Does obesity complicate cancer treatment?

Since 1975 worldwide obesity has tripled. 

A 2016 report stated that more than 1.9 billion adults, 18 years and older, are overweight. Of the 1.9 billion, 650 million were reported to be obese. 

The link between obesity & an increase in cancer risk has been observed. In fact, 1 in 20 cancer cases in the UK is caused by excess weight.

It is beneficial to note that a healthy weight reduces the risk of about 13 different types of cancer. 

In India, about 135 million+ individuals are affected by obesity. And with the advent of socio-economic development in the country, a part of the urban Indian population falls in the category, putting them at a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer.

Correlation between obesity and cancer

A multitude of researchers has shown through extensive research that excess body fat increases the risk of several cancers including colorectal cancer, postmenopausal breast cancer, uterine cancer, esophageal cancer, kidney cancer, and pancreatic cancers. 

According to experts, obesity-related cancer can be due to inflammation caused by visceral fat. Visceral fat has large cells, and they are many in the body protecting vital organs. An obese individual has more visceral fat in their body, leaving less room for oxygen. This low oxygen triggers inflammation. Not only that, but excess fat also affects different body processes, including how certain hormones like insulin and estrogen are managed. 

All of this can increase the risk of cancer by indirectly affecting how cells divide & how they die. 

Changes in the populations of immune cells due to diet, & in turn, obesity is also known to increase the risk of cancer. Obesity can reshape cancer cell mechanisms impairing T-cells’ inflammatory functions. It remodels cellular fuel use of tumors, increasing the fatty acid oxidation of cancer cells & reducing the numbers as well as the spatial positioning of CD8+ cells. This, in turn, reduces antitumor immunity.

Obesity and cancer treatment

Top cancer doctors and oncology researchers vouch for the fact that lean cancer patients mostly outlive obese cancer patients. Previously, it was believed to be only because of obesity itself. But today, cancer specialists are realizing that bad outcomes can be tied to mistreatment based on individual requirements. You see, obese patients come with risks that others do not, and that warrants a different treatment approach. 

In this blog, we will discuss the effect of obesity on different cancer treatments. 

• Cancer Surgery

The correlation between obesity & cancer surgery is a mixed bag. In the case of breast, colorectal, and intra-abdominal cancer, no correlation between BMI & short-term or long-term mortality along with major surgical complications has been found. But there is an increased frequency of minor surgical complications, which might increase costs, reduce the quality of life, & delay adjuvant therapy. Studies on prostate cancer, on the other hand, demonstrated prolonged surgical time & greater blood loss in obese patients. The effect of obesity was also correlated with an increased chance of recurrence, poor outcome, and potential need for different adjuvant treatments. 

• Radiation Therapy

Among prostate cancer patients being administered external beam radiation therapy, inferior outcomes due to obesity have been noted. External problems may arise as well; for example, delivering issues, like difficulty with daily set & increased likelihood of cancer location shifting. Not only that but it has also been observed that obese cervical cancer patients can even experience an increased rate of treatment-related toxicity compared to patients in the normal weight range. In breast cancer patients, cancer doctors have seen that a larger breast size & higher BMI can be associated with a higher risk of cute or late dermatitis after radiation.

• Chemotherapy

The dosing of chemotherapy drugs, which is essential in treating cancer, is calculated using BSA or body surface area in adults. Chemotherapy dosing is extremely important in treating cancer because it decides efficacy. Unfortunately, up to 40% of obese patients receive limited chemotherapy dosing, which does not correlate to their actual body weight. Why? Because of toxicity concerns among obese patients due to the higher dose of medication based on their actual body weight. 

Also, obese cancer patients often have comorbidities like vascular disease or diabetes. This increases the chances of peripheral neuropathy. Baseline peripheral neuropathy is often associated with dose-limiting chemotherapy‐induced neurotoxicity.

But a low dose of chemotherapy can increase chances of disease recurrence and mortality, contributing to low survival rates.

