In India, breast cancer is the most common cancer among women, with one woman getting diagnosed every 4 minutes and one dying of it every 8 minutes. The statistics are scary.

The good news is breast cancer can be cured if diagnosed and treated early. The 5-year survival rate for treatment in an early stage is 99%. That’s the main reason Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a world-acclaimed surgical oncologist in Bangalore, stresses the need for breast cancer awareness among people.

He is the Director and HOD of Minimally Access Surgical Oncology at the prestigious Fortis Cancer Institute, Bangalore. He is considered a leading oncologist for breast cancer treatment in Bangalore, India, for his vast experience, astute diagnosis, and exceptional surgical skills.

He firmly believes that women must get screened regularly for early detection, which is the key to successfully treating cancer. Further, they must carry out self-examination at home every month. It’s high time women stop ignoring their health.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak offers advice on identifying breast cancer in its earliest stages.Continue reading to learn more about the early warning signs of breast cancer and how to protect your health by following the tips.

While doing a self-exam at home, you should look out for the following signs:

• Lumps
• Change in skin texture, like extremely dry, scaly, or sunburned
• Nipple discharge
• Swelling and redness around the breasts
• Dimpling of skin
• Inverting of nipples
• Crusting or rashes around the areola and nipples
• Lymph node changes

Now that you know the initial symptoms of breast cancer let’s move forward to understand how to detect breast cancer early on.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best cancer specialist in Bangalore, strongly advises women to perform monthly self-exams and check for any changes in the breast. Doing it regularly will make them more attentive to any potential warning signs.

Steps for breast self-examination:

• Stand before a mirror and look at your breasts. Pay close attention to any potential skin texture anomalies, such as dimpling, creases, or other irregularities.
• Then look for any changes in the texture of your skin or any discharge as you raise your arms above your head.
• Further, check for any evident lumps with a firm, smooth touch while resting on your back or in the shower. Don’t forget to pay attention to the area under your arms.

If you notice a change or lump in the breast which wasn’t present earlier, please get it examined by a doctor as soon as possible. It may just be a benign cyst or lump, but it is always better to be cautious.

Knowing your family’s medical history is crucial for determining your breast cancer risk. Family history includes first-degree relatives, your parents and siblings, and second-degree relatives, your aunts and cousins.

A woman’s risk significantly increases if her family has a history of the disease.According to some research, your risk doubles if your parents or siblings have breast cancer.

Remember to discuss your family history of breast cancer with your doctor, so they know the possibility of hereditary concerns. Accordingly, they may advise you about regular screening and a healthy lifestyle.

Women should visit their doctor for an annual health check-up, which usually includes a breast exam, routine pelvic exam, and pap test. 

During the examination,make it a point to discuss your health issues, family history, and healthcare options with your doctor. However, immediately consult your doctor without waiting for your annual check-up if you notice a lump or other breast cancer-related signs.

For early breast cancer detection, mammograms are essential. This non-invasive techniquecan identify cancer three years before you feel a lump. Your age and medical history will determine how often you should have a mammogram.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a prominent oncologist for breast cancer treatment in Bangalore, recommends that women above 40 should get a mammogram done every two years. 

However, if you are below 40 and have a family history of breast cancer, talk to your doctor about it. He will plan your screening schedule depending on your risk factor.

If your mammogram results show up some abnormalities, your doctor may suggest added tests, such as:

• Ultrasound
• MRI
• Biopsy 

Please do not panic about the abnormal mammogram result as it may be due to a benign tumor or cyst, which are quite common.

And if breast cancer is detected, then be assured that many treatment options are available. Women have a better chance of overcoming breast cancer with early detection, diagnosis, and treatment. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading oncologist in Bangalore, says that India is at the forefront of advanced cancer treatments. We have the latest medical technology and expertise that is on par with the best medical centres in the world. 

He has successfully treated thousands of breast cancer patients with advanced surgical modalities, including laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic surgeries. These minimally invasive surgeries offer unparallel surgical precision, less trauma, quicker recovery, minimum complication, and faster return to a normal lifestyle.

