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Lymphedema Awareness: Empowering Cancer Survivors with Care

Lymphedema Awareness: Empowering Cancer Survivors with Care

by | Mar 7, 2025 | Blogs

Introduction:

Lymphedema is a common yet often overlooked complication following breast cancer treatment, significantly impacting a patient’s quality of life. This condition arises due to the removal or damage of lymph nodes, leading to fluid buildup and swelling in the affected limb. 

In this case, a 46-year-old woman developed Stage 1 lymphedema in her left arm after undergoing a lumpectomy, radiation, and chemotherapy. Despite initial exercises, her swelling persisted, requiring physiotherapy interventions.

This article explores her journey, the challenges of cancer-related lymphedema, and the role of complete decongestive therapy in managing symptoms, improving function, and preventing further progression.

If you have digonized with Breast cancer contact us of affordable cancer treatment in chennai.

Post-Treatment Challenges: Addressing Weakness and Swelling After Breast Cancer Surgery

A 46-year-old woman experienced stiffness in her left breast and consulted a general physician who referred her to an oncology team. 

The patient was diagnosed with a cancerous nodule confirmed by mammogram and biopsy. She underwent primary treatment called Lumpectomy (breast-conserving surgery along with sentinel lymph nodes) followed by additional treatments like radiation therapy and chemotherapy.

After treatment, the patient developed weakness in her left arm and hand, affecting her activities of daily living. Her left upper limb started to swell, and she was advised to keep her arm elevated and perform arm pendular exercises during hospitalization. 

The patient continued these exercises, but the swelling recurred despite improvements.

Understanding and Managing Cancer-Related Lymphedema: A Path to Recovery and Improved Quality of Life

Over time, the swelling in her left arm increased in circumference, and she was diagnosed with Stage 1 lymphedema in her left arm. Lymphedema is a chronic condition where fluid accumulation causes swelling in the extremities. 

Cancer-related lymphedema, a secondary condition following cancer treatment involving the removal of cancerous tissue and affected lymph nodes, is a challenging complication that impacts quality of life. 

Recent studies show that the prevalence of secondary lymphedema due to breast cancer treatment is 27% (Reference article: “Prevalence and incidence of cancer-related lymphedema in low and middle-income countries: a systematic review and meta-analysis,” published in 2020).

The patient underwent physiotherapy sessions for complete decongestive therapy, which included manual lymphatic drainage, bandaging, exercise therapy, skin care, and self-care management. These interventions helped the patient manage her lymphedema with significant improvement. She received regular follow-up care and was educated on how to prevent the progression of lymphedema.

Conclusion: 

Lymphedema is a challenging yet manageable condition that often follows breast cancer treatment, affecting a patient’s daily life and well-being. In this case, despite initial exercises, the patient’s swelling persisted, leading to a Stage 1 lymphedema diagnosis. However, with timely physiotherapy interventions, including complete decongestive therapy, she experienced significant improvement.  Her journey highlights the importance of early diagnosis, consistent physiotherapy, and self-care in managing lymphedema effectively. With proper education and regular follow-ups, patients can enhance their quality of life and prevent further complications, ensuring a smoother recovery after breast cancer treatment.
How To Prevent Breast Cancer: 10 Ways To Reduce Risk?

How To Prevent Breast Cancer: 10 Ways To Reduce Risk?

by | Mar 5, 2025 | Blogs

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in India, accounting for a significant portion of new cancer cases and deaths, with reports stating it is responsible for around 13.5% of new cancer cases and 10% of cancer-related deaths in the country; this trend shows a rising incidence rate across different regions of India, with urban areas experiencing a higher burden compared to rural areas. 

Many risk factors are linked to breast cancer. Few are modifiable.  The two most common, being a female and getting older, are factors beyond your control. However, there are lifestyle changes that you can make to prevent cancer, such as exercising, maintaining a healthy weight, and limiting your alcohol intake. 

Having a better understanding of risk, the factors that affect it, how to assess yours, and how to manage it can help you make decisions about your lifestyle. Also, working with your health care provider can help you determine a breast cancer screening plan that is right for you. For those seeking cost-effective treatment, an affordable cancer clinic in Chennai can provide quality care and early detection services.

