed to natural or artificial sunlight for long periods, Being infected with HPV (human papillomavirus) if you are not sure how often you should get dental checkups, talk with your healthcare provider to see what’s best for you.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of oral cancer screening?
Generally, oral cancer screenings are considered preventive services. So, many dental insurance plans cover these screenings as part of routine dental exams. If you are not sure, contact your insurance company to confirm what your dental policy covers. Likewise, if you aren’t sure whether your dentist does oral cancer screenings, ask. Some dentists may do it only by request. And always let your dentist know about any questions and concerns you have about your oral health.
Does dental insurance cover the cost of oral cancer screening?
Generally, oral cancer screenings are considered preventive services. So, many dental insurance plans cover these screenings as part of routine dental exams. If you are not sure, contact your insurance company to confirm what your dental policy covers. Likewise, if you aren’t sure whether your dentist does oral cancer screenings, ask. Some dentists may do it only by request. And always let your dentist know about any questions and concerns you have about your oral health.
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
Even if you are getting regular dental checkups, it’s helpful to know the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. These may include: A sore on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal. A lump or thickening on the lips or gums or in the mouth. A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth. Bleeding, pain, or numbness in the lip or mouth. Change in voice. Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit well. Swelling of the jaw. Trouble chewing or swallowing. Sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat. If you experience any potential signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
What are the symptoms of oral cancer?
Even if you are getting regular dental checkups, it’s helpful to know the signs and symptoms of oral cancer. These may include: A sore on the lip or in the mouth that doesn’t heal. A lump or thickening on the lips or gums or in the mouth. A white or red patch on the gums, tongue, tonsils, or lining of the mouth. Bleeding, pain, or numbness in the lip or mouth. Change in voice. Loose teeth or dentures that no longer fit well. Swelling of the jaw. Trouble chewing or swallowing. Sore throat or feeling that something is caught in the throat. If you experience any potential signs or symptoms, schedule an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Why can dental care be important for cancer patients?
Cancer and cancer treatment can affect the mouth in different ways. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) notes that oral complications are common in cancer patients, particularly people with head and neck cancer. Getting an oral health exam may help minimize oral side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, like dry mouth. If your mouth is sore during treatment, ask your dentist about gentle ways to clean your teeth. If you will be receiving treatment for head and neck cancer, your oncologist will likely work with your dentist as part of your care plan. Ask your cancer care team about their dental care recommendations and concerns. Questions might include: Should you visit a dentist before you start treatment? How soon? Are there any special considerations you should discuss with your dentist?\
Why can dental care be important for cancer patients?
Cancer and cancer treatment can affect the mouth in different ways. The National Cancer Institute (NCI) notes that oral complications are common in cancer patients, particularly people with head and neck cancer. Getting an oral health exam may help minimize oral side effects of chemotherapy and radiation treatment, like dry mouth. If your mouth is sore during treatment, ask your dentist about gentle ways to clean your teeth. If you will be receiving treatment for head and neck cancer, your oncologist will likely work with your dentist as part of your care plan. Ask your cancer care team about their dental care recommendations and concerns. Questions might include: Should you visit a dentist before you start treatment? How soon? Are there any special considerations you should discuss with your dentist?\
Did You Know?
Preventing and controlling oral complications can help you continue cancer treatment and have a better quality of life.
— National Cancer Institute, “Oral Complications of Chemotherapy and Head/Neck Radiation”
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