Ovarian cancer is the third most common cancer in India among women. With the cases increasing every year, it’s a matter of grave concern.

Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries, peritoneum, and fallopian tubes. The ovaries, a part of the women’s reproductive system, lie on either side of the uterus. They produce eggs and hormones, such as progesterone and estrogen.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an experienced surgical oncologist in India, explains that ovarian cancer is easier to treat when it is confined to the ovaries.

But sadly, it goes undiagnosed in the early stages, as there are no symptoms. Cancer has already metastasized to the abdomen and pelvis when the symptoms appear, which is challenging to treat.

Ovarian cancer can affect any woman, but some factors can potentially increase the risk of developing the disease. We cannot change some aspects as being older, having the genetic mutations BRCA1 or BRCA2, and having a family history of cancers.

Being an expert in ovarian cancer treatment in Bangalore, India, Dr. Sandeep Nayak often gets queries from his patients about how to prevent ovarian cancer.

He says it is not possible to prevent ovarian cancer at present, but fortunately, there are a few ways to help lower the risk. He believes that people will be attentive to the symptoms if they know the risks and visit the doctor as soon as possible.

Continue reading to learn about the symptoms, risk factors, and ways to lower the risk of ovarian cancer.

They include:

• Back or stomach pain
• Unusual discharge or bleeding from the vagina
• Bloating
• Discomfort near the pelvis
• Difficulty eating
• Weight loss
• Frequent need to urinate
• Changes in bowel habit

Other medical disorders might bring on these symptoms. Doctors can identify the disease using some tests, including blood tests and pelvic examinations.

Some of the risk factors that increase the chances of developing ovarian cancer are:

• Family history of breast or ovarian cancer
• Overweight
• Age above 50 years
• Endometriosis
• Inherited gene mutations
• Difficulty conceiving or giving birth
• Previously having colon, breast, or uterine cancer
• Hormone replacement therapy

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading oncologist for ovarian cancer treatment in Bangalore, states that if you have more than one risk factor, please talk to your doctor about it and the possible screening tests.

Giving birth and breastfeeding

In comparison to women who do not give birth, those who do have a lower risk of developing ovarian cancer, especially before the age of 30. Having more children further reduces the risk.

Also, breastfeeding mothers have a lower risk of having ovarian cancer, which decreases the longer, you nurse

According to research, ovarian cancer risk is up to 50% lower among women who have used oral contraceptives in the past. The risk of developing ovarian cancer decreases with continued use of the pill.

However, consult your doctor to see if oral contraceptives suit you because not everyone responds well to them. Further, they can cause other complications, such as blood clots in women who smoke.

The risk of ovarian cancer decreases by managing your weight. You will have to exercise regularly and have a healthy, balanced diet.

Certain foods that are high in vitamin A, such as leafy green vegetables, carrots,and sweet potatoes, as well as foods like eggs, beans, almonds, etc., that are rich in vitamin D, also lower your risk of having ovarian cancer.

Avoiding tobacco use and exposure can reduce your chance of ovarian cancer and many other cancer types.Abstaining from tobacco use, controlling your alcohol intake, eating healthily, and exercising minimizes your ovarian cancer risk.

As hormone replacement therapy is one of the risk factors for ovarian cancer, it would be better if you could ask your doctor about alternative treatments for HRT after menopause.

Lower risk of ovarian cancer is linked to having some gynecological surgeries, such as:

• Hysterectomy (removal of the uterus)
• Tubal ligation
• Removal of either fallopian tubes (salpingectomy), ovaries (oophorectomy), or both.

However, according to specialists, you should undergo these procedures for genuine medical needs rather than for their effect on ovarian cancer.

Suppose you are undergoing a hysterectomy for medical reasons, and your family has a history of ovarian or breast cancer. In that case, you might consider having a bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy, which involves removing both ovaries and fallopian tubes.

