What does it mean to be immunocompromised in the times of COVID-19?

WHO, CDC, and all the other health agencies have identified the groups of people who are most "at-risk" of suffering from the severe form of Covid-19 disease. Several factors influence the vulnerability of people to Covid-19, including age, gender, pre-existing conditions, and the condition of their immune system. While age, gender, and pre-existing conditions can be measured to some extent, hence people can protect themselves; for immunocompromised individuals, the situation is a little trickier.

There is a lot of misinformation regarding who immunocompromised people are, although the term is used extensively.

Understanding the “immunocompromised” status

When someone is immunocompromised, it means that the person's immune system is weaker than the rest of the population, either due to a disease or due to medication. A weak immune system is unable to protect the body from some infections, and from the severe side effects of infection if contracted.

People can become immunocompromised primarily in two ways:

• Immunosuppression-In fighting a disease or a disorder, if immunosuppressors are given to ensure that your immune system does not act against you, it is called immunosuppression. For example, in cancer patients, this kind of immunocompromised status is quite common. 

• Immunodeficiency-Some people are born with immunodeficiencies or develop immunodeficiencies in later stages of life.

Just like other infections, the immune system plays a major role in fighting Covid-19; and no external factor can boost the immune system. If you are a cancer patient, i.e., among the immunosuppressed crowd, you can ask your cancer doctor, and if he/she is as experienced and as up-to-date about the current situation like Dr. Manish Singhal, one of the best cancer doctors in Delhi, he/she will tell you the same. However, although you cannot externally boost your immunity, you can still stay safer from the pandemic than the others by following the recommendations of the health organizations.

Are cancer patients, i.e. a big part of the immunosuppressed crowd, more at risk of Covid-19? Why?

According to some of the best cancer doctors around the world, cancer patients might be at a higher risk of Covid-19. Before you panic or jump into conclusions, cancer itself does NOT make you vulnerable to either getting infected by or experiencing severe symptoms of Covid-19. There has been no proof of cancer patients, both past and present, being more susceptible to this disease.

Are we sounding contradictory? Hear us out. 

• Solid-organ cancers & blood cancers can make you immunodeficient. If an organ is removed or is malfunctioning due to cancer, or in case of blood cancer, if the whole system is malfunctioning, you can imagine how your immune system must be suffering a little. 

• Chemotherapy and radiation, common cancer treatments, can weaken the immune system during the treatment and sometimes even in cancer patients in remission or cancer survivors. 

• Other infections due to cancer treatment can further weaken an already weak immune system.

• Co-morbidities like diabetes, heart disease, kidney failure, liver cirrhosis, liver failure, can all weaken an already weak immune system in cancer patients. 

• Sometimes, cancer patients lack appetite, which gives rise to malnutrition. This can also weaken an already weak immune system in cancer patients. 

How to function as an immunocompromised person in the Covid-19 pandemic?

• Keep taking your regular medications to keep yourself as healthy as possible. 

• Eat healthy, keep exercising.

• Wash your hands.

• Do not touch your face.

• Maintain social distancing at all times.

• Do not leave your house unless absolutely necessary.

• Keep your hospital/doctor’s appointments unless instructed otherwise.

• Have an emergency supply of medicines.

• Stock-up for a period of 14 days at a time in case you need to self-isolate.

• Avoid people who are ill even if they are your family members.

• Do not share personal items with others.

The ending address

Covid-19 has already uprooted many lives, destroyed families, livelihoods, and infected almost 6 million people worldwide, killing over 346K. It is decidedly a little more dangerous for the immunocompromised people. So, be alert, be safe, don't panic, and remember you're not alone. 

If you are an immunocompromised cancer patient, consult your oncologist, if you need a second opinion or some more information and recommendations, consult with an experienced, renowned cancer doctor like Dr. Manish Singhal, a revered cancer specialist in Delhi NCR.

ALSO READ: Possible side effects of Breast cancer Treatment: How they affect a cancer patient's body

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

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

Lung Cancer Awareness: Is a mass in the lung always cancer?