• Hormonal Therapy

Endocrine therapy is a common adjuvant treatment for hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers with appropriate hormone receptors. In patients using tamoxifen, no correlation was found with obesity and efficacy or recurrence. But in premenopausal women taking ovarian suppression medication, high BMI was associated with low efficacy of endocrine therapies inhibiting aromatase and promoting the production of estrogen, including from adipose tissue, like anastrozole and goserelin. Aromatase Inhibitors or AI did not give as good results in obese women as they did in leaner women.

• Immunotherapy & stem cell therapy

There is very little information available regarding the efficacy of immunotherapy or stem cell therapy among cancer patients concerning BMI, whether normal or higher.

Does obesity hamper cancer treatment – Conclusion

Further research is needed to get a clearer picture of the correlation between the efficacy of cancer treatment and obesity because there are multiple gaps in the literature. While most research associated BMI with obesity, BMI cannot measure the adiposity of a body, which is important for treatment efficacy. Hence, more research is required in the area. However, the studies conducted so far have given a clear indication that obesity negatively impacts several cancer treatments, the bounds of which we are still discovering.

Note

Dr. Manish Singhal is a leading cancer specialist in Delhi NCR. With an acute understanding of lifestyle choices affecting cancer & cancer treatment, he & his team have successfully created efficient and customized cancer treatment plans for patients suffering from obesity and its many associated issues.

Original Source

Affordable Breast Cancer Treatments in India

 Many years back, cancer was considered to be incurable. While there are many types of cancers, breast cancer cases have been increasing during this decade. Improper awareness and unnecessary shame are making things worse.

People should be adequately informed about breast cancer and its types. Breast cancer is of two main kinds: In-Situ and Invasive. The in-Situ type does not spread to the adjoining tissues. But the Invasive type spreads to the adjacent tissues as well. 

Different breast cancer treatments:-

• Surgery: This is removing cancer tissue and some adjacent healthy tissue to ensure complete removal. Another surgery might be necessary for microscopic cancer cells left behind.

• Radiation therapy: This therapy uses x-rays or other high-energy rays to target and kill the cancer cells.

• Chemotherapy: Intake of drugs through pills or injection, which shrinks the cancer cells and destroys them.

• Hormonal therapy: It cuts off the supply of hormones aiding cancer cell growth, resulting in shrunken or dead cancer tissue.

• Biological therapy: it supports the body’s immune system to fight against the cancer cells. This therapy is also used to regulate the side-effects of cancer treatment.

Cancer treatment can be quite expensive. During the last decade, the cost has risen by 10 %. 

What is the cost of breast cancer surgery in India? 

The cost of the surgery depends on the stage of cancer:

 Stage- I→ 3 lakhs to 4.7 lakhs.

 Stage- II → 4.4 lakhs to 5.5 lakhs.

Stage- III → 5.6 lakhs to 6.8 lakhs.

Breast cancer treatment in Delhi NCR can cost around INR 5-6 lakhs. The treatment includes surgery, radiotherapy, and inspection. Six sessions of chemotherapy can cost up to INR 20 lakhs. Patients should be treated by the best breast cancer doctor in Delhi.

What is the most affordable cancer treatment?

Surgery is the cheapest option. It completely removes the cancer tissue, while chemotherapy and radiotherapy control reduces the growth of cancer cells. Successive chemotherapy sessions cost more than surgery. So, surgeries are preferred over chemotherapy. Chemotherapy sessions are recommended after surgery.

Low-cost breast cancer treatment in India. 

Chemotherapy is much relatively cheap in India. Surgery, radiotherapy, and the investigation are also less expensive.  

Should I consult a doctor before going for cancer treatment? 

Accurate information about breast cancer is necessary to decide the type of surgery. An ECMO gold medalist, Dr. Manish Singhal, a cancer specialist in Delhi, provides the best options for cancer patients. He is the best oncologist in Delhi because he views work as a passion rather than a profession. He believes that prolonged cancer treatment is not safe. It gets more challenging to deal with treatment at advanced stages due to life-threatening factors. 