Over the past 30 years, researchers have identified many factors that increase the risk of breast cancer, as well as a few factors that lower it. It is still not known exactly what causes breast cancer to develop at a certain time in a certain person; it is likely a combination of factors. Although there are ways to manage the risk, no one has control over developing cancer.

Even though the cause of breast cancer is not known, certain risk factors increase the chance of developing breast cancer. Some women have many factors that increase their risk of breast cancer, but they do not develop it. On the other hand, some women develop breast cancer without having any risk factors

Experts don’t know what causes breast cancer, but certain things make you more likely to get it. 

Your age, genetic factors, personal health history, and diet all play a role. Some you can control; others you can’t.

1. Eating healthy: 

Diet exposes our body to many nutrients and chemicals. Potentially protective substances in foods include polyphenolics (ie, foods containing curcumin, raw and less processed cocoa, extra virgin olive oil, berries, walnuts, ginger, black and green olives, spinach) or sulfur-containing compounds (ie, green vegetables containing sulforaphane and flavones). 

Polyphenols are antioxidants that help to neutralize harmful free radicals that damage cells in our body. Low-fat diets, which are usually low in red meat and high in fruits and vegetables, may render some protection through high intake of anticarcinogens in vegetables, fruits, legumes, nuts, and grains.

The Women’s Health Initiative randomized trial did not find an effect of low-fat diet on risk of cancer of the breast or colon. However, among women with early-stage breast cancer, a low-fat diet seems to provide a survival benefit. The Women’s Health Initiative randomized trial of more than 2,400 women with early-stage breast cancer showed that patients assigned to a low-fat diet, in addition to standard therapy, had meaningfully improved survival compared with women eating a regular diet. In a meta-analysis, a positive association was found between sugar-sweetened beverage intake and breast cancer. 

2. Maintaining a healthy weight : 

Obesity is classically defined as a body mass index of at least 30kg/m2. The International        Agency for Research on Cancer concluded that there is sufficient evidence demonstrating risk associations for obesity and 13 cancers, including esophageal adenocarcinoma, meningioma, multiple myeloma, gastric cardia, colorectal, liver, gall bladder, pancreatic, postmenopausal breast, uterine, ovarian, renal cell, and thyroid cancers. 

Excess adiposity also increases cancer recurrence risk and reduces treatment efficacy in multiple cancers. Excess adiposity creates a proinflammatory state.

3. Physical activity : 

Exercise and physical activity decrease the risk of breast cancer by changing the estrogen, insulin, and insulin-like growth factor. Among women, Obesity and weight gain during adulthood are linked with a higher risk of breast cancer, especially after menopause. So, every overweight person should limit high-calorie foods and beverages and increase physical activity to help with weight loss.

In addition to the role of physical activity in reducing cancer risk, an increase in physical activity may be helpful for cancer survivors. Associations have been observed with decreased recurrence and progression and improved survival. Among cancer survivors, the strongest benefits of physical activity have been observed for survivors of colorectal, breast, and prostate cancers.

4. Avoid Alcohol & Smoking

In particular, more than one drink a day increases the risk of breast cancer. Alcohol is classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen. There is no safe level of alcohol consumption.

Avoid smoking: 

Smoking is associated with an increased risk of breast cancer. The longer a woman smokes, the higher her risk of breast cancer. 

5. Mammograms: 

Mammograms are x-rays of the breasts that can detect breast cancer early. Screening mammograms are annual preventive exams. It is recommended that average risk women start screening mammogram from the age of 40 and should continue as long as a woman is healthy and is expected to live 10 more years or longer. 

Diagnostic mammograms are done only if there are signs and symptoms of breast cancer in the breast or armpit. After screening mammogram a radiologist reviews the images and determines if additional imaging is required. 

7. Breastfeeding: 

The protective effect of childbearing at younger ages on breast cancer risk is well established. The longer you breastfeed, the lower your risk of breast cancer. This is because it reduces exposure to estrogen, which can promote breast cancer cell growth.