Lung cancer is a mass or growth made up of cancer cells. However, less than 40% of lung masses are cancerous. So, if your doctor has told you that you have a lung mass or few, there is no need to panic. You see, "lung mass" is a broad term used to characterize multiple abnormalities in the lungs.

What EXACTLY are lung masses?

Lung masses are abnormal spots or areas in the lungs, which are more than 3cms or one and a half inches in size; anything smaller and even the best cancer doctors call them lung nodules. There are two major categories of lung masses, malignant and benign. More often than not, lung masses are non-malignant, which translates into non-cancerous.

Benign vs. Malignant Lung masses

According to clinical researchers and some of the best lung cancer doctors worldwide, hamartomas, bronchial adenomas, and papillomas are some of the common types of benign lung masses. These can occur due to tuberculosis, abscesses, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, pneumonia, and other co-
morbidities. The general symptoms of benign lung masses are shortness of breath, wheezing, fever, and coughing.

The same clinical researchers and best cancer doctors agree that some of the common malignant lung masses are non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, squamous cell carcinoma, and adenocarcinoma. While there are no known causes of lung cancer, the chances of lung cancer are aggravated by smoking, age, family history of lung cancer, exposure to radon, exposure to air
pollution, and carcinogens.

Symptoms of Lung cancer

While most people experience lung cancer symptoms differently, these are some of the common symptoms:

• Chest pain that doesn't go away
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• constant coughing & coughing up blood
• Recurring lung infections
• Hoarseness
• Swelling in neck or face
• Fever

However, even the best cancer doctors will tell you that even with all the said symptoms, you might not have lung cancer. The best way to know whether your symptoms might be of lung cancer is to get yourself checked. And, remember, even if you do have the disease, with the right lung cancer treatment from the best lung cancer doctor in town, your chances of coming out of this storm
stronger, are extremely high.

Statistical analysis of lung masses
As mentioned above, about 40% of lung masses and nodules are cancerous. Lung masses and nodules for people below 35 years of age are rarely cancerous, about 1%; however, for your above 50 years of age, chances of lung a mass being cancerous is a little less than 50%, according to researchers and lung cancer specialists.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer death accounting for 25% of the mortality rate; however, lung cancer treatment and diagnosis have come a long way and the numbers are improving every day.

Not all lung masses are lung cancer; but, if you are suffering from the extended symptoms of lung cancer or if you are at high-risk, you can always consult the best lung cancer doctor in town. For Delhites, it is Dr. Manish Singhal, the best lung cancer doctor in Delhi NCR, and also regarded as the best Oncologist in Delhi NCR. Dr. Manish Singhal also offers treatment for lung cancer in Noida and the adjoining areas.

Also Read: Prognostic factors affecting survival rates in Lung Cancer Patients

Breast Cancer Awareness-The truth about male breast cancer

Breast cancer in men is rare as less than 1% of breast cancer patients worldwide are men. That is why the awareness of the disease is low in the world population. While the 5-year survival rate of male breast cancer patients is extremely high at 84%, the primary issue with male breast cancer is catching the disease in the early stages. Breast cancer causes many symptoms in women; however, in men, such symptoms are ignored, due to the lower prevalence rates.

Who is at risk?
Men who inherit abnormal/mutated genes from their patents or with mutated BRCA2 gene are at more risk of developing breast cancer. The risk increases with age, at an average of 57 years and up people may fall prey to breast cancer, and may need the best cancer doctor in town. People in Noida & Delhi with such history can always seek the best breast cancer treatment in Noida or the best breast cancer treatment in Delhi from one of the best cancer doctors, Dr. Manish Singhal.

Other risk factors:

• Higher estrogen level due to prostate cancer drugs, obesity, liver disease, or Klinefelter's Syndrome.
• Family history of breast cancer. (other than parents)
• Testicle disease or surgery

Symptoms of male breast cancer
With the help of some of the best cancer doctors and reputed cancer specialists in Delhi, people can conquer male breast cancer and emerge out of it victorious. The first step is understanding the symptoms.

