Lung Cancer Risk Calculator: New tool to predict lung cancer based on Risk Factors

 Covid-19 has wreaked havoc worldwide, and it has destroyed economies, quarantined the masses, and put everyone in a manic state. Although the virus has caused widespread panic, we ought to fear a deadlier disease, Lung cancer. Lung cancer has more than double the deaths caused by COVID-19. Each year 1.79 million people die due to lung cancer.

• Lung cancer, the worst type of cancer

It causes more deaths every year than the next three most fatal causes of cancer: colon cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. 1 in 15 men are affected by lung cancer, and 1 in 17 women are affected. Lung cancer is as widespread as Covid-19, yet no one seems to bat an eye. The difference between lung cancer and other cancer types is that it is already too late when people get diagnosed. Forty percent of all lung cancer patients have a metastasized disease at their diagnosis. Thus, making it much more challenging to survive. The five-year survival rate of lung cancer is also at a shockingly low percentage. Only 19 percent of people diagnosed early on survive. For this figure's perspective, the five-year survival rate of prostate cancer is 99 percent, and breast cancer is 90 percent. The numbers show that the best way is to predict the deadly cancer rather than battle it.

• A Revolutionary Lung cancer prediction tool

The solution that comes to mind is better predicting whether you have lung cancer before the cancer is metathesis. Better prediction methods have proven to be useful for early diagnosis and an increased survival rate. The previous models were on the early detection of breast cancer. The earlier models worked well and helped many women get treated. All this data begs the question of how do we calculate lung cancer risk. The proposed systems endgame is to build a software prediction tool that can easily predict the lung cancer risk. The lung cancer prediction tool based on risk factors would analyze the population based on the risk factors. The risk factors include tobacco smoking, second-hand smoke, exposure to radioactive materials, exposure to asbestos, and a family history of lung cancer. 

While creating new software to predict if you have lung cancer, the operation method is a rather lengthy data-heavy procedure. The procedure consists of three stages. In the first stage, the global medical database is analyzed to determine lung cancers common symptoms. In the second stage, medical questionnaires are sent to several doctors and specialists in thoracic tumors to find the most significant lung cancer symptom. In the third stage, medical knowledge from global research projects is analyzed to find the risk of lung cancer by examining available diagnostic factors values. A lung cancer risk calculating tool is designed by the data collected from the three stages.

• The best lung cancer doctor in Delhi NCR

Although prevention is better than cure, if you are diagnosed with lung cancer, hopefully at an early stage, you ought to visit the best lung cancer doctor. At Cancer Consult India, you get the best lung cancer doctors in Delhi NCR. The best Oncologist in Noida, Dr. Manish Singhal.  It is crucial to saving you and your loved one’s life before getting late. With this, you can get the best treatment of lung cancer in Noida.

Advancements And Improvements In Surgery For Cancer In Recent Times

 Surgery is one of the oldest methods of treating cancer. Its invasive nature and limitations urge scientists and doctors to find safer alternatives. Surgery is commonly performed for most types of cancers, except for blood cancer. There are conservative, preservative, and reconstructive surgeries performed with different types of cancers. With medical and technological advancements, and cancer research, cancer treatment is aiming for the least invasive treatments and minimizing the need for surgery.

However, modern technology has brought down the risks involved in surgical procedures for treating cancer, making the recent advancement in surgery as cancer treatment, a beacon of hope.

Surgical Palliation - Enhancements

With the tremendous rise in the technological aspects, palliative procedures have improved significantly, especially for advanced cancers. With advanced techniques like laser coring and endoscopic stenting of the cancer tumor, it can undergo muni am obstruction. Furthermore, these digitally-advanced technologies are also bringing hope for efficient palliation of malignant esophageal perforation, malignant dysphasia, malignant obstructive jaundice, and evening tracheoesophageal fistulae.

Improvement In Systemic Therapy

There are certain risks associated with surgery when it comes to cancer treatment. There are alternatives to surgery that are used to avoid the need for surgery. Modern medicine introduced systemic therapies, which include chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. They are non-invasive treatments, which include medications that reach the area affected to treat the site. These advancements reduce the need for surgery altogether. It is also used to shrink the tumor to limit the intensity of the surgery and minimize postoperative complications and discomfort. The overall fall in the risk of surgery is due to the advancement in systemic therapy.

Improvement In Robotic Surgery

While the need for operations persists, the technological developments have improved the risk-benefit ratio and precision of the procedure. Robotic surgery is an advancement in which the doctor uses tools and cameras to view the insides of the body. This decreases pain and blood loss, as well as increases the precision. The doctor controls the robot to reach otherwise hard-to-reach places.

Advanced Surgeries

 

Surgical methods of tumor removal have been a staple in cancer treatment. The brighter side shows us that it is improving with time, giving the patient the benefit of reducing the pain and risks associated with surgery. One need not worry about what is the success rate of surgery for cancer as surgical interventions have always been a form of prescribed treatment and are very safe.

To summarize, proper cancer treatment can only be facilitated by a cancer specialist. One needs to find the best doctor and facility to begin treatment. If you are looking for such a facility in Noida or Delhi NCR, you need not look any further as Dr. Manish Singhal is the trusted name in service. He is considered the best oncologist in Delhi NCR and a cancer specialist in Noida. One need not wonder how effective is surgery as a cancer treatment as Dr. Manish Singhal has been in service for over 11 years as a surgical oncologist, and his operations have seen overwhelming success. His continued service is accessible to all, as he is considered to be the best cancer treatment doctor in Delhi NCR.

Also Read: Latest Developments in Lung cancer treatment Research 2020

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?

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