Ovarian cancer symptoms not apparent until later stages

Ovarian cancer symptoms not apparent until later stages • It is the eighth most common cancer in women • Lifestyle changes can help reduce risk New Delhi, 18 September, 2017: Of all cancers in women, ovarian cancer is the eighth most common cancer and ranks fifth in terms of mortality, according to statistics. About two-thirds of those with this condition stand at an advanced stage of the disease during diagnosis and less than 50% survive longer than five years after being diagnosed. As per the IMA, the primary reason for reaching the advanced stage and eventual death is that in many women with this disease, there are no symptoms. Ovarian cancer refers to any cancerous growth in the ovary. A majority of ovarian cancers arise from the epithelium (outer lining) of the ovary. The most common ovarian cancers are called epithelial ovarian cancers (EOC) and other types include ovarian low malignant potential tumor (OLMPT), germ cell tumors, and sex cord-stromal tumors. Speaking about this, Padma Shri Awardee Dr K K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement, said, "Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until it spreads within the pelvis and stomach. In such an advanced stage, it may not be possible to treat the condition making it life threatening. Often, this condition has no symptoms in the early stages and even at a later stage; there are non-specific symptoms such as loss of appetite and weight loss. Mutations in BRCA1 and BRCA2 are responsible for most inherited ovarian cancers. When these genes are normal, they help prevent cancer by making proteins that keep cells from growing abnormally. However, inheriting a mutation in one of these genes from either parent, makes this cancer preventing protein less effective. This increases the chances of developing ovarian cancer.” Some possible early symptoms of ovarian cancer include pain in the pelvis, lower side of the body, lower stomach, and back; indigestion or heartburn; feeling full rapidly when eating; more frequent urination; pain during intercourse; and changes in bowel habits. As it progresses, symptoms such as nausea, weight loss, breathlessness, tiredness, and loss of appetite can also appear. Adding further, Dr Aggarwal, said, “The treatment for this condition consists of surgery, chemotherapy, a combination of surgery with chemotherapy, and at times, radiotherapy as well. The mode is decided depending on factors such as type of ovarian cancer, its stage and grade, and the patient’s general health. Contraceptive pills can help reduce the risk of ovarian cancer in women and also protect them from the disease even 30 years after they stop taking the drugs.” Some other tips that can help prevent the risk of ovarian cancer in women include the following. Breastfeeding The longer a woman breastfeeds, the lower her risk of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. Pregnancy The more full-term pregnancies a woman has had, the lower her risk of ovarian and fallopian tube cancer. Surgical procedures Women who have had a hysterectomy or a tubal ligation may have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer. Adopting a healthier lifestyle This entails consuming more fruits and vegetables, exercising regularly, and avoiding smoking and drinking.

Natural diet efficient in reducing cancer risk

 Natural diet efficient in reducing cancer risk

Adding just one serving of fruit or vegetables per 1000 calories consumed can result in a 6% reduction of risk of cancer

New Delhi, Friday February 17 2017

As per a recent study, the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruits help lower your chances of getting head, neck, breast, ovarian and pancreatic cancers. Even one additional serving of vegetables or fruits could help lower the risk of head and neck cancer. The more fruits and vegetables you can consume, the better.

In another study, broccoli and soy protein were found to protect against the more aggressive breast and ovarian cancers. When consumed together, digesting broccoli and soy forms a compound called di-indolylmethane (DIM). In lab experiments, the researchers found that DIM could affect the motility of breast and ovarian cancer cells, which could help keep cancers from spreading. Soy, acts like estrogen and is a nutritious, healthy food, and should be eaten in moderation.

Padma Shri Awardee Dr. K.K Aggarwal, National President Indian Medical Association (IMA) and President Heart Care Foundation of India (HCFI) and Dr RN Tandon – Honorary Secretary General IMA in a joint statement said that, “Those who eat six servings of fruits and vegetables per 1,000 calories have a 29% decreased risk relative to those who have 1.5 servings. In the study, after adjusting the data to account for smoking and alcohol use – known head and neck cancer risk factors – the researchers found that those who consumed the most fruits and vegetables had the lowest risk for head and neck cancers. Vegetables appeared to offer more cancer prevention than fruits alone did.”

“Diets high in animal fat and low in fibre are associated with metabolic syndrome -- a collection of conditions including abdominal obesity, elevated blood sugar and high blood pressure. A high fat diet contributes to nourish cancer cells, thus accelerating the disease’s progression. Vegetable based diet also contains several protective compounds like flavonols which are found in fruits and vegetables, such as onions, apples, berries, kale and broccoli. Evidence suggests that people who had the highest consumption of flavonols reduced their risk of pancreatic cancer by 23%. The benefit is even greater for people who smoke”, added Dr. K.K Aggarwal.