Cancer Consult India (CCI) assists cancer patients to fight with high spirits and positivity. Dr. Manish Singhal, an oncologist in Noida, supports this initiative to conquer cancer with his expertise and motivating stories. CCI provides 24/7 availability, advanced technology, and modern solutions. Fight cancer under the best consultation and be victorious.  

Also Read: Metastatic Breast Cancer in the Lungs: Symptoms and Diagnosis

Latest Approved Therapies for Blood Cancer Treatment

Globally 900,000 are diagnosed with blood cancer each year, yet nature and types of blood cancer continue to elude people. After the US and China, India has the highest number of reported blood cancer patients. About 70,000 men and women are affected by blood cancer in the country. The 5-year survival rate of the disease has evolved from 14% in the 1960s to 61% in the 2010s to almost 70% in 2020. However, awareness of blood cancer and blood cancer treatment is still scarce.

The truth about blood cancer

There are primarily 3 types of blood cancer:

• Leukaemia

It is the cancer of blood & bone marrow. It affects leucocytes or white blood cells and interferes with the body's ability to produce red blood cells & platelets.

• Lymphoma

There are two forms of lymphoma:

- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma

 Every type of lymphoma other than Hodgkin lymphoma falls in this category. It develops in the lymphatic system from lymphocytes, a type of infection-fighting white blood cells.

- Hodgkin lymphoma

 Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of lymphoma that develops from lymphocytes too, but it is characterized by the presence of an abnormal lymphocyte called the Reed-Sternberg cell.

• Myeloma

It is a type of blood cancer that starts in the blood plasma cells.

Now let's talk about some blood cancer treatments. Whether you're looking for a lymphoma cancer doctor in Noida/Delhi or the best cancer doctor to consult for an insight into the new advancements of blood cancer treatment, you might be in for a surprise.

Why?

The advancements in blood cancer treatment

The blood cancer treatment plan of patients depends on a variety of factors including, type & stage of cancer, the spread of the blood cancer, and the total health of the affected person. The treatment plans include:

·       Stem cell/bone marrow transplantation

Stem cell or bone marrow transplantation has proven to be an effective treatment for blood cancer patients.  However, previously, before conducting the transplantation, some of the best cancer doctors suggested that the patients should be given a lethal dose of chemotherapy to avoid graft vs. host disease.

The consensus was that the chemotherapy, in the beginning, made the transplantation successful. That's not the case, according to some of the best cancer doctors and researchers involved in the studies. They have discovered that the bone marrow itself and it's qualities define success. That is how CAR-T therapy, the new addition to available blood cancer treatments, was discovered. 

·       CAR-T therapy

CAR-T therapy is an FDA approved blood cancer treatment for cancer patients who have not responded to other cancer treatments. This is a personalized cancer treatment created from the individual's T-cells, a subtype of white blood cells.

·       Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is being used as a blood cancer treatment for a long time; sometimes along with bone marrow transplantation, targeted therapies, and immunotherapy. In 2018, nelarabine (Arranon) was suggested as an addition to standard chemotherapy to improve the chances of survival in newly diagnosed children & young adults with T-Cell ALL, a type of blood cancer.

·       Immunotherapy

CAR-T cell therapy is one of the immunotherapy treatments used for blood cancer patients. However, there are several other immunotherapy treatments preferred by expert oncologists like Dr. Manish Singhal, a top cancer specialist in Delhi. Some of these treatments, new & old include medications like blinatumomab (Blincyto), inotuzumab ozogamicin (Besponsa), daratumumab (Darzalex), elotuzumab (Empliciti), and ixazomib (Ninlaro). The choice is with the oncologist in charge & the patient statistics.

·       Targeted Therapy

Several types of blood cancers are also treated with the help of targeted therapy. People, especially children, with genetic mutations, are more prone to having the best results from these targeted therapies.