Further, according to studies, premenopausal women with BRCA gene mutations who have removed their ovaries have a lower risk of developing breast and ovarian cancer.

It decreases the risk of breast cancer by more than 50 percent and ovarian cancer by 85 to 95 percent.

Each of the above points has its pros and cons. Some are easy to follow, whereas some need surgical intervention. Due to this, certain preventive methods may not be suitable for everyone.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best oncologists in India, recommends that you should discuss your worries about developing ovarian cancer with your doctor. They can assess your level of risk and provide a preventive plan that is suitable for you.

Esophageal cancer, also called cancer of the food pipe, occurs in the tube connecting the stomach and throat. It is aggressive cancer having a poor prognosis compared to other cancers of the gastrointestinal tract.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best surgical oncologist in India, states that patients have a better chance of survival if the cancer is detected in the very early stage. That’s why he encourages people to be aware of the sign and symptoms of esophageal cancer, which include:

• Difficulty in swallowing
• Chest pain in the centre
• Heartburn or indigestion
• Food coming back up after swallowing
• Persistent cough
• A feeling of something stuck in the throat

If you experience any of the above symptoms, please consult your doctor as soon as possible. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak is a prominent oncologist for esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, India. Currently, he is the HOD of Minimal Access Surgical Oncology at Fortis Cancer Institute, Bannerghatta Road, Bangalore.

He specializes in the latest surgical modalities such as laparoscopic, robotic, and endoscopic, which provide unmatched accuracy and precision in treating hard-to-reach constricted places such as the esophagus.

In this article, we will focus on how esophageal cancer is staged and graded as your treatment option, and the chance of recovery depend on it. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a renowned cancer specialist in Bangalore, India, explains that cancer is staged in order to determine its location, size, and whether it has spread or impacted other areas of the body.  After you complete all your diagnostic tests, staging will be done. The stage will be from 0 to 4, with 0 as the precancer stage and 4 as the most advanced stage.

Doctors will use this information to determine the best treatment course and predict the patient’s prognosis.

To determine the stage of cancer, you will have to undergo the following tests:

• Blood tests
• Ct scan
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• PET scan
• Biopsy

An essential part of diagnosis and staging is assessing the extent to which cancer has spread. 

The endoscopic ultrasound, also called endosonography, is necessary for staging esophageal cancer. To observe and collect samples from the esophagus, the doctor passes a tube with light through the mouth. 

The doctor can use the tube’s tip to do an ultrasound on the affected area. The computer creates an image by analysing how the high-energy sound waves that penetrate the tissues bounce back.

In addition to this test, the doctor may ask you to undergo thoracoscopy to collect samples of the lymph nodes and surrounding areas. In this endoscopic procedure, a small incision is made between the ribs to insert a tube containing a camera, light, and equipment to take samples of the esophagus, chest lymph nodes, and lungs.

Once the samples of the tumor are collected, the pathologist analyses them under the microscope using special dyes to highlight the cells’ structure.  The grade is determined by comparing the cancer cells with the surrounding healthy cells. The grading will depend on the appearance and the rate of growth.

The stage of cancer is assessed using the finding of the diagnostic scans and tests. Doctors usually use the TNM system to describe the stage. The doctor will give a score of 0 to 4 for each letter depending on the severity of cancer. 0 indicates cancer is not present, whereas 4 means it has spread extensively.

TNM stands for:

• T for tumor: It indicates how extensive the cancer is and how much it has grown into the esophageal wall and surrounding tissues.
• N for nodes: This indicates whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and how many have been affected.
• M for metastasis: It specifies if cancer has spread to other organs.

The stage of cancer is determined on the basis of the TNM system along with the type of cancer, grade, and location (upper, middle, or lower part of the esophagus).