8. Manage stress :  

There is no current evidence that stress and experience of adverse life events affected subsequent breast cancer risk. Stress can impact a person’s ability to live a healthy lifestyle as it can lead to changes in behaviour or daily routine that may increase the risk of developing breast cancer. Stress can impact the immune system, which may contribute to breast cancer. Stress can increase levels of cortisol, which may contribute to tumor growth. 

9. Adequate sleep : 

The association between typical sleep duration, sleep quality, or sleep disturbance and breast cancer has not yielded consistent findings. But for overall health, sleeping for 7 to 8 hours is advisable.

10. Genetic testing: 

If you have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about the possibility of genetic testing. 

If a first-degree female relative (mother, sister, or daughter) had breast cancer, you’re two times more likely to get the disease. 

The risk can also rise if your father or brother was diagnosed with breast cancer (male breast cancer)

Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer syndrome (HBOC) is clinically defined by family history criteria and molecularly defined by identification of germline pathogenic variants in clinically validated hereditary breast and ovarian cancer genes.

In the presence of a pathogenic variant in BRCA1, BRCA2 or PALB2, screening should commence 5 years before the youngest affected family member, or by age 30.  

Younger-aged women have a higher breast density, which interferes with mammographic detection of breast cancer.  Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has consistently demonstrated improved early diagnosis of cancer in high-risk individuals. 

Breast cancer among women with BRCA1 exhibits fast growth rates more often than sporadic breast cancer. Hence, the time available to detect the cancer is limited, which explains the need for closer screening intervals, particularly for BRCA1 carriers. In fact, for carriers of a BRCA1, 6-monthly screening is recommended. 

If 6-monthly screening is considered, this may be best achieved by annual MRI, and the following imaging may be considered in between annual MRI studies, mammography with or without ultrasound.

Women with HBOC should be offered intensified screening if they do not opt for risk-reducing surgeries. Breast MRI should be considered the essential component of intensified screening programmes.

Studies demonstrate that ‘intensified screening’ results in earlier breast cancer diagnosis and improved outcomes. There are no data as to when we can stop MRI  screening for high-risk individuals. Current guidelines recommend continuing MRI for as long as the woman is in good health.

Once HBOC syndrome is identified, individuals should be advised genetic counselling to address the medical and potential psychological implications for both individuals and their families. 

Follow-up is a lifelong process for individuals with Hereditary breast and ovarian cancer, as they have to undergo serial imaging, risk-reducing surgeries, and risk-reducing treatment. 

Other Risk Factors: 

Other risk factors include nulliparity (never being pregnant) or late age at first childbirth, early menarche and late menopause, prior breast biopsy with hyperplasia or atypical hyperplasia, high breast tissue density, radiation exposure at a young age, especially chest region, and use of postmenopausal hormone therapy. 

Although the relation among physical activity, BMI, and diet may be difficult to separate, it is apparent that maintaining a healthy diet, limiting alcohol intake, avoiding obesity, and moderate physical activity are modifiable behaviors that can decrease breast cancer risk and should be encouraged.

For those seeking specialized care, a breast cancer center in Chennai can provide comprehensive screening and treatment options.

However, there are underlying genetic, environmental, and dietary factors that contribute to the differences in the worldwide incidence of breast cancer. 

Conclusion

Breast cancer prevention involves a combination of lifestyle changes, regular screenings, and genetic awareness. While some risk factors like age and genetics are beyond control, adopting a healthy diet, maintaining a balanced weight, avoiding smoking and alcohol, and staying physically active can help reduce the risk. 

Early detection through mammograms and genetic testing is crucial for timely intervention. For those at high risk, intensified screenings or preventive measures can improve outcomes. Seeking expert care at a breast cancer center in Chennai ensures comprehensive support.

What Is Targeted Therapy? Know Before Treatment?

What Is Targeted Therapy? Know Before Treatment?

by | Feb 28, 2025 | Blogs

The mainstream therapeutic approaches for cancer are Surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy, and chemotherapy being an important component of treatment. However, due to lack of selectivity for tumor cells over normal cells, its success is limited resulting in insufficient drug concentrations in tumors, systemic toxicity and resulting in poor response and discontinuation. 

