29 Aug, 2024
29 Aug, 2024
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This article is medically reviewed by Dr. Satvik Khaddar, Consultant - Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Indore.
Celebrating Cancer Awareness Month for different types of cancer aims to raise awareness, promote early detection, and support people living with cancer. It lets the general public know their risk factors, signs, symptoms, and disease screening recommendations to detect cancer early. It empowers individuals to adopt healthy lifestyle habits and opt for regular screening, which may eventually lead to early diagnosis, better treatment, and improved outcomes.
Commemorating cancer awareness month for different types of cancer is always a powerful way to make efforts together to detect and treat cancer and enhance the quality of life for patients and survivors.
Dr. Satvik Khaddar
Since 2010, Blood Cancer Awareness Month, observed every September, has raised awareness about blood cancer. The aim is to disseminate useful information about blood cancer, including its types, signs and symptoms, conventional and advanced treatment options, and impact on patients and their families.
The most common symptoms of blood cancer, also known as hematological cancers, depend upon a particular type of cancer, i.e., leukemia, lymphoma, or myeloma.
Common symptoms of these diseases include persistent fatigue, unintentional weight loss, recurring infections, fever, easy bleeding or bruising, swollen lymph nodes, bone pain or tenderness, and night sweats.
Other signs may include pale skin, shortness of breath, and frequent nosebleeds. Hence, these symptoms are crucial for early diagnosis and management. If one experiences such signs, they should seek the help of a health professional to get properly evaluated and treated.
Treatment for blood cancer depends on the type of disease and its stage, as well as the patient's general health. The most common treatments are chemotherapy, which involves the use of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells, and radiation therapy, which uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancer cells.
During bone marrow transplantation or stem cell transplantation, the unhealthy or non-functioning stem cells are replaced with healthy stem cells. Targeted therapy involves targeting molecules or processes specifically involved in the growth of cancer and thereby regulating its growth and development.
Immunotherapy involves re-engineering the body's immune system to identify and attack cancer cells. Blood transfusions and antibiotics are part of supportive care for symptom management and preventing complications.
These approaches are combined in the treatment plan, which is individualized to alleviate symptoms, enhance quality of life, and optimize results.
Tips may include awareness of common symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, and frequent infections.
Encourage regular medical checkups, especially if one has risk factors or a family history. Use social media, events within the community, or any form of education to spread information about blood cancer.
Share personal stories to humanize the effects of blood cancer disease by raising awareness and knowledge.
Childhood cancer, although rare, is one of the primary causes of disease-related deaths in children and adolescents. Every September, awareness is raised about childhood cancer. The noble idea of Childhood Cancer Awareness Month was initially introduced in 1990 to create awareness, including the signs and symptoms, risks, diagnosis, and treatment of childhood cancer.
Different signs and symptoms of cancer in children include unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, frequent infections, unusual bleeding or bruising, persistent pain, usually in bones or joints, a visible mass, sudden vision changes, headaches with vomiting, paleness or loss of energy, and sudden behavioral changes.
The symptoms differ depending on the type of cancer and its location. Parents and caregivers should detect these symptoms, get advice from relevant specialists, and seek medical help if symptoms persist or worsen.
Treatment of childhood cancer is based on the type, extent, and location of the disease and the general health condition of the child. It comprises surgical removal of tumors, chemotherapy with potent drugs that kill cancer cells, and radiotherapy that shrinks or destroys tumors with high-energy beams.
In some cancer cases, stem cell transplantation is used, wherein damaged bone marrow is replaced by healthy stem cells. Targeted therapies and immunotherapy represent newer ways of targeting cancer cells or enhancing the immune system.
Supportive care helps manage side effects and improves quality of life. Treatment plans are customized to cater to the individual care needs of each pediatric patient to maximize effectiveness and minimize long-term side effects.
Raising awareness about childhood cancer is critical for early detection and support. Tips include knowing the common signs like persistent, unexplained symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, unusual lumps, bruises, and changes in behavior.
Encouraging regular medical checkups and prompt follow-ups on any concerning symptoms can help with an early diagnosis. Share information through community events, social media, and educational campaigns to educate others about the importance of early detection and the impact of childhood cancer.
Guide for effective treatment options to improve outcomes and support children and families affected by cancer.
Gynecological Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September to raise awareness about gynecological cancers and the importance of early detection, prevention, and timely treatment. Gynecological cancer includes cancers of the cervix, ovaries, fallopian tubes, uterus, vagina, and vulva. The gynecological cancer awareness month is a platform to spread education about the importance of early detection of these cancers in terms of outcomes.