• Stage 1 – The cancer is localized. It is still only present in the inner layer of the esophagus.
• Stage 2 – Cancer has penetrated deeper into the layers of the esophageal and may have spread to the lymph nodes.
• Stage 3 – Cancer has reached the nearby lymph nodes and possibly the nearby organs and tissues.
• Stage 4 – Cancer has metastasized to distant organs and parts of the body.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading oncologist for esophageal cancer treatment in Bangalore, further states that along with staging, the doctor will also mention whether there is scope for surgery to remove the tumor.

Resectable cancer means the surgeon can remove cancer from the esophagus, whereas unresectable cancer means it won’t be possible to remove the tumor with surgery successfully.

Surgery is possible for stages 0, 1, or 2. However, the patient has to be healthy enough to undergo the procedure. Unresectable cancers have mainly spread to nearby organs such as the spine, airway, or aorta. They are hard to treat as surgery is not an option.

Esophageal cancer staging helps the doctor plan the most appropriate treatment for you.  No doubt, being diagnosed with cancer can be traumatic and daunting, but remember, medical science has advanced tremendously, and treatments are available.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly passionate and experienced oncologist in Bangalore, India, is known to provide advanced minimally invasive esophageal cancer treatment to patients from all over the globe.

Mouth and oral cancers refer to cancers of the oral cavity, lip, larynx, hypopharynx, and oropharynx. With over 377,700 reported cases in 2020 worldwide, oral cavity and lip cancers are the most prevalent.

According to the Mouth Cancer Foundation, the increased fatality rate associated with oral cancer is brought on by the fact that the disease is often discovered in its advanced stages, most frequently after it has already started spreading to the lymph nodes in the neck.

It can be a severe disease, but fortunately, it is also one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly-accomplished cancer specialist in Bangalore, says that early detection and treatment of oral cancer are essential, but misconceptions about the condition can make this difficult.

When it comes to cancer, there are many myths and misconceptions floating around. Oral cancer is no different. 

Here are 5 of the most common myths about oral cancer:

While it is true that habitual use of tobacco and alcohol are the two most prevalent risk factors for oral cancer, they are not the only ones. Non-smokers and abstainers of alcohol may experience a diagnosis at some stage in life. 

Mouth cancer risk factors also include prolonged sun exposure, weaker immune system, HPV infection, age (risk rises with age), gender (men are more at risk), and a bad diet. Your genetics also plays a role in oral cancer risk. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, often regarded as the best oncologist in India, says it is important to see a dentist or doctor regularly so that they can catch any early signs of cancer.

Oral cancer can be quite sneaky.

It often starts out as a minor, painless sore or lump that can be easily overlooked. Usually, oral or mouth cancer can appear in hard-to-see locations like the tonsils, base of the tongue, lymph nodes, and the lining of your mouth.

Symptoms that you need to look out for include:

• hoarseness or difficulty in trying to speak
• sores or lumps in your mouth or lips that do not heal
• red or white patches on your mouth lining, gums, tongue, or tonsils
• unexplained bleeding in your mouth
• a feeling that something is stuck in your throat
• trouble swallowing

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent any cancer, there are some things you can do to lower your risk. 

The most critical approach to preventing mouth or oral cancer may be to never start smoking. If you do smoke, it is a good idea to quit. Abstain from all tobacco products, particularly chewing tobacco. 

In order to reduce your risk of developing oral cancer, you should include more fresh vegetables and fruits in your diet, drink less alcohol, and minimize exposure to the sun’s rays on your lips. Your risks of contracting HPV are also decreased by receiving the HPV vaccination and engaging in safe sexual practices.

While most people think oral cancer only affects older adults, this is not the case. Oral cancer is gradually becoming among the most common cancers in young adults.Because oral cancer frequently takes a long time to develop, most instances are identified in people 50 years of age or older. 

But as cases of oral cancer linked to HPV have increased over time, younger people are now at higher risk. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, often called the best oncologist in Bangalore, advises that the HPV vaccine can significantly reduce the chances of getting HPV infections which increase the risk factor for oral and mouth cancers.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly-skilled surgical oncologist in India, observes that many of his patients are often thoroughly shocked when diagnosed with oral cancer as they had not noticed any symptoms until recently.