This is where targeted therapy for cancer plays an important role. Targeted therapies also called as precision medicine or precision oncology. These cancer treatments are designed to target the genetic mutations found in a tumor or the normal genes of the concerned patient. It is a form of personalised treatment for the tumour while sparing toxicity to off-target cells. 

The most common disease where targeted therapy is used is lung cancer. Cancer is caused by gene changes or mutations. The cell forms protein that also is mutated. This mutated protein makes cells grow out of control or allows the cancer to spread or become resistant to treatment. Targeted drugs attack the mutated proteins in cancer cells thus healthy normal cells are spared. 

Most targeted therapies are either small-molecule drugs or monoclonal antibodies. Small-molecule drugs are small enough to enter cells easily, so they are used for targets that are inside cells. There are several kinds of gene targeted therapies for cancer.

Gene Targeted Therapies For Cancer:

Here are the several kinds of gene targeted therapies for cancer

  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
  • Monoclonal antibodies. 
  • Antibody-drug conjugates. .
  • Proteasome inhibitors. 
  •  Hormone therapies. 
  •  Immunotherapies

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) : Tyrosine kinases are enzymes that are responsible for the activation of many proteins by signal transduction cascades. The proteins are activated by adding a phosphate group to the protein (phosphorylation), a step that TKIs inhibit.

Monoclonal antibodies : Monoclonal antibodies are laboratory-produced molecules that can restore, enhance, modify or mimic the immune system’s attack on cells that aren’t wanted, such as cancer cells.

Antibody-drug conjugates : ADC ‘s are complex molecules consisting of an antibody linked to a biologically active cytotoxic payload or drug. Currently, ten ADCs have been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Proteasome Inhibitors : Proteasomes play a necessary role in cell survival, DNA repair and the proliferation of malignant cells. These are drugs that block the action of proteasomes.

Hormone therapies : These drugs starve cancer of hormones it needs to grow. Some breast and prostate cancers require certain hormones to grow.

Immunotherapies: Help the immune system destroy cancer cells. Cancer cells thrive because they can hide from your immune system. Immunotherapies can target cancer cells so it is easier for the immune system to find and destroy them. These therapies help boost your immune system to work better against cancer.

How Does Targeted Therapy Differ From Chemotherapy? 

Chemotherapy attacks all cells that grow and divide quickly be it tumour cells or normal healthy cells. Most normal cells recover from the effects of chemotherapy, but because cancer cells are mutated, they usually do not recover. 

Targeted therapy drugs have been designed specifically to deliver drugs to particular genes or proteins that are specific to cancer cells or the tissue environment that promotes cancer growth. 

Chemotherapy side effects are usually fatigue , easy bruising and bleeding, Infection, Low red blood cell counts (anemia) , Nausea and vomiting, loss of taste, loose stools, Changes in appetite, Mouth, tongue, and throat problems such as sores and pain with swallowing , Nerve problems (numbness, tingling, and pain), Skin and nail colour changes , Urine and bladder problems, Weight changes, feeling low and Mood changes and Fertility problems. Immune checkpoint 

Side Effects of Targeted Therapy: 

The side effects depend on the targeted therapy prescribed . Unlike other cancer treatments, in Immunotherapy side effects occur because immune cells are attacking the healthy cells similar to autoimmune disease. It is commonly termed as immune related adverse events – irAES. 

Many targeted therapy drugs cause a rash or other skin changes. These skin problems usually develop slowly over days to weeks after your treatment starts. Because many targeted drugs are still quite new in the field, it’s difficult to say how long side effects last.   

But most are mild and need not discontinue the treatment. While rare, serious skin reactions can happen. 