The types of gynecologic cancers include cervical, ovarian, uterine, vaginal, and vulvar cancer, each characterized by the presence of different symptoms.
However, they all have many general symptoms, which include abnormal vaginal bleeding or blood or watery discharge from the vagina; discomfort or pain in the pelvis; change in bowel or bladder habits; feeling bloated or complete all the time; weight loss without known reason; pain at the time of sex; itching; and changes or rashes on the vulva.
Awareness of these symptoms allows for the timely diagnosis and treatment of gynecological cancers and positively impacts outcomes and quality of life. Women should undergo routine gynecologic exams and Pap smears to identify these symptoms early in the disease.
The treatment for gynecologic cancers is planned after considering various factors, namely the type of cancer, its stage and grade, its exact location, the patient’s age, and overall health. Treatment options available for gynecological cancers include surgery to remove the tumor and some surrounding tissue, which is done mainly for early-stage cancers.
Chemotherapy uses medicines to kill malignant cells or stop them from growing. Medicines can be taken orally or intravenously. During radiation therapy, high-energy beams are directed at cancerous cells to kill them through an external or internal radiation source.
Targeted therapy and immunotherapy can also be administered to attack cancer cells or boost the immune system. Hormone therapy is also indicated for certain hormone-sensitive gynecological cancers. These are tailored as much as possible to have maximum effectiveness with minimal side effects, ensuring improved quality of life for the patients.
There is a need to create awareness about gynecologic cancers and their detection and provide support in the early stages. Among the tips are knowledge of common symptoms like abnormal bleeding, pelvic pain, and bowel or bladder habit changes.
Encourage women to get regular gynecologic checkups and screenings, especially women with risk factors or a family history of uterine, ovarian, cervical, vaginal, or vulvar cancers. Share stories about early symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment so others can learn about early detection and prevention by posting on social media, hosting community events, or running education campaigns.
The more awareness and knowledge are raised about these gynecological cancers, the better the chances of promising outcomes among those who are diagnosed with them.
National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month is observed every September. The aim is to raise awareness about the detection of symptoms that may lead to early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and favorable outcomes.
Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month also ensures that individuals are provided with information related to preventing and reducing the risk of ovarian cancer.
Ovarian cancer symptoms are usually vague. Some of the common signs and symptoms include abdominal bloating or swelling, pelvic or abdominal pain, trouble eating or feeling full after eating little food, and having to urinate frequently or urgently.
Other symptoms include fatigue, back pain, itching, constipation, indigestion, and changes in menstrual cycles. These symptoms may often be mistakenly attributed to other conditions, making early detection of the condition challenging.
Women should not ignore persistent or worsening symptoms and seek a health provider for further evaluation in case there is a family history of ovarian or breast cancer. Early detection allows for effective treatment.
Ovarian cancer treatment depends on how far the cancer has spread, the type of ovarian cancer, and the overall health of the patient. Traditionally, treatment involves surgical cytoreduction, removing as many tumors as possible, typically including the ovaries, uterus, and surrounding tissues.
Chemotherapy may be given after surgery to kill the remaining cancer cells. Targeted therapy inhibits specific molecules involved in the development of cancer, and immunotherapy enhances the patient's immune system in fighting against malignant cells.
Treatment plans are tailored in ways to maximize potency and ensure an improved quality of life for women undergoing treatment for ovarian cancer.
Awareness of ovarian cancer is essential for an early diagnosis with better outcomes. Tips include becoming aware of the signs and symptoms of ovarian cancer: bloating, pelvic pain, and changes in urinary habits.
Ensure regular pelvic exams and a discussion with a healthcare provider about family history and risk factors. Help others by sharing through community events, social media, and education campaigns regarding the importance of early detection and prevention.
By raising awareness and knowledge, we can motivate and empower women to identify the symptoms and help detect ovarian cancer.
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers in men. Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, observed in September, aims to raise awareness about prostate cancer. It involves educating individuals about the prevention, risks, early diagnosis, and treatments for prostate cancer. It also highlights the importance of early detection and timely treatment.
The symptoms of prostate cancer are frequent urination, especially at night; difficulty initiating or stopping urination; weak or interrupted urine flow; erectile dysfunction; blood in the urine or semen; bone pain; and pain or discomfort in the pelvic area.
In most cases, early prostate cancer does not show any symptoms, thereby making regular screening very important among men over the age of 50 or those with a family history of the disease. If an individual experiences one or more of these symptoms for more than two weeks, they should seek medical help urgently because treatments work best when the disease is in its early stages.