Parting Words

Yes, blood cancer, despite being a disease with a global presence, is barely recognized as a threat by the public. But, some of the best cancer doctors and researchers know the numbers and are revolutionizing blood cancer treatment all the same. If you're a blood cancer patient or survivor looking for some insights or some guidance, the information available might seem incomplete or overwhelming to you. In this light, to get guidance, you might need to consult an expert in the field like Dr. Manish Singhal, the best oncologist in Delhi NCR offering advanced blood cancer treatment in Noida Delhi.

Also Read: How successful is chemotherapy as a lung cancer treatment?

Myths and facts about breast cancer treatment and diagnosis during Covid-19

We are still in the midst of the Covid-19 crisis, the aftermath will probably be a lot more devastating or hopeful; we'll know when we get there. However, people are already suffering from the consequences of the virus-induced pandemic health-wise, especially breast cancer patients, actually, ALL cancer patients. It is normal to feel lost. There are a lot of questions, a lot of myths, and a sea of confusion in the community. For in-depth answers, you can always consult a reputed cancer specialist like Dr. Manish Singhal, considered to be the best oncologist in Delhi NCR. But, we are here to bust some myths and answer some questions to make your life a little bit easier.

Let’s bust some myths

Myth 1

Breast cancer patients are at a higher risk of getting covid-19

Reality

No. There is no proof of breast cancer patients' increased vulnerability to coronavirus infection. However, as a precaution, breast cancer patients should consult a cancer specialist to get some valuable recommendations during the pandemic because although they are not vulnerable to get infected any more than non-cancer individuals, some of these patients might have compromised immune system which can lead to them getting severe symptoms should they get infected with the novel coronavirus.

Myth 2

People in remission from breast cancer are vulnerable to COVID-19

Reality

No. Again, there is no proof that people in remission or cancer survivors are at a higher risk of getting COVID-19. Everything depends on the immune system. If your immune system was ever affected by cancer treatment and has since recovered, then you are at no higher risk than anybody else.

Myth 3

If breast cancer patients get Covid-19, they’ll die

Reality

Not at all. As a cancer patient in treatment or in remission, or even as a cancer survivor, if you get COVID-19, there is a high chance that you will RECOVER. For immunocompromised breast cancer patients, yes, the COVID-19 symptoms might become severe; the stressor here is at MIGHT. It really depends on your all-around health.

Myth 4

Breast cancer patients should avoid exercising during the pandemic

Reality

No. Exercising is good at all times. In fact, exercising can enhance your immunity. So, keep on exercising through the pandemic. But, do it in your house as much as possible. If you need to exercise outside, maintain social distancing at all times, and follow the other recommended steps.

Myth 5

Breast cancer patients should avoid surgery at any cost during the pandemic

Reality

No. You cannot make such a decision all by yourself. You need to consult your cancer specialist, or if you need a second opinion or a fresh perspective during these difficult times, you can consult an experienced cancer specialist who is keeping up with the need of the hour, like Dr. Manish Singhal, offering the best breast cancer treatment in Delhi.

Myth 6

Breast cancer patients cannot use homemade masks during the COVID-19 pandemic

Reality

of course, they can. Cloth masks made at home are just as good as any other expensive mask, even for breast cancer patients.

Myth 7

Breast cancer patients should maintain social distancing for a longer time

Reality

Okay, the confusion here is primarily between social distancing and social isolation. Everybody should be social distancing now, and we don't know till when. But, that does not mean you should isolate yourself. Be in contact with your family and friends through digital media and calls.

Myth 8

Spraying alcohol on the skin is good enough to keep Covid-19 away

Reality

Do not spray alcohol directly onto your skin; that will do more harm than good. Yes, use hand sanitizers to keep your hands germ free when you cannot wash them with soap and water, but, that's it.

Myth 9

Breast cancer patients should move to a less populated rural area to decrease the chances of infection

Reality

No. Moving away from the city might mean moving away from all the high-end medical facilities for you. That is not at all feasible for cancer patients. Keep close to the medical facilities, keep close to your cancer specialist, and stay safe.