Other Side Effects That Are Commonly Noticed:

  • Elevated liver enzymes, which may lead to a change in the drug dosage
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Fatigue
  • anemia
  • photosensitivity and changes in hair growth 
  • Clotting or bleeding issues
  • High blood pressure
  • Mouth sores
  • Nail changes

Targeted therapy can help people with many common cancers, including:

  • Bladder cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colon cancer
  • Kidney cancer
  • Lung cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Stomach cancer
  • Ovarian cancer

Targeted drugs can also help people with rare cancers, including:

Blood cancers such as leukemia and lymphoma can also be treated with targeted therapies.

Tumor genetic testing finds genetic mutations linked to common and rare cancers. The test results show whether a targeted therapy or immunotherapy may work for the kind of cancer you have. Targeted therapy drugs actually “target” a cancer mutation and stop it from driving the cancer’s growth.

Genetic tests of the tumor cells help doctors tell which gene mutations are driving the cancer’s growth. Most of these mutations will be unique to the tumor you have. But some mutations that are targetable with cancer drugs are inherited from your parents. These mutations can be detected by analyzing normal cells, usually blood cells.

If tests identify a targeted therapy that is likely to work for you, you can start treatment right away.

Many targeted therapy cancer drugs widely used today were developed through clinical trials and research studies) led by doctors. Many clinical trials are still ongoing. 

The Most Common Cancer Genetic Mutations That Can Be Treated With Targeted Therapy Drugs Include:

  • BRAF, which is often mutated in melanoma, thyroid cancer, and colorectal cancer.
  • BRCA1 and BRCA2, which are often mutated in breast cancer, ovarian cancer, prostate cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
  • EGFR, which is often mutated in lung cancer.
  • HER2, which may be mutated in breast cancer, stomach cancer, bladder cancer, and lung cancer.
  • IDH1 and IDH2, which are often mutated in acute myeloid leukemia (AML).
  • KIT, which is often mutated in a type of soft tissue sarcoma called gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST).
  • KRAS, which is often mutated in lung cancer, colorectal cancer, and pancreatic cancer.
  • PIK3CA, which is often mutated breast cancer and bladder cancer.
  • Genetic tumor tests can also find gene changes called fusions, which also can be targeted with drugs. These fusions include:
  • BCR-ABL, which is often found in chronic myeloid leukemia (CML).
  • ALK, which is often found in lung cancer.
  • MET, which is often found in lung cancer.
  • NTRK, found across many cancer types in adults and children.
  • RET, which is often found in thyroid and lung cancer.
  • ROS1, which is often found in lung cancer.

Few Examples Of Targeted Therapies Are :

  • Tyrosine kinase inhibitors: Bosutinib, Dasatinib, Imatinib, Nilotinib, Ponatinib, Alectinib, Crizotinib, Afatinib, Erlotinib
  • Geftinib: Advanced NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletion or exon 21 substitution mutations
  • Osimertinib: Advanced NSCLC with EGFR exon 19 deletions or exon 21 mutations or progressive disease on or after EGFR-directed therapy and found to have EGFR T790M mutation
  • EGFR Monoclonal antibodies (MABS) : Cetuximab, panitumumab
  • Her2 targeting : Lapatinib, Pertuzumab, Trastuzumab
  • VEGF targeting : axitinib, cabozantinib, lenvatinib, pazopanib, sunitinib, bevacizumab, ramucirumab
  • PD L1 inhibitor: Atezolizumab, Avelumab, durvalumab
  • PD 1 inhibitor: Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab
  • CTLA – 4 target : Ipilimumab
  • PI3K inhinition : Alpelisib
  • CD 20 inhibitor: Rituximab
  • Proteasome inhibitor: Bortezomib
  • CDK 4/6 inhibitors : Abemaciclib, palbociclib, ribociclib
  • PARP inhibitors : Olaparib, Niraparib

Targeted therapies can be given in a few ways. You may receive them as an infusion (through a vein or port) an injection or a tablet that can be taken at home.

Targeted therapies are often given alone, but they can also be given along with other treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy. 

Some targeted therapies are given for a certain period or until there is no sign of cancer. Few targeted therapies are taken for the rest of your life, or until the therapy stops working or causes intolerable side effects. 

Collectively, these therapeutic modalities represent a paradigm shift in cancer treatment. 

