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புற்றுநோய் குணப்படுத்த கிமோதெரபி உதவுமா? உண்மை என்ன?

புற்றுநோய் குணப்படுத்த கிமோதெரபி உதவுமா? உண்மை என்ன?

by | May 20, 2025 | Blogs

புற்றுநோய் (Cancer) என்பது இன்று உலகளவில் அதிகமாக காணப்படும் மோசமான நோய்களிலொன்று. இதை கேள்விப்பட்டவுடன் பலரும் பயப்படுவது சாதாரணம். ஏனெனில் புற்றுநோய் என்பது உடலில் உள்ள சில நலமான செல்கள் கட்டுப்பாடின்றி வளர்ச்சி அடைந்து, உடலின் பல உறுப்புகளை பாதிக்கும் ஒரு தீவிரமான நிலை. இந்த செல்கள் விரைவாகப் பெருகி, சீரான உடல்பணி நடவடிக்கைகளை குழப்புகின்றன. அதனால், இதனைச் சமாளிக்க மருத்துவ உலகம் பல்வேறு சிகிச்சை முறைகளை உருவாக்கியுள்ளது.

அந்த வகையில், மிகவும் பரவலாகப் பயன்படுத்தப்படும் சிகிச்சைமுறையாக கிமோதெரபி (Chemotherapy) விளங்குகிறது. இது புற்றுநோய் செல்களை அழிக்கும் வகையில் வலுவான மருந்துகளை பயன்படுத்தி செயல் படுகிறது. ஆனால் பலருக்கும் ஒரு முக்கியமான கேள்வி உள்ளது – “கிமோதெரபி புற்றுநோயை முழுமையாக குணமாக்குமா?” என்பதே. இதற்கான பதில் நோயின் நிலை, பரவல், நோயாளியின் உடல் நிலை போன்றவற்றைப் பொருத்தது. சில நோயாளிகளுக்கு இது முழுமையான குணப்படுத்தும் சிகிச்சையாக இருக்கும்; சிலருக்கு நோயின் பரவலை கட்டுப்படுத்தும் முயற்சியாக இருக்கும்.

மேலும், chemotherapy cost in Chennai குறித்தும் பலருக்கு சந்தேகங்கள் உண்டு. இது மருத்துவமனை, நோயின் நிலை, தேவையான மருந்துகள் ஆகியவற்றைப் பொறுத்து மாறுபடும். ஆனால் சென்னையில், Jus’Onco போன்ற நம்பகமான மருத்துவமனைகள் சிகிச்சையை நியாயமான கட்டணத்தில் வழங்கி வருகின்றன.

கிமோதெரபி என்றால் என்ன?

கிமோதெரபி என்பது புற்றுநோய் செல்களை அழிக்க மருத்துவம் மூலமாக செய்யப்படும் சிகிச்சை. இது மெதுவாகப் பெருகும் செல்களைத் தாக்கும் தன்மை கொண்டது. புற்றுநோய் செல்கள் வேகமாகப் பெருகுவதால், அவற்றை கட்டுப்படுத்தவே கிமோதெரபி பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது. சில நேரங்களில், இது ஒரே சிகிச்சையாகவே பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது; சில வேளைகளில், அறுவைசிகிச்சை அல்லது கதிர்வீச்சு சிகிச்சையுடன் சேர்த்தும் வழங்கப்படுகிறது.

கிமோதெரபியின் முக்கிய நோக்கங்கள்

  1. புற்றுநோயை முழுமையாக அழிக்க – ஆரம்ப கட்ட புற்றுநோய்களில் இது சாத்தியமானது.
  2. உணர்வு குறைபாடுகளை குறைத்து குணப்படுத்த – வளர்ந்த புற்றுநோயால் ஏற்படும் வேதனை, அறிகுறிகள் போன்றவை குறைக்க உதவுகிறது.
  3. அறுவை சிகிச்சைக்கு முன்/பின் பயன்படுத்துதல் – புற்றுநோய் அளவைக் குறைக்கவோ அல்லது மீண்டும் வராமல் தடுக்கவோ பயன்படுத்தப்படுகிறது.

கிமோதெரபி முற்றிலும் குணப்படுத்துமா?

இதற்கு பதில் ‘புற்றுநோயின் நிலை, வகை மற்றும் நோயாளியின் உடல்நிலை’ என்பதன் அடிப்படையில் மாறுபடும்.