• Painless lump and/or thickened breast tissue
• Changes on the skin covering the breast tissue such as dimpling, puckering, scaling, and redness
• Changes on the nipples such as redness, scaling or turning inward
• Discharge from the nipples

The common breast cancer causes
The exact cause of breast cancer in males is unknown, although older men with pre-existing conditions, and a family history of cancer or breast cancer, in particular, have a greater chance of getting the disease. With the help of the right breast cancer specialist, everyone can lead a better life irrespective of breast cancer causes.

Can you prevent breast cancer?

Since the cause of male breast cancer is not known even by the best cancer doctors and researchers, the best tip to reduce the risk of it is leading a healthier lifestyle. Eat right, stay active, stop your bad habits (like smoking or drinking), and you should be safer than most people.

To consult or not to consult
Whether the common breast cancer causes are relevant to you or not, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms associated with male breast cancer or if you are from a high-risk group, you should connect with a reputed cancer specialist in Delhi, NCR or a renowned breast cancer specialist, like Dr. Manish Singhal.

You can find the best breast cancer treatment in Noida and the most trusted breast cancer treatment in Delhi with Dr. Manish Singhal lauded as one of the best cancer doctors in Delhi NCR, and India.

To wrap it up
While it is not common, breast cancer in males is quite possible and recognized worldwide as a concerning matter. The treatment options are many and forever evolving, and the best way to navigate through this difficult journey is to put your trust in the best cancer doctor in town.

Also Read: Is it true that left breast cancer is more common? Let’s find out.

Know the future of treating lung cancer

Lung cancer aggregates 6.9% of all new cancer cases and 9.3% of cancer-related deaths in India according to current reports. The numbers represent both sexes and all regions of India, metro and rural areas. While it is more prevalent in people who smoke, non-smokers are not entirely exempt from lung cancer.

With the increased pollution rates in India and increasing stress levels, lung cancer is becoming exceedingly common in Indian households.

There are two types of lung cancer, small-cell lung cancer, and non-small-cell lung cancer. The two types of lung cancers grow and spread differently. Lung cancer treatment options include surgery, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, radiation, a combination of these, and experimental therapies.

However, the prognosis can still be dire without the help of a reputed cancer specialist because lung cancer is generally discovered in advanced stages.

Successful Treatments of Lung Cancer

The primary difficulty of treating lung cancer is that, more often than not, lung cancer is discovered in the late stages of the disease. Cancer specialists have little to no choice in choosing an appropriate therapeutic approach in such cases.

However, if health care professionals, as well as at-risk individuals, remain vigilant, arresting the disease before it’s too late may be possible. Also, some treatments have shown positive outcomes in lung cancer.

An example of effective treatment for stage IV lung cancer is shown in a study published by the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, 2013. In the study, a 53-year-old male with stage IV non-small-cell lung cancer is treated with multimodality therapy instead of palliative chemotherapy or palliative surgery. The results are positive for a particular subset of patients. However, PET-CT and proper staging are required for a higher success rate.

According to BMC Cancer's 2018 study, Crizotinib has also shown positive results in treating non-small-cell lung cancer. 

Future of Treating Lung Cancer

• Surgery

Surgery is an important treatment option for lung cancer, and currently, doctors use video-assisted thoracic surgery to remove certain tumors associated with lung cancer. It is more precise and less invasive surgery.

Cancer specialists are also studying VATs to determine its efficacy in removing larger tumors. New tools and mechanisms are being developed every day, improving the future of cancer treatment; there are endoscopic staplers, remote control panels for robot-assisted surgery, and many other latest innovations in cancer treatment.

• Real-time tumor imaging

The latest research on cancer treatment has revealed that researchers are trying to implement new imaging techniques like four-dimensional computed tomography or 4DCT to improve treatment options. Unlike

standard CT scans, 4DCT scans the chest continuously for 30 seconds recording the placement of tumors related to other structures within the human body as the person breathes. With the help of 4DCT, cancer

specialists can deliver radiation more efficiently, and they can also determine where other structures within the vicinity of the tumor are located; this helps in determining which cases can be considered for surgery.

• Targeted Therapy

As scientists learn more about how lung cancer grows and spreads, armed with the latest research on cancer treatment they are developing targeted therapy drugs to use against non-small-cell lung cancer or NSCLC. These drugs are already approved for use in other cancers and are being studied for NSCLC with a change in the RET gene. The drugs being studied are sunitinib, sorafenib, vandetanib, and cabozantinib.