Conclusion:

Targeted therapy is a revolutionary approach in cancer treatment, offering precision medicine by attacking specific genetic mutations in tumors while minimizing harm to healthy cells. It is used for various cancers, including lung, breast, and blood cancers. Unlike chemotherapy, targeted therapy has fewer side effects and can be administered alone or with other treatments. However, targeted therapy cost varies based on the drug and cancer type, making affordability a concern for some patients. Ongoing research continues to improve its effectiveness.

How to spot the early warning signs of cancer?

How to spot the early warning signs of cancer?

by | Feb 26, 2025 | Blogs

Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow out of control. The estimated number of incident cases of cancer in India for the year 2022 was found to be 14,61,427. Lung cancers and breast cancers were the leading sites of cancer in males and females, respectively. 

The cancer incidence is continuing to increase in India. The incidence of cancer cases is estimated to increase by 12.8 percent in 2025 as compared to 2020.

Hence it is important to be aware of the warning signs of cancer.

Unexplained Weight Loss :

Seek medical care as soon as you notice that you’ve lost more than 5 % of your body weight unintentionally or over a short period. Weight loss may be more common in lung cancer, pancreatic, stomach, and esophageal cancer.

weight

Loss of appetite :

Cancer may interfere with the body’s hunger signals in several ways. Cancers of the head, neck, and gastrointestinal tract may cause difficulty swallowing, make eating painful, or create a full feeling despite not eating. Ovarian, lung, stomach, and pancreatic cancers also cause loss of appetite. Tumors release hormones that will decrease your body’s perception of hunger. Cancer may cause appetite-reducing symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, and bloating.

Loss of appetite

Fatigue

Normally tiredness gets better after adequate sleep and rest. Cancer fatigue is something that doesn’t get better with rest and can be an early sign of cancer. Cancer uses the body’s nutrients to multiply and grow. This will lead to a deficiency of nutrition and can lead to extreme tiredness.

Fatigue

Fever

Fever can be a common symptom of colds and the flu, and it is cleared on its own but recurring fever can indicate an underlying illness. You should pay particular attention if a fever is present at night with night sweats and there is no sign of infection in the body. If you have frequent infections one right after the other – should be evaluated by a doctor.

Fever

Night sweats

Night sweats may be an early symptom of some cancers like carcinoid tumors, leukemia, and lymphoma. However, night sweats with other symptoms, such as a fever and unexplained weight loss has to be evaluated.

Night sweats

Pain

Persistent pain in the body with no obvious cause that doesn’t go away with the over-the-counter pain relievers or regular treatments has to be evaluated by a physician. Cancer pain can be caused by nerve changes due to cancer pressing on nerves or due to chemicals produced by a tumour.

Pain

Skin Changes

Skin is the largest organ of our body and can indicate our inner health. Jaundice causes yellowing of eyes or fingertips could suggest a possible infection or cancer. Any change in moles like colour change, getting larger or irregular borders, bleeds, has become hard has to be evaluated.

Pain

Persistent heartburn :

If you have heartburn or indigestion that is not going away, see a doctor. Feeling of pressure in the throat or chest that makes swallowing uncomfortable . They may be signs of cancers that affect the digestive system.

Pain

Mouth sores that won’t heal : 

An ulcer or sore in the throat or mouth that does not heal or is growing and is becoming more painful has to be checked. If you have white patches on your lips, tongue, gums or elsewhere in your mouth or throat, be sure to get them checked. These  white patches in the mouth may be precancerous sores caused by a condition called leukoplakia, if left untreated  may develop into cancer.

Pain

Changes in urinary or bowel habits :

If you have constipation or diarrhea persistently for several weeks or more frequent or painful urination or bowel movements, Changes in urination like pain when urinating, frequency and a weak stream could signal a urinary tract infection, an enlarged prostate or prostate or bladder cancers. 

 If you notice blood in your urine or in your stool, which may appear black, tarry, or red, see your healthcare provider. Blood in the stool may indicate inflammatory bowel disease, ulcerative colitis or a cancer of the digestive system. 