  • அரம்ப கட்ட புற்றுநோய்கள் (Early Stage): கிமோதெரபி மூலம், புற்றுநோய் செல்கள் முழுமையாக அழிக்கப்படும் வாய்ப்பு அதிகம்.
  • Recurrent Cancer : முற்றிலும் குணமாகவில்லை என்றாலும், ஒட்டுமொத்த வாழ்நாளைக் கூடும் அளவிற்கு கட்டுப்படுத்த முடியும்.
  • Advanced/Stage 4 : இது குணமாகும் நோக்கத்தில் இல்லாமல், வெறும் நோயாளியின் வாழ்நாள் மற்றும் வாழ்க்கை தரத்தை மேம்படுத்தும் வகையிலேயே வழங்கப்படும்.

கிமோதெரபியின் பக்கவிளைவுகள்

கிமோதெரபி புற்றுநோய் செல்களை மட்டுமல்ல, உடலில் உள்ள மற்ற விரைவாகப் பெருகும் நலமான செல்களையும் தாக்கக்கூடும். இதனால் சில பக்கவிளைவுகள் ஏற்படும்:

  • முடி உதிர்வு
  • மண்டை வலி,வாந்தி
  • எரியும் உணர்வு
  • வீக்கம்
  • சோர்வு
  • ரத்த சோதனைகளில் குறைபாடுகள்

இவை தற்காலிகமானவை. பெரும்பாலான நோயாளிகள் கிமோதெரபிக்குப் பிறகு மீண்டும் பழைய நிலைக்கு திரும்புகிறார்கள். சில நேரங்களில் நவீன மருந்துகள் இந்த பக்கவிளைவுகளை குறைக்கும் அளவுக்கு முன்னேறியுள்ளது.

புற்றுநோய்க்கு இன்னும் என்ன சிகிச்சைகள் உள்ளன?

புற்றுநோயின் தன்மை மற்றும் நிலைக்கு ஏற்ப, கிமோதெரபிக்கு மாற்றாக அல்லது இணையாக பின்வரும் சிகிச்சைகள் அளிக்கப்படும்:

  • கதிர்வீச்சு சிகிச்சை (Radiation Therapy)
  • இம்யூனோதெரபி (Immunotherapy) – உடலின் பாதுகாப்பு முறை புற்றுநோய் செல்களுடன் போராட உதவுகிறது.
  •  Targeted Therapy என்பது புற்றுநோய் செல்கள் எவ்வாறு வளர்கின்றன, பிரிக்கப்படுகின்றன மற்றும் பரவுகின்றன என்பதைக் கட்டுப்படுத்தும் புரதங்களை குறிவைக்கும் ஒரு வகை புற்றுநோய் சிகிச்சையாகும்.
  • அறுவை சிகிச்சை (Surgery) – கட்டியை அகற்றுவது

சிகிச்சையின் முடிவில்

ஒரு மருத்துவ நிபுணர் நிர்ணயிக்கும் சிகிச்சைத் திட்டம் புற்றுநோயின் வகை, பரவல், நோயாளியின் வயது, உடல் நிலை எனப் பல காரணிகளை பொறுத்தது. கிமோதெரபி ஒரு முக்கியமான ஆயுதமாக இருந்தாலும், அதுவே ஒரே வழி அல்ல. அனைத்தையும் இணைத்து ஒருங்கிணைந்த சிகிச்சை முறையில்தான் சிறந்த முடிவுகள் கிடைக்கும்.

அனைத்து வகையான புற்றுநோய் சிகிச்சைக்கும் ஒரு நம்பகமான இடம் – Jus’Onco புற்றுநோய் மருத்துவமனை, சென்னை.

தொடர்புக்கு

சென்னையில் உள்ள Jus’Onco Cancer Clinic புற்றுநோய்க்கான முழுமையான சிகிச்சைகளை  நவீன மருத்துவ வசதிகளுடன் வழங்குகிறது. Jus’Onco-வில் கீழ்க்கண்ட சிகிச்சைகள் உள்ளன:

  • கிமோதெரபி (Chemotherapy)
  • கதிர்வீச்சு சிகிச்சை (Radiation Therapy)
  • இம்யூனோதெரபி (Immunotherapy)
  • அறுவை சிகிச்சை (Surgical Oncology)

மேலும், நோயாளிகளுக்கு அவர்களின் வீட்டு அருகிலேயே உள்ள மருத்துவமனையில் சிகிச்சை பெறும் வசதிகள் Jus’Onco-வில் வழங்கப்படுகின்றன. Jus’Onco-வில் பணியாற்றும் மருத்துவர்கள் அனைவரும் துறையில் மிகவும் அனுபவம் வாய்ந்தவர்கள். குறிப்பாக, best oncologist in Chennai மருத்துவக் குழுவே Jus’Onco-வின் நம்பிக்கைக்குரிய அடையாளமாக இருக்கின்றது.