Moreover, the best lung cancer treatment can be created by amalgamating several experimental and tested procedures. For brain metastases associated with lung cancer, for example, new radiation techniques like

SRS with fewer side effects are being used. Another drug, AZD3759, is in clinical trials for treating NSCLC with an EGFR gene change. It is showing promising results and can cross the blood-brain barrier according to recent studies. For treating patients with brain metastases due to NSCLC with an EGFR gene change, epitinib, a kinase inhibitor is also showing promising results.

• Immunotherapeutic Treatments

Immunosuppressant drugs are also being used to help a cancer patient's immune system to fight cancer. Some of the drugs are already approved, while others are in different phases of a clinical trial.

Conclusion

Despite the constant improvements in cancer treatment, the future of cancer treatment relies on the best cancer doctors in town. Dr. Manish Singhal, for example, is lauded as the best lung cancer doctor in Delhi

NCR, the best oncologist in Delhi NCR, and offers excellent treatment for lung cancer in Noida. So, if you are looking for a cancer specialist in Delhi who keeps himself updated on all the new technologies available worldwide for lung cancer treatment, you can put your trust in Dr. Manish Singhal.

Can Vitamin B raise the risk of Lung Cancer: Truth Revealed by Lung Cancer Specialist

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is an uncontrollable growth of tissues in your respiratory organs known as Lungs. When cells begin to grow out of control, they start multiplying abnormally and cause respiratory problems at the initial stage. Lung cancer cells gradually develop in the cells lining the bronchi and parts of the lung, which are bronchioles or alveoli. Symptoms include abnormal breathing, pain in the chest, fatigue, or loss of appetite.

What are the causes of Lung cancer?

The causes of lung cancer are thoroughly elaborated by a cancer specialist in Delhi. Due to uncontrolled tissue growth, cancer develops after genetic damage to DNA and epigenetic changes. On the formation of these changes, these cancer tissues accumulate the risk and may result in fatality. The causes are:

• Smoking: According to the best cancer doctor in Delhi, smoking is one of the main contributors to lung cancer. Cigarette smoke emits 73 known carcinogens that are harmful to the lungs. 
• Radon gas: Radon is the second cause of lung cancer. It is a colorless and odorless gas that is generated due to the breakdown of the radioactive element known as radium. This produces a decay product of uranium that emits a gas form of matter. According to an Oncologist in Noida, this radon gas causes more than 21,000 deaths each year.
• Asbestos: For smokers who use the product known as asbestos, the chances of lung cancer increases by 45% for them. Tobacco smoking and asbestos have synergistic effects and contribute to the development of cancer in the lungs.

How Vitamin B causes the Risk of Lung Cancer?

Vitamin B contains common ingredients of multivitamins to boost energy metabolism. According to researchers, excessive intake of Vitamin B in the form of supplements can increase the risk of cancer. When the data was analyzed, Vitamin B6 and Vitamin B12 as individual supplements were each shown to increase lung cancer risk by 30-40% in men, but not in women. Ineffective chain of smokers who have a high intake of supplement B6, there is an increase in the risk of developing lung cancer by three times.

List of Prevention tips:

• Quit/Don’t Smoke: Visit different organizations that help people get rid of smoking addiction. Talk to your family and friends about how smoking increases the chance of lung cancer.
• Monitor your Vitamin B supplement intake: Consult your doctor before deciding upon whether you need Vitamin B supplement. Too much of anything can be harmful. It’s better to discuss with the best Lung Cancer doctor in Delhi NCR to know about what medications one should avoid. 
• Test your home for radon: Ensure that your environment is safe. After undergoing, cancer specialists advise to get radon testing done and prevent a recurrence. 

Why is consulting Dr. Manish Singhal important?

He is one of the best cancer doctors providing the treatment for lung cancer in Noida. With supreme knowledge in the field of oncology, Dr. Manish Singhal is the most trusted cancer specialist in Delhi. Treating patients very delicately, he manages to bring their motivation at par. For any consultation, visit Dr. Manish Singhal, the best oncologist in Delhi NCR.