Some FAQS

Since we have already covered some of the myths and realities of breast cancer during the COVID-19 pandemic, we'll now delve into some of the common questions.

1. Should cancer patients postpone their treatment due to this pandemic?

If your treatment can be postponed, then you can just to be safe. But, you HAVE to work with your cancer specialist to devise a treatment plan that works for you. If required, consult the best cancer doctor in town, for Delhi residents, it is Dr. Manish Singhal, a renowned cancer specialist in Delhi.

2. Should you decrease your number of visits to the clinic or hospital during the pandemic?

Again, do not take this decision by yourself. You can talk about oral treatment options; delayed surgeries if possible, take help from telemedicine when possible, and use every resource there is to talk to your doctor about devising a safe plan for you.

3. For doctors who are providing in-home treatment options, is it safe?

Yes, under your cancer specialist's observation, it is safe to opt for in-home treatments. However, very few doctors are offering these services. For example, Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best breast cancer doctor in Delhi NCR.

Few parting words

There is a lot of fear and confusion among cancer patients during these times due to the mixed information around them. It is best to get your information from the source, i.e., your cancer specialist, instead of illegitimate sources all around.

Also Read: ESMO guidelines for treating lung cancer in COVID-19 era

Diet and Nutrition in Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer is the most commonly affecting disease in women. There are many reasons like hormonal, genetic, environment, lifestyle, and obesity among many other things that cause cancer.

Symptoms like a lump in the breast, bleeding in the nipple, skin modification, change in shape of the breast is to be watched for breast cancer. Women should watch for these conditions in their body for early diagnosis of this disease.

Having regular health checkup in a reputed cancer institute and creating awareness among women regarding the symptoms will reduce the death rate. The Breast cancer doctor advices that the women should be educated more about this killer disease. A woman can regularly check for symptoms in their body and visit the nearest institute to clarify them if they find changes in the body.

Mammography is the most common method to diagnose cancer in women. It takes an X-ray of the breast and helps to identify even very small tumors in the breast. Cancer treatment in India has improved a lot in India and women should use the facility around their locality to identify cancer.

Breast cancer treatment in Delhi has improved in leaps and bounds. There are many reputed institutes and doctors in Delhi for treatment. People living around the capital region should visit the hospitals which have all the best equipment for Breast Cancer treatment in Noida.

Cancer is not a contagious disease, so people should help other people for their treatments. Food plays an important part in the painful cancer treatment process.

Food and Diet during Breast Cancer Treatment

Bright coloured fruit and vegetable play an important role in body strength and development during the cancer treatment. Fruits like apple, pepper, tomato, carrots, peaches are very helpful during the treatment.

Fibers help to get rid of toxins and waste from your body by supporting the digestive mechanism. So, by getting rid of unwanted materials from your body it protects the body and helps as a safety mechanism to the body.

Fat plays an important part in causing cancer. Fat intake should be reduced at any cost and people should increase the intake of good fat in their body.

Polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fats are considered as good fat and food like Avocado, Olive oil, nuts, and seeds should be taken more to slow down the growth of cancer cells in the body.

Vitamin D should be taken in higher intake by consuming food like Egg and exposure to warm sunlight. Green Tea increases immunity and Turmeric which has been found to have good medical benefits should be used on a regular basis.

Foods that should be kept away

Alcohol should be completely avoided to prevent cancer and Fat and Sugar should be taken nominally to reduce the risk of cancer.

Food, environment and your lifestyle play an important role in determining the health of your body. Cancer is a killer disease and being physically active and having a healthy lifestyle goes a long way to prevent breast cancer.

Also Read: Diagnosed With Breast Cancer? Keep These Things In Mind

Early Detection of Cancer Saves Lives

Being aware of breast cancer definitely proved to be more effective and knowing what your breasts normally will help you study all the abnormal changes occurs in your body. However, not all the changes indicate that you have breast cancer. Some females have cysts or thickening of the breast tissue, which is kind of normal. One of every eight women diagnosed with breast cancer every year in India. And along with skin cancer, it is the next most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Around 5 to 10% of breast cancers may attribute to an inherited cancer gene mutation. And around 85% of breast cancers occur in women who do not have any kind of history of breast cancer in their families. Like any other type of cancer, it is very important to detect Breast cancer at an early stage.