மேலும், புற்றுநோய் இறுதிக்கட்டத்தில் இருக்கும் நோயாளிகளுக்காக, Palliative Care எனப்படும்  சிகிச்சை என்பது கடுமையான நோய்களை எதிர்கொள்ளும் தனிநபர்கள் மற்றும் அவர்களது குடும்பங்களின் வாழ்க்கைத் தரத்தை மேம்படுத்துவதில் கவனம் செலுத்தும் ஒரு சிறப்பு வகை பராமரிப்பு ஆகும்.இந்த சேவை Jus’Onco-வில் சிறப்பாக வழங்கப்படுகிறது. இது நோயாளிகளுக்கும், அவர்களது குடும்பத்தினருக்கும் ஒரு உணர்வுப்பூர்வமான ஆதரவாக அமைகின்றது.

உங்கள் நலம் எங்களுடைய முதன்மை நோக்கம்!

A Blossom of Hope: Mrs. Hope against Renal Carcinoma

by | May 16, 2025 | Blogs

Amidst the bustling streets of the city, near the gates of a grand temple, Mrs. Hope sat every morning, surrounded by baskets of fragrant jasmine, marigold, and roses. For years, she had made a humble living selling flowers, weaving them into garlands for devotees, weddings, and festivals.

Her hands never stopped working, because they carried the weight of a mother’s dreams. It was through these flowers that she had raised her two children—ensuring they completed their education and even managing to get them married.

She had never complained about the hardships of life. Whether it was waking up before sunrise to buy fresh flowers, sitting for long hours in the sun, or saving every extra rupee for her children’s future—she did it all with a smile, knowing that her sacrifices were for a greater purpose.

An Unexpected Illness

One day, she started experiencing a dull ache in her lower back. At first, she ignored it, assuming it was just exhaustion from years of sitting on the hard pavement. But as weeks passed, the pain intensified, and soon, her abdomen began to swell. There were nights when she could not sleep, and she often felt weak.

Her daughter, now married and settled, noticed her discomfort during a visit.

“Amma, you have never complained before. Something is wrong. Let’s see a doctor,”

she insisted.

After much hesitation, Mrs. Hope agreed, fearing not the disease but the cost of treatment.

A Heartbreaking Diagnosis

The visit to the doctor revealed devastating news—renal carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer.

Mrs. Hope sat in silence, her hands trembling. Cancer? She had spent her entire life ensuring her children never had to struggle, and now, in her old age, she was facing a battle she never expected. She had no savings, no medical insurance—just her small flower stall.

The thought of expensive hospital bills terrified her. If she stopped selling flowers, how would she survive?

That’s when a kind-hearted doctor at the clinic told her about Jus Onco Affordable Cancer Care Clinic, a place where she could receive high-quality cancer treatment at the lowest possible cost.

A Ray of Hope

With a mixture of fear and hope, Mrs. Hope walked into Jus Onco. To her surprise, she was not treated like a poor, helpless patient. The doctors and nurses spoke to her with warmth and dignity, explaining her condition and the treatment plan.

She needed chemotherapy, but the team assured her that they would minimize the side effects and make the treatment financially manageable.

“Don’t worry, Amma. We are here to help you fight this,” one of the nurses reassured her.

Chemotherapy was challenging. There were days when she felt weak, days when she struggled to sit at her flower stall, but she never gave up. Even on her toughest days, she still sat outside the temple, selling flowers, refusing to let cancer take away the life she had built.

Her loyal customers, some of whom had bought flowers from her for years, began supporting her in different ways. Some bought extra garlands, some left small tips, and others simply offered words of encouragement.

Through it all, Jus Onco’s team ensured she received proper nutrition, care, and emotional support. The side effects were minimal, and with each passing cycle of treatment, she grew stronger.

Victory Over Cancer

Months later, after completing her treatment, Mrs. Hope was declared cancer-free. The pain was gone, her strength had returned, and her heart was filled with gratitude.

One evening, as she arranged her fresh flowers near the temple, a customer asked, “Mrs. Hope. Amma, you look happier these days. What’s the secret?”

Mrs. Hope smiled, adjusting a jasmine garland. “Because I won my biggest battle. Just like these flowers, I will keep blooming.”

Her journey became an inspiration. She had fought cancer without losing everything she had worked for, thanks to Jus Onco Affordable Cancer Care Clinic.

Now, she continues to sit by the temple, selling flowers not just for survival, but as a reminder that hope, resilience, and access to affordable healthcare can change lives

Top 10 Symptoms & Signs Of Lung Cancer – How to Reduce Risk?