Blood in the urine may signal prostate or bladder cancers. Make an appointment to see your doctor.

Pain

 Lumps or swelling in the body :

    Painless Lumps that are increasing in size should be examined by a doctor. Most lumps are not cancerous and are harmless, especially a lump or swelling that appears suddenly is painful, and is caused by an injury or an infection.

Pain

Breast lump : 

Causes of a lump in the breast include infection, trauma, fibroadenoma, cyst, fat necrosis, or fibrocystic breasts. Breast lumps may develop in both males and females but are more common in females. Some lumps are cancerous, but most are not. People should always seek advice for an unexplained breast lump as even noncancerous lumps may need treatment.

Pain

Be cautious 

  • When the lump is new and feels firm or fixed and doesn’t go away after a few days. 
  • If the lump has changed in size or skin color 
  • Fluid comes out of the nipple suddenly and notices the color of the fluid.  The fluid might be bloody.
  • The nipple has turned inward.
  • A new lump in your armpit, or a lump in your armpit seems to be increasing in size.

While breast lumps should be checked and monitored, it is important to note that the absence of a breast lump does not mean breast cancer cannot or has not developed. Routine screening beginning at age 40 is recommended, all women should receive an annual mammogram.  

Women over the age of 18 should perform a monthly breast self-exam. Doing a breast self-exam at home helps detect breast changes so you can discuss them with your healthcare provider.

Nagging cough or hoarseness

Cough that does not go away or change in voice/hoarseness, sputum with blood has to be checked by a physician. Hoarseness is a change in the pitch or quality of the voice.. 

Hoarseness can be caused by misuse or overuse of the voice, infection, and growths on the vocal cords like cysts, papillomas, polyps and nodules. A cancer growth in the voice box can also cause hoarseness of voice.

Pain

Headaches / Vision or hearing problems :

The chance that your headache is a sign of a brain tumor is very remote. Headaches are a common thing among the general population, and the vast majority has nothing to do with cancer.

 However, it is recommended that if you experience a new headache, or intensity increases or becomes more frequent, that is a reason to visit your general physician to rule out any serious problems.

Pain

Weakness in limbs and dizziness

Feeling dizzy can be caused by a change in blood pressure or stress, or low sugars or dehydration. 

However, if you feel lightheaded for more than a couple of days, that doesn’t get better you should talk to your doctor as it may be a symptom of central nervous system tumors or brain metastases. Persistent weakness in your limbs may also be a sign of CNS tumours or brain metastases.

Pain

Seizures

Seizures (fits) can also be caused by brain tumors or brain metastases. If you have new onset seizures, see your doctor.

Pain

Unexplained vaginal bleeding :

Bleeding between periods, after sex, or after menopause should be investigated by your doctor.

Pain

Shortness of Breath :

Shortness of breath can be caused by an allergy, asthma, pneumonia or heart conditions. Following illness can cause shortness of breath eg lung cancer, mesothelioma, and cancer that has spread to the lung.

Each of these things can easily be a sign of other conditions. Always get them checked!

Pain

Top Cancer Treatment in Chennai: Expert Care at Jus’Onco

If you’re searching for the best oncologist in Chennai, choosing a specialized cancer center is essential for quality treatment. Jus’Onco Private Limited, a leading cancer care clinic in Chennai, provides advanced oncology treatments, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, and surgical oncology.

Pain

Our team of experienced specialists offers personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s condition. With state-of-the-art facilities and a patient-centric approach, Jus’Onco ensures the best possible care for cancer patients. 

For expert consultation and treatment, Jus’Onco is a trusted name in Chennai’s oncology field.

Conclusion

Early detection of cancer is crucial for effective treatment and better outcomes. Being aware of warning signs like unexplained weight loss, fatigue, persistent pain, or unusual lumps can help with timely diagnosis. If any symptoms persist, consulting a specialist is essential. Jus’Onco Private Limited in Chennai provides expert cancer care with advanced treatments and personalized plans. Prioritizing regular screenings and medical check-ups can make a significant difference in fighting cancer. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and seek medical attention when needed.