Having a month dedicated to improving the awareness of this disease is outstanding. But this awareness must continue throughout the year so that both women and men are mindful to take the appropriate steps to detect breast cancer in its early stages. The earlier breast cancer can be diagnosed, the better a patient’s chance to survive it. Studies have shown that some people are more likely to develop cancer than others. These are called at-risk groups. The behaviour is environmental factors or other things that predispose at-risk groups to cancer are called risk factors. You're risking increases if you are over 40 years of age and have a family history of breast cancer.

There are plenty of hospitals out there who claim to give the best breast cancer treatment in India, but not all of them do what they claim. Dr Manish Kumar Singhal is one of the Best Oncologist in Delhi NCR, who don't claim but actually do what’s best for the patient. Lots of Campaigns are also out there to make awareness about breast cancer in females and it is safe to say that they are doing a pretty good job.

Smoke and drink alcohol, more than two drinks per day, Eat a diet high in animal fat and low in fibre, Have no children or had your first child after you turned 30 years. Breast cancer screening refers to testing otherwise-healthy women for breast cancer in an attempt to achieve earlier diagnosis and assumption is that early detection will improve outcomes. Your health is in your own hand, make it worth. Want to talk to the best Cancer Specialist in Delhi NCR? Visit cancerconsultindia.com. 

Read this blog also: What you should eat in Breast Cancer Treatment

Breast cancer prevention: How To Reduce Your Risk

Breast cancer! Simply reading those words can influence numerous ladies to stress.  Almost everybody knows somebody touched by this disease. In any case, there is a considerable measure of uplifting news about breast cancer nowadays. Medicines continue showing signs of improvement, and we know like never before about approaches to keep the ailment. These eight basic advances can help bring down the danger of breast growth. Not every person applies to each lady, but rather together they can have a major effect. It's anything but difficult to block out in light of the fact that it gets said so frequently, yet keeping up a sound weight is an essential objective for everybody.

According to Cancer Specialist in Delhi NCR. Being overweight can expand the danger of a wide range of diseases, including breast cancer, particularly after menopause. Exercise is as near a silver slug for good wellbeing as there seems to be and ladies who are physically dynamic for no less than 30 minutes daily have a lower danger of breast cancer. Customary exercise is additionally extraordinary compared to other approaches to enable hold to weight under tight restraints.

Smokers and non-smokers alike know how unfortunate smoking is. Over bringing down personal satisfaction and expanding the danger of coronary illness, stroke, and no less than 15 growths, including breast cancer, it likewise causes rank breath, awful teeth, and wrinkles. Now that is an inspiration to stay without smoke or work to get sans smoke. Ladies with a solid family history of cancer can find a way to ensure themselves, so it's essential for ladies to know their family history. You might be at high danger of breast cancer in the event that you have a mother or sister who created a breast or an ovarian tumour or in the event that you have numerous relatives who created breast, ovarian or prostate disease. A specialist or Best Oncologist in Delhi NCR or hereditary instructor can enable you to comprehend your family history of the infection.

A good eating regimen can help bring down the danger of breast cancer. Endeavour to eat a considerable measure of foods grown from the ground and keep liquor at direct levels or lower.  While direct drinking can be useful for the core of more seasoned grown-ups, even low levels of admission can expand the danger of breast cancer. In the event that you don't drink, don't feel you have to begin. In the event that you drink respectably, there's presumably no motivation to stop. Be that as it may, on the off chance that you drink more, you should chop down or quit. Know more about Breast Cancer Treatment in Delhi India, visit cancerconsultindia.com.

Read this blog also: Exercise role in Head and Neck Cancer- What the Patients Need to Know