Top 10 Symptoms & Signs Of Lung Cancer – How to Reduce Risk?

by | Mar 13, 2025 | Blogs

Lung cancer occurred in approximately 2.2 million patients in 2020 and caused an estimated 1.8 million deaths globally.  In India, lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading cause of cancer deaths in men. In 2024, an estimated 81,748 new cases of lung cancer were diagnosed in India. 

Lung cancer accounts for 10.5% of all cancer deaths in India. The mortality rate for lung cancer is higher in men than in women.  The rising incidence and delayed diagnosis of lung cancer in India are causes for concern.  

The majority of patients diagnosed with lung cancer have advanced disease at clinical presentation. This is because of the aggressive biology of the disease and the frequent absence of symptoms until locally advanced or metastatic disease is present. 

Symptoms may result from local effects of the tumor or distant spread, or from distant effects not related to metastases, ie, paraneoplastic syndromes.

The Most Common Symptoms At Presentation Were Cough, Breathlessness, Chest Pain, And Weight Loss. 

  1. Cough: new onset of cough in a person who smokes or formerly smoked should raise suspicion for lung cancer. Cough is present in approximately 75 percent of lung cancer patients at presentation and occurs most frequently in patients with squamous cell and small cell carcinomas because they tend to involve central airways. Cough productive of large volumes of thin, mucoid secretions may be a feature of mucinous adenocarcinoma. Both NSCLC and SCLC can cause post-obstructive pneumonia.
  2. Hemoptysis: Coughing up blood-stained sputum. Hemoptysis is reported by 15 to 30 percent of patients who are diagnosed with lung cancer. Any amount of hemoptysis can be alarming to the patient.
  3. Chest pain: Chest pain is present in approximately 20 to 40 percent of patients presenting with lung cancer.  Pain is present on the same side of the chest as the primary tumor.
  4. Dyspnea: Shortness of breath is a common symptom in patients with lung cancer at the time of diagnosis, occurring in approximately 25 to 40 percent of cases. 
  5. Wheeze may be a symptom if there is a partial obstruction of a bronchus. Stridor can result from obstruction within the trachea.
  6. Hoarseness: Hoarseness of voice in a smoker may be caused by laryngeal cancer or lung cancer.
  7. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss without changes in diet or exercise.
  8. Fatigue: Feeling more tired than usual.
  9. Loss of appetite: Reduced desire to eat

Other symptoms can be a manifestation of superior vena cava syndrome and pancoast syndrome.

Superior vena cava syndrome:

Obstruction of the superior vena cava causes symptoms that commonly include a sensation of fullness in the head and breathlessness. Physical findings include dilated neck veins and edema of the face, neck, and upper extremities. Computed tomography can often identify the cause and  level of obstruction. The SVC syndrome is more common in patients with SCLC than NSCLC. 

Pancoast syndrome :

Lung cancers arising in the superior sulcus (upper lobe) cause a characteristic Pancoast syndrome manifested by pain (usually in the shoulder) that radiates to the arm and wrist, Horner syndrome, bony destruction, and weakness of hand muscles.  The Pancoast tumor is also known as superior pulmonary sulcus tumor. Pancoast syndrome is most commonly caused by NSCLC (typically squamous cell) and only rarely by SCLC.

Horner’s syndrome (a condition characterized by drooping eyelid, constricted pupil, and reduced sweating on one side of the face).

Clinical Symptoms Of Distant Spread

Lung cancer can spread to any part of the body. The most frequent sites of distant metastasis are the liver, adrenal glands, bones, and brain.

Bone metastasis from lung cancer to bone can present with pain in the back, chest, or extremity and elevated levels of serum alkaline phosphatase.  Approximately 20 percent of patients with NSCLC have bone metastases on presentation. 

The adrenal glands are a frequent site of metastasis. Such metastases are rarely symptomatic. Occasionally, patients with an adrenal metastasis will have localized symptoms (eg, back or abdominal pain). In rare instances, patients can present with loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, abdominal pain, weakness, and electrolyte imbalances secondary to adrenal insufficiency if the disease is present in bilateral adrenal glands.

Symptoms from brain metastasis are headache, vomiting, visual field loss, hemiparesis, difficulty walking, cranial nerve deficit, and seizures. In patients with NSCLC, the frequency of brain metastasis is greatest with adenocarcinoma and less with squamous cell carcinoma. 

Symptomatic liver metastases are uncommon early in the course of disease. Patient with liver metastases can have abdominal pain, extreme tiredness, nausea, vomiting and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes)

Paraneoplastic effects can present as hypercalcemia, hyponatremia.  The severity of symptoms is related to the degree of hyponatremia and the rapidity of the fall in serum sodium. Symptoms include anorexia, nausea, and vomiting. 

