Cancer, a disease that can grope anybody regardless of their age or gender is on the rise across India. While the youth is being constantly educated on the importance of a healthy and clean lifestyle in order to avoid the deadly disease, the older generation is a little resistant when it comes to changing their unhealthy habits such as smoking, alcohol, tobacco consumption, etc. In order to raise awareness about the rising incidence of cancer cases among the older age group, especially for those who are above the age of 60, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj,one of the leading healthcare providers in the country, organized an awareness campaign at Max Med Centre Meerut] today. The event was led by Dr. Meenu Walia, Director – Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganjwhere she spoke at length on the dangerous repercussions of an unhealthy lifestyle. She further shares insights from her own cases to paint a realistic picture of how ignorance and unawareness can lead to fatal results.
Case 1 – Suman Lata Singh Raghuvanshi, 70
The patient came to hospital on January 2017 with complaint of post-menopausal bleeding for 20 days. She was also suffering from other morbidities such as diabetes, hypertension along with Coronary Artery Disease. On evaluation, she was diagnosed with Stage 4 Primary Peritoneal Cancer. The patient was immediately put on neo adjuvant chemotherapy followed by surgery. However, she was later diagnosed with Abdominal TB and was put on ATT in October 2018. Post treatment, she remained disease-free for straight 16 months. She further had a recurrence, however, the team of doctors at the hospital handled her case successfully with re-challenge with chemotherapyand at present she is disease-free.
Talking about the lesser known form of cancer and Mrs. Suman’s case, Dr. Meenu Walia, said, “Treatment for peritoneal carcinoma is generally aggressive form of cancer and Mrs. Suman Lata’s case is a prime example.Peritoneal cancer spreads rapidly because the peritoneum is rich in lymph and blood through which it can travel. Recurrence after treatment is common with peritoneal cancer as it is often diagnosed in an advanced stage. A recurrence can happen weeks, months, or even years after the primary or original cancer was treated.”
Case 2 – Ashok Kumar, 61
The patient was presented with symptoms of hemoptysis for 2 months coupled with history of chronic smoking and osteoarthrosis forboth knee joints. On undergoing medical evaluation, he was diagnosed with carcinoma of left lung in August 2019. Additionally, the patient had a family history of cancer as his brother had lung cancer. The patient had also quit smoking just one month before the diagnosis. The patient was immediately put on chemotherapy. On completion of 3 cycles, the team of doctors observed significant decrease in size and metabolic activity of the lesion, proving that the patient was responding well to the therapy.The disease is currently under control.
Talking about Mr. Ashok’s case, which is a classic example of smoking leading to lung cancer, Dr. Meenu Walia, shared,”Mr. Ashok’s case is an illustration of what the end result of years of chronic smoking will be if coupled with a family history of the disease. While smoking is the most preventable cause of cancer worldwide, the mortality due to tobacco use in India is estimated at upwards of 3500 persons every day. More than 4,000 different types of chemicals have been found in tobacco and tobacco smoke. Over 60 of these chemicals have been classified as carcinogens by International Agency on Research in Cancer (IARC). Given the patient’s age, family history of the disease and complexity of his condition, the case was a challenging one. However, patient’s good response to chemotherapy session was a motivation for us and we are pleased to share that today Mr. Ashok’s cancer is under control.“
