P K Mam
Life and science are intricately connected, shaped by human ingenuity. Amid the mysteries of creation, progress is tied to our destined journey. Navigating this enigma, let’s spotlight the formidable challenge of cancer, by awareness and unity in the battle against it.
Cancer is a complex and pervasive group of diseases characterized by the abnormal growth and division of cells. It can affect to any person at any part of the body leading to the formation of tumours that may be benign or malignant. Malignant tumours, commonly known as cancers, have the potential to invade to nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through the bloodstream or lymphatic system.
Causes & Cure -The causes of cancer are multifaceted, involving genetic factors, environmental influences, and lifestyle choices. Even, repeated stubble burning among farmers , as per recent study made.
Diagnosis often involves a combination of medical imaging, laboratory tests, and biopsy. Treatment approaches vary, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Data – Pertinent to know, nearly 2.25 Lakhs people died in India in 2020 due to 4 preventable risk factors, namely alcohol consumption, tobacco smoking, excess weight, and Human papilloma Virus (HPV).
According to Indian Cancer Congress report, (Sunday Times 5/11/23), the overall incidence rate of cancer in India has not surged as rapidly as in the West over the last 2 decades, but in absolute number of new cases is on the rise annually due to population growth and better diagnosis. While 14 lakhs new cases are detected each year, projection are that the number will increase to 20 Lakhs by 2040.
On-Going Struggles-Medical science is struggling to find a cure for these. Despite advancements in research and medical technology, cancer remains a significant global health challenge, necessitating ongoing efforts in prevention, early detection, and innovative treatment strategies. Providing access to palliative care is an ethical responsibility of healthcare systems.
A very significant Supreme Court decision dated 26/1/23 makes it easier for individuals to choose passive euthanasia, simplifying the 2018 guidelines on living wills/advance directives. The ruling recognizes the living wills of terminally ill patients at risk of entering a permanent vegetative state and provides guidelines for regulating this procedure.
Cosmic Reality/Prayer / Hope – Physical pain is arguably the most dehumanising condition that one can suffer. Faith plays seminal role in both the physical and mental recovery journey, complementing medical procedures. A patient’s mindset profoundly influences treatment outcomes; a positive approach emerges when the patient derives confidence from their beliefs, empowering them to actively combat physical ailments and trauma.
At the end , your prayer seeks deliverance from ” sufferings, diseases, ailments, old age and fear of death.” These are the permanent attributes of the working of the cosmos and, so, not possible to be stopped soon.
We passionately believe in superstitions, just as we do in enduring hope. May Lord bless us with miraculous miracles.
Some recent updates about the treatment of cancer during last 1 year :
A. Chief Scientist Dr. Dhani Ram Baruah – Guwahati claims to cure HIV, remove heart blockages, and even treat Cancer patients using Baruah Small Interfering RNAs, isolated bio molecules from edible medicinal plants in Northeast India, targeting disease-related microRNAs. Reported by TOI on 8/11/23.
B. Artificial intelligence( AI) application generally performs well in diagnosis. However, doctors were clearly superior when it came to treatment decisions ..study published by the Lancet Digital Health researchers, London…ET 25/10/23
C. Sun Pharma said that its partner Swiss-Italian biotech Philogen has reported positive results in the late stage clinical trials for its new drug Nidlegy (Daromun) for the treatment of Skin Cancer. Treatment related adverse events observed with Nidlegy were benign and manageable, the study reported…ET 17/10/23
D. India joins an elite club of select countries that offer treatment of relapsed/ refractory B cell Lymphomas and Leukamia in at least 20 major hospitals in the first phase. It’s cost will be Rs30-40 laks about 10% of what it costs .It is one of the most complex therapies to be fully developed overseas TOI..14/10/23.
E. A company innovatively repurposed the common hot water bag, engraving special lumps for a realistic feel, encouraging women to regularly perform self breast examinations. This tool, available for free through the city’s initiative, aims to enhance awareness and education on breast health. The city has made the kit available for order at zero cost on the SBI Life’s….TOI 15/12/23.
F. The latest cancer treatments at Lilavati Hospital include advancements in breast, head, and neck cancer. For breast health, self-examination 7 days post-menses is crucial, with options like shorter, faster implant procedures or longer, permanent autologous reconstructions. Advanced cases may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, and targeted hormone therapies. In head and neck management, a laser or microscope can remove cancerous growth with minimal scarring and voice preservation. Lilavati’s Nuclear Department utilizes a gamma camera for thyroid disease diagnosis (Bombay Times 22/9/23).
G. Anti Cancer plants study by Tata Memorial to start in Pen (Mumbai). Only medicinal plants believed to have anti cancer properties will be cultivated and studied scientifically by TMC researchers ….TOI 21/9/23.
H. Cancer Drugmaker Mirati Therapeutics Inc..is in the process of rolling out it’s first product to patients , a Lung Cancer Drug called KRAZATI. It is also developing second line treatment for a type of lung cancer in which the KRAS GENE has mutated and coy has received accelerated approval…..ET Mumbai 7/10/23.
I.UK to introduce 7-minute cancer treatment jab, Atezolizumab,( made by Genentech, a Roche copy – is an immunotherapy drug that empowers a patient ‘s own immune system to seek and destroy cancerous cells) offering quicker administration through injection instead of IV drip. Promising shorter treatment times for NHS patients with various cancers like lung, breast, liver, and bladder.tude Reported by TOI on 31/8/23.
J.A study by a multi country team of scientists, incl an Allahabad University alumnus has discovered that a compound leaves might help multiple forms of cancer. A singular anti cancer compound termed “4-3-Hydrxyabilino-6, 7_dimethoxyquinazoline can be extracted from tobacco leaves, exhibiting no discernible side effects…TOI 29/8/23
K. In cancer therapy “biosimilars” which are allowed to skip some of the trial steps have hugely improved access. Significantly less costly drugs whether for cancer, HIV or Hepatitis C have made huge impact….TOI 19/8/23
L. Proton Beam Therapy…A new hope for cancer patients. It is deemed safer than regular cancer radiation for kids esp…6/1/24 TOI
M. In the past, oncology focused on curing early-stage cancer, considering metastatic disease nearly incurable. However, a shift is underway, with researchers challenging this belief through extensive laboratory work. Over 800 pancreatic cancer clinical trials are recruiting patients, reflecting a renewed effort to combat advanced stages. Despite advancements in breast cancer treatments, tens of thousands still face its lethality each year, emphasizing the ongoing battle against formidable diseases. (TOI 18/6/23)
N. The health benefits package of Ayushman Bharat PMJAY, should prioritise the expansion of cancer packages by including the cost effective treatments which may be delivered in outpatient care, secondly, the digital payment system should be used to fiance the cost of diagnostic services available for staging of cancer patients before the treatment begins..TOI 11/7/23.
Lastly, The new information given above is to be experimented, lest it should give an impression that a remedy has been found. Pray that God give us the light of knowledge to cure / prevent it . May God help cancer patients to recover with least sufferings.
Note-This write-up serves as a tribute to those who bravely fought cancer but succumbed, and to those currently battling with resilience, hope, and positivity. It also aims to raise general awareness among the public.