Lung cancer is the most common cancer associated with paraneoplastic neurologic syndromes. This is typically associated with SCLC. Symptoms may stabilize with response of the underlying cancer to treatment. 

Cerebral edema can occur when the onset of hyponatremia is rapid. Symptoms caused by cerebral edema may include irritability, restlessness, personality changes, confusion, coma, seizures, and respiratory arrest. 

Several hematologic abnormalities are seen in patients with lung cancer. 

These include the following:

  • Anemia – lack of red blood cells
  • Leukocytosis – A high level of white blood cells in the blood
  • Thrombocytosis – high platelet count
  • Eosinophilia –when body produces too many eosinophills
  • Hypercoagulable disorders – condition when the blood is more likely to clot.

Hypertrophic osteoarthropathy:

Hypertrophic pulmonary osteoarthropathy (HPO) is defined by the presence of clubbing and periosteal proliferation of the tubular bones associated with lung cancer or other lung disease. Clinically it is characterized by a symmetrical, painful arthropathy and long-bone pain that usually involves the ankles, knees, wrists, and elbows.  A radiograph of the long bones (ie, femur, tibia, and fibula) can be done to diagnose hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. The symptoms of HPO may resolve after tumor resection. For patients who are not operable, the usual treatment is with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory agents, corticosteroids, or a bisphosphonate.

Dermatomyositis and polymyositis:

Dermatomyositis and polymyositis manifests clinically as muscle weakness. 

Cushing syndrome:

Patients typically present with muscle weakness, weight gain, hypertension, hirsutism, and osteoporosis. Cushing syndrome is rare, but is most seen in patients with SCLC, large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma, or carcinoid tumors of the lung. Patients with Cushing syndrome and SCLC appear to have a worse prognosis than patients with SCLC without Cushing syndrome. 

How To Reduce Risk Of Lung Cancer? 

Most cases of lung cancer are caused by carcinogens in tobacco smoke.

Tobacco

Cigarette smoking is associated with 13 different malignancies: cancers of the lung, oral cavity, larynx, esophagus, bladder, kidney, pancreas, stomach, cervix, colon, rectum, liver,and acute myelogenous leukemia.

Second hand smoke is an established cause of lung cancer in non smokers, indicating that there is no safe level of cigarette smoke exposure. Second hand smoking is also called as passive smoking. 

Smoking cessation decreases the risk of cancer. However, former smokers remain at elevated risk of most smoking-associated cancers compared with never-smokers, even after decades of cessation. Pipes and cigars are strongly associated with lung cancer risk.

There is an upsurge in the use of e-cigarettes, particularly among youth and young adults. We donot know the long-term health effects of e-cigarettes but the vapor includes carcinogens that might increase cancer risk.

Radon

Radon is a naturally occurring chemically inert gas that is a decay product of uranium. The risk of lung cancer is increased for underground miners who are exposed to high levels of radon.

Asbestos

Asbestos exposure combined with smoking increases the risk of lung cancer. The risk increases with the duration and intensity of asbestos fiber exposure. The risk is higher for those who smoke. Usually,the cancer is diagnosed decades after the initial exposure. Asbestos exposure can also cause other cancers, including mesothelioma. All forms of asbestos can increase the risk of lung cancer. 

Other occupational or environmental exposures associated with a risk of lung cancer include arsenic, chromium, nickel, and air pollution. Air pollution has been linked to lung cancer among non-smokers.

Radiation  

High doses of radiation have also been associated with an increased risk of lung cancer. An increased risk has been observed in patients with breast cancer, as well as in long-term survivors of Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, particularly if patients continue to smoke after completing radiation therapy.

Family History

Family history increases a person’s risk of developing lung cancer. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to familial risk of lung cancer. This is because of shared genes, exposure to shared substances, or both. Researchers have identified genetic mutations that are linked to lung cancer in some families.

Lung Cancer Screening :

Most expert organizations recommend a low-dose CT scan as screening for current or former heavy smokers of at least 30 pack-years or have quit within the last 15 years. The screening can be started after the age of 50 years. 

Conclusion:

Lung cancer remains a major health challenge globally and in India, with high incidence and mortality rates. Delayed diagnosis contributes to poor outcomes, as symptoms often appear in advanced stages. Common symptoms include cough, breathlessness, chest pain, and weight loss. 

Lung cancer can spread to various organs, leading to severe complications. Smoking is the leading cause, but environmental factors and genetic predisposition also play roles. Prevention through smoking cessation, reducing occupational exposure, and regular screening in high-risk individuals can help lower lung cancer risk and improve early detection, leading to better treatment outcomes.

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.