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.

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Expert Tips for Cancer Patients to prevent COVID-19

The novel coronavirus pandemic has taken the world by storm, and it is spreading through countries like wildfire. Older people, people with pre-existing conditions, and immunocompromised people are the most at risk of bearing the brunt of severe symptoms if they get infected by the virus. Cancer patients, people who are immunocompromised and are prone to co-morbidities associated with cancer or cancer treatment, are among the high-risk crowd.

However, if you are a cancer patient receiving treatment or if you are looking to consult a cancer specialist, you need not worry too much about the virus, as there are some excellent tips you can check out to enhance safety from Covid-19.

How to prevent Covid-19 in cancer patients?

• Keep yourself updated

Just like Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best cancer doctors in Delhi, any cancer specialist will tell you that no correlation has been found between cancer and increased rate of coronavirus infection. However, due to their immunosuppression, cancer patients are at high risk of experiencing the worst symptoms. Should you be worried about getting the virus because you have cancer? No. But, you should follow the health guidelines doubly. Everyday a new set of guidelines are brought into effect, it is in your best interest to keep yourself updated and consult your cancer specialist regularly as the situation progresses.  

• Social Distancing

Stay home if you and your family members can. If you are a cancer patient, even if you feel well, do not go out of your house unless necessary. You can get your essentials online now, or if you live with family, you can ask them to get the essentials for the time being. And if you have to get out of the house to visit your cancer specialist, do not forget to maintain social distancing.

• Hygiene first

Keep washing your hands repeatedly for 20 seconds, cough into the crux of your elbow, if you need to get out of the house, when you come back in you can practice complete sanitization. If needed, you can create a sanitization zone in your home.

• Immunity boost

There is no shortcut to boosting your immunity; so, no booster shots or essential teas will help bring your immune system at par with the healthy immune systems. You know what the best cancer doctors are suggesting to boost immunity? Cancer specialists worldwide are advising their patients to exercise and eat nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, and well-cooked meals.

• Its medicine time

Being a distinguished cancer specialist in Delhi NCR, with years of experience and expertise, Dr. Manish Singhal, along with other stalwarts practicing oncology, advises against skipping regular medicines. Your regular medicines will not weaken your immune system, so do not stop taking them.

• Try at-home options

Some cancer specialists are offering at-home treatment options for cancer patients. You can either look into such treatment plans or consult your cancer specialist to create a treatment plan that best suits your requirements and the current situation.

The ending note

Covid-19 is a disease that does not discriminate. So, we all need to be careful about how we go about our lives. However, if you are a cancer patient, practicing a little more caution might be better for you. If you need any more advice or information regarding the recommendations and best practices for cancer patients during Covid-19, you can always consult one of the best oncologists in Delhi NCR, Dr. Manish Singhal.

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

Does Cold Water Cause Cancer? Know What Expert Oncologist In Noida Says

Time and again, we have been reminded of the benefits of drinking water. Water has enormous benefits for the mind and the body. However, drinking cold water can have consequences, or so it is believed.

Some people like to nurture the belief that cold water can cause negative impacts on one’s body and cause ill effects on one’s long-term health. It is said to make the stomach hard. Some say that it solidifies the oil-rich food that we consume, which interacts with acids in the stomach to produce fats. This fact accumulates on the intestinal walls to pave the way for cancer.

Alternatively, Indian Ayurveda suggests that cold water slows down bodily functions and disrupts the digestive process. Let us delve into the topic of discussion to find out whether cold water causes cancer.

Cancer specialists at CCI and well-known cancer doctor, Dr. Manish Singhal tells you the real story behind the fact and the fiction.

How Is Cold Water Related To Cancer?

It is true that cold water affects one’s body. Coldwater aggravates cold and flu. It causes nasal blockages. Coldwater also affects migraines and increases achalasia pain. The pain while passing food through your esophagus is called achalasia and that can increase if you take cold water with your food. Alternatively, cold water can also cool you down on warm, humid days of the summer season. But how can cold water cause cancer symptoms?

If you visit an oncologist in Delhi, they will tell you exactly how cold water affects you in a negative way. The cold water turns oily food into solids, which react with acids to form fats that accumulate in the intestinal linings. Apart from the story of consolidated mass turning into fat, there is not much credibility to the myth. Water; be it hot or cold, attains the body temperature once it is inside it. Furthermore, oils are fats essentially. Thus, stomach acids break down all food and do not ‘convert’ oils into fats, thereby rendering them harmful to the body.

Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best oncologists in Delhi NCR and cancer specialist in Noida, is often faced with the questions of cold water-related to cancer. He says that the answer to the question is a loud no.

How Can Cancer Be Prevented?

There are multiple ways to prevent cancer, but avoiding water is certainly not one of them. From the best cancer doctor in Delhi to an oncologist in Noida, everyone will tell you that the ways of avoiding cancer are simple.

• Quitting smoking
• Avoiding alcohol
• Using a sunscreen
• Practicing a healthy lifestyle
• Nutritious diet
• Regular exercise
• Cancer check-ups on a regular basis.
• Adequate amounts of water

These daily practices help you avoid cancer.

Conclusion

Make an appointment with doctors, oncologists, and cancer specialists at CCI for the best cancer treatment in India.