Following are some healthy diet tips:

1. Eat multiple servings of brightly colored and seasonal fruits and vegetables every day. Fill half your plate with fruit and vegetables.

2. Choose healthy fats. Use fat–free or low fat milk and/or dairy products.

3. Severely limit red meat, including beef, pork, lamb, and goat, and processed meat consumption.

4. Opt for healthier sources of protein like fish, skinless poultry, beans, and eggs.

5. Avoid partially hydrogenated fats (trans fats), present in many fast foods and packaged foods.

6. Cut down dramatically on salt.

7. At least half of your grains should be whole grains.

8. Regular exercise pares down your risk of developing some deadly problems, including heart disease, stroke, and certain types of cancer. 

Today is World Head & Neck Cancer Day

Today is World Head & Neck Cancer Day Dear Colleague We are all aware that Head-Neck Cancer is among the most common cancers in the Indian subcontinent. Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC) with a global incidence of over 500,000 cases and 200,000 deaths annually is the leading cause of mortality and disability in many parts of the world. In India also it accounts for nearly 1.5 lakh cases every year. It mainly affects people in the productive age group, yet most of this mortality and morbidity is preventable. The burden of HNSCC is putting a strain on our national health care systems and impoverishing individuals, families and society. The International Federation of Head & Neck Oncologic Societies (IFHNOS) has declared to observe 27th July as "World Head & Neck Cancer Day (WHNCD)" to draw the world’s attention on effective care and control of HNSCC, for all to work together and also to reduce use of Tobacco- the most prevalent but preventable cause of Head & Neck Cancer. The move is supported by many Head Neck Societies around the globe, numerous Governments, UICC and civil society organizations. IFHNOS is a global organization established through cooperation of national and regional Societies and Organizations in the Specialty of Head and Neck Surgery and Oncology with membership from national and regional multidisciplinary organizations, representing 65 countries. The purpose of the Federation is to provide a common platform for Specialists in the field of Head and Neck Cancer to interact in professional matters of mutual interest. IFHNOS declared 27th July as World Head & Neck Cancer Day on the occasion of its 5th World Congress in New York on 27th July 2014, the largest gathering of Head and Neck Cancer specialists in history. Oral Cancers are often associated with smoking and alcohol use, however, oropharyngeal cancers (cancer of back or base of tongue and tonsils are associated with human papilloma virus and marijuana use as well as smoking and alcohol use. WHNCD targets two areas: • Advocacy for strengthening health care system and introduce community-based approaches for awareness, risks, prevention and early detection of HNSCC. • Enhance expertise of physicians by upgrading their knowledge and skills through CME programs. WHNCD activities can be :- o Educating the physicians on early diagnosis, current treatment paradigms and frontiers in research in Head and Neck Cancer o Awareness programs for the general public. o Free screening for Head and Neck cancers. o Interaction with cancer survivors and their families. o Interaction with government and policy makers. Involvement of newspaper and electronic media, other NGOs and Government representatives in the programs will give wide publicity and spread awareness too. IMA supports this International movement to increase awareness, promote education & training in early diagnosis and treatment of this imminently preventable cancer. (Contributions from Dr Dilip Kumar Acharya, Chairman-IMA National Cancer & Tobacco Control Committee)

Strong evidence that alcohol causes cancer at seven sites in the body

Strong evidence that alcohol causes cancer at seven sites in the body

Dr K K Aggarwal There is strong epidemiological evidence that alcohol causes cancer at seven sites in the body and probably others, says a new study in the latest issue of the journal Addiction reported 21st July, 2016. These sites include oropharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, colon, rectum and female breast. A "dose-response relationship" between alcohol and cancer was observed for all these cancers, where the increase in cancer risk with increased average consumption is monotonic, either linear or exponential, without evidence of threshold of effect. The beverage type did not appear to influence any variation. The strength of the association with alcohol varies by site of the cancer, being particularly strong for mouth, pharynx and esophagus (relative risk in the range of 4–7 for ≥ 50 g of alcohol per day compared with no drinking) and less so for colorectal cancer, liver and breast cancer (relative risk approximately 1.5 for ≥ 50 g/day). Alcohol-attributable cancers at these sites were estimated to make up 5.8% of all cancer deaths globally. These conclusions are based on comprehensive reviews undertaken in the last decade by the World Cancer Research Fund and American Institute for Cancer Research, the International Agency for Research on Cancer, the Global Burden of Disease Alcohol Group including a comprehensive dose–response meta-analysis published last year in the British Journal of cancer. In the study, Jennie Connor, Dept. of Preventive and Social Medicine, University of Otago, New Zealand from New Zealand attempted to clarify the strength of the evidence for alcohol as a cause of cancer, and the meaning of cause in this context. Even without complete knowledge of biological mechanisms, the authors observed, the epidemiological evidence can support the judgment that alcohol causes cancer of these seven sites.