Prostate cancer treatment planning depends on the stage and aggressiveness of the disease. Vigilant surveillance; surgery to remove the prostate gland; radiation treatments in which the patient is exposed to high-energy beams that kill cancer cells; hormone therapy to reduce testosterone levels; chemotherapy; and targeting cancer cells with specialized drugs are some of the treatment choices for prostate cancer.
Treatment decisions are offered with consideration of a person's health, age, and personal preferences, ensuring effective management of quality of life with the growth of cancer.
Awareness of prostate cancer helps to identify risk factors such as age, genetic predisposition, and race (African American men are considered risk-prone). Screening regularly, especially for people over 50 years of age or those at high risk, may support early detection.
Certain prostate cancer symptoms are apparent, such as frequent urination, blood in the urine, or bone pain. If these symptoms are experienced persistently, one must see a doctor. Healthy lifestyles, such as a healthy diet and regular physical activity, can reduce one’s prostate cancer risk.
Every September, Thyroid Cancer Awareness Month is observed to raise awareness about thyroid cancer, preventive measures, risks, signs and symptoms, and treatment. It is important to understand and spread awareness about thyroid cancer to ensure early detection and successful treatment.
In its initial stages, thyroid cancer does not manifest itself in visible symptoms. As the disease progresses, symptoms may appear, including lumps or swelling in the neck, dysphagia or dyspnea, hoarseness, and pain in the neck or throat.
Sometimes, no symptoms appear at all. That is why it is essential to check the neck regularly for lumps or swelling and to seek immediate medical attention for any persistent symptoms.
Thyroid cancer treatment is comprehensive and complex. While devising a treatment plan for thyroid cancer, various parameters such as the type of thyroid cancer, its stage and grade, and the patient’s general health are taken into consideration.
Thyroid cancer treatment often involves the surgical removal of part or the whole thyroid gland, usually followed by radioactive iodine therapy to kill the remaining cancer cells. In some cases, external beam radiation or targeted drug therapy may be necessary. Adhering to the follow-up care guidelines after the treatment is crucial to reducing recurrence risks.
Tips for raising thyroid cancer awareness may include gaining knowledge of different risk factors associated with thyroid cancer, such as a family history of thyroid illness or radiation exposure. Being able to check one's neck regularly for lumps or swelling and, at the same time, being on the lookout for symptoms such as swallowing difficulties or hoarseness that persist can help.
Thyroid cancer is relatively more common among women. Other risk factors for thyroid cancer include increasing age, family history of thyroid cancer, radiation exposure, poor diet, and more. Those identified as high-risk individuals should consider regular screening, which may help in the timely detection and treatment of this cancer type.
World Leukemia Day is observed on September 4th every year. The aim is to increase awareness about leukemia. This includes spreading information about its signs and symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and treatment options. It also promotes early diagnosis and advancements in treatment.
Various awareness initiatives are conducted to disseminate helpful information related to leukemia among the general public. The goals are to increase survival and improve the quality of life of those diagnosed with leukemia.
World Gynecologic Oncology Day is observed on September 20th. Its goal is to raise awareness of various gynecological cancers, such as ovarian, uterine, cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers.
Different healthcare organizations commemorate this day by sharing detailed information about symptoms, preventive measures, and the importance of regular screenings in diagnosing and preventing gynecological cancers. The day is celebrated worldwide for improving outcomes and quality of life for patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancers.
HCG Cancer Hospital offers specialized oncology care incorporating state-of-the-art facilities and a multidisciplinary team of experts. It has advanced diagnostics and treatment facilities to detect cancer accurately. The hospital also provides individual care plans and world-class post-surgical care. The hospital aims to optimize treatment outcomes and improve the quality of life for cancer patients.
Cancer is a life-threatening condition. The outcomes further worsen due to delayed diagnosis. Further, many individuals do not know about the symptoms, preventive measures, and risk factors for individual cancer, making them more vulnerable to the disease and also leading to delayed diagnosis.
Observing awareness months for different cancers and providing key information related to their signs and symptoms, preventive measures, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment can play a pivotal role in individuals making informed decisions.
Author Bio : Dr. Satvik Khaddar
Consultant - Medical Oncology
MBBS, MD, DM (Medical Oncology)
Dr. Satvik Khaddar is an accomplished medical oncologist and hematologist with over 7 years of experience, practicing at HCG Cancer Centre, a top cancer hospital in Indore. He specializes in treating both solid tumors and hematological malignancies using systemic therapies. With the utmost dedication to making cancer care personalized, he focuses on helping his patients in the best way possible. He carries a robust background and is actively involved in creating cancer awareness through digital media and awareness camps.
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