Also Read: Is vaping a cause of Lung Cancer: Know what Oncologists say ​

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Cancer symptoms that you should never ignore and consult an oncologist in Delhi

Today, people are surviving longer than ever after having diagnosed with the cancer. Regular screenings detect diseases in its advance stag when they are more sincere to manage. You won't perpetually receive a lump or a bump with cancer. The symptoms can be extremely limited obvious—and they could influence to other health problems as well. It's vital to consider any of the following symptoms with your doctor for a proper diagnosis and cancer treatment.

Noticing one of the following symptoms doesn’t mean you have cancer. They’re important enough to tell your doctor or the Cancer Specialist in Delhi.

When you start losing weight for no purpose, don’t delay to call your doctor. It is ideal loss of 10 pounds or more could be oblivion to bother about. Nevertheless, in exceptional cases, it may be the earliest sign of cancer.

This isn’t fatigue comparable to how you feel after a long-drawn and hectic day of work. The excessive fatigue that doesn’t get well with relaxation can be an initial sign of cancer.

Cancer utilizes your body’s nutrients to develop and improve, so those nutrients are no longer refreshing your body. This “nutrient theft” can perform you feel exhausted.

There are many underlying conditions of fatigue; most of them are not significant for cancer. If your signs are sharp enough to influence the condition and quality of your life, you must fix an appointment with the Best Oncologist in Delhi NCR.

1. Fever can be a normal symptom of everyday colds and the flu. Oftentimes, it’s nothing to bother about.

2. Specific features of fever can predict a viable cancer connection. You should pay appropriate consideration if:

• A fever often occurs at night.
• No other signs of infection.
• You encounter night perspirations.

3. Pain is a different sign that can be provoked by an abundance of things, most of them are normal in routine, but they can be the hint for an underlying disease.

4. Cancer can produce pain in different ways, including:

• A mass or tumor advancing on other areas of your body
• The chemicals released by cancer.
• Due to Metastasis, which is spreading of cancer from the area where it started. 

5. If you’re encountering pain that continues endlessly, and you are not sure the place from where it is coming. Here consulting with the cancer doctor in Delhi can help you to take the next steps towards
treatment.

6. Skin is the largest organ of the human body, which can act as a window for the allover health of the body. Jaundice (yellowing of eyes or fingertips) is the commonest sign that indicates the possible
infection. Whether it is cancer or any other infection, you must find out best oncologist in Delhi NCR or visit the hospital for a checkup.

7. If you are having Changes in moles that can also serve as a cause for the cancer, you should call your doctor without any delay, keep these points in mind;

• Mole is asymmetrical, or has irregular edges
• Variations in color or becomes darker or not.

Also Read: Top Techniques of Breast Cancer Treatment in India

Brief guide to reduce the effects of heart problems in breast cancer treatment

Advancements in breast cancer treatment increase the number of breast cancer survivors in the world. But this cancer treatment is also responsible for the heightened harmful chances of heart problems. Chemotherapy produces some cardio toxic effects, thus the breast cancer treatment ends up with some heart problems. Cancer specialists in Delhi reveal that there are certain drugs that interfere with normal heart pumping functions. Keeping these emerging effects of post-breast cancer treatment, cancer doctors in Delhi using the measures to keep the heart-healthy.

Best Breast Cancer Doctor in Delhi NCR reports the Main goal of the treatment is to encourage the woman's talk with the physician about their primary health care or the steps that can reduce the risk factor of having heart problems after the cancer treatment. It's normal to have some personality changes after breast cancer treatment, but literally, modification in the lifestyle may lower the chances of having heart problems as post-term effects of breast cancer treatment.

Main factors associated with the heart problems in breast cancer treatment

• There are some chemotherapy drugs, radiation therapy, that have some negative effects on the heart.
• Drugs come under the class of anthracycline and taxane produces toxic effects on the muscles of them heart.
• Radiation therapy increases the formation of a scar in the heart tissues, thus increasing the damage to the heart valve and coronary heart disease.
• There are some standard steps that can reduce the risk of heart problems;
• Breast cancer treatment in India has accepted some norms to ensure safe and quality treatment to breast cancer patients.

Proper heart assessments before and after the treatment
Before the starting of the treatment, you should have done an assessment of the heart status by a cardio-oncologist. Even a little fluctuation in the blood pressure might be the sigh of some risks, so negligence here may burst into a bad situation

Ask about your potential risks 
Consult your oncologist about the risk related to the treatment. Drugs that have direct effects you can discuss these things with your doctor. And how the heart will be monitored during the process, although the cancer specialist in Delhi, works by maintaining good interpersonal relationships but still you should ask.

Learn to watch for the symptoms 
Ask your doctors to highlight every negative symptom related to the heart problem during the treatment. So that you can easily differentiate with the normal treatment. Symptoms like shortness of breath, fatigue, weakness, Irregularities in heart breath, edema, or weight gain, etc. Keep a strict vigilance over every symptom, immediately call them if you find any of them.

Although every cancer treatment has some nuts and cons, we cannot deny the survival rate. With some precautions or vigilance, the post-treatment effects may be reduced. Ray of hope in cancer treatment is cancer consultant; it is India's leading provides the best cancer care treatments with a comprehensive number of doctors and Considered as the best cancer specialists.