Many people think oral cancer is always noticeable, and you would know if you had it. This is definitely not true! As we mentioned before, oral cancer can be quite sneaky. By the time symptoms appear, the cancer may have already spread.

That is why it is essential to see a dentist or doctor regularly, even if you do not have any symptoms. They can perform a visual examination of your mouth and throat to look for any early signs of cancer.

Oral or mouth cancer is a serious disease, but it is also one of the most treatable cancers if caught early. Most people think that oral cancer is always fatal. Fortunately, this is not true.  The survival rate for those diagnosed with early-stage oral cancer is about 83%. So if you are diagnosed with oral cancer, do not lose hope. There is a good chance you will beat it.

Do not let myths about oral cancer prevent you from getting the screenings you need.

If you are worried about your risk, talk to an experienced oncologist like Dr. Sandeep Nayak. With his decades of expertise in providing advanced and effective treatments to cancer patients, he will help assess your condition and offer the best oral cancer treatment in Bangalore.

We all know that smoking is injurious to health. But did you know that smoking is the number one cause of lung cancer? Yes, that’s the fact. Around 80 to 90% of lung cancer are related to cigarette smoking.

However, not all smokers will get lung cancer, but it does increase your chances of getting one by fifteen to thirty percent compared to non-smokers.

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a leading surgical oncologist in India, explains that tobacco smoke exposes you to around 7000 toxic chemicals, of which 70 can cause cancer. Apart from lung cancer, smoking can cause cancer of the bowel, mouth, and throat.

His extensive knowledge and mastery of the latest surgical modalities have made Dr. Sandeep Nayak one of the best oncologist in Bangalore. Currently, he is the Chief of Surgical Oncology, MACS Clinic, and HOD of Minimal Access Surgical Oncology, Fortis Cancer Institute.

If you are a smoker or living with a smoker, then this article will surely help you understand the connection between lung cancer and smoking and why it is essential that you stop smoking.

• One out of eight cancer cases are due to smoking.
• Approximately 22% of cancer death is caused by tobacco.
• Lung cancer causes the most amount of cancer deaths. Approximately 1.76 million people die each year due to lung cancer.
• Cigarette smoking is the number one reason for disability, preventable disease, and death worldwide.
• Smoke from tobacco exposes you to 70 chemicals known to cause cancer.
• Around 90% of lung cancer is connected to smoking.
• You can minimize the risk of getting lung cancer by 30 to 50% within 10 years of quitting smoking. 

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, an acclaimed cancer specialist for lung cancer treatment in Bangalore, urges people to stop smoking. He regularly holds camps and seminars to make people aware of the dangers of smoking. He feels it is never too late to quit.

Read on to understand,

As mentioned earlier, thousands of chemicals enter your lungs when you inhale tobacco smoke. Quite a few of them have the ability to harm the DNA present in your lung cells. The body tries to restore the damage done by these chemicals, however in the long run, the body cannot cope with the damage done by smoking.This can result in the development of cancer cells.

Constant breathing in tobacco smoke can even harm the alveoli, the minute air sacs that manage the gas exchange in your respiratory system. They supply oxygen to your blood and throw out carbon dioxide when you exhale. Long-term damage to the alveoli can eventually result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

The second most factor to cause lung cancer is secondhand smoke. Thousands of people die due to prolonged exposure to secondhand smoke. It significantly increases the risk of developing lung or breast cancer in women who are non-smokers.

Society is aware of the hazards of secondhand smoke, and many rules and regulations are being formulated to prohibit indoor smoking. You will come across many public places and restaurants that do not allow indoor smoking or have a different section for smokers.

The battery-operated e-cigarettes replicate the traditional cigarette by producing smoke and delivering nicotine.  There is not much research available about the long-term effects of e-cigarettes as they are relatively new. However, some studies show that e-cigarettes deliver a few cancer-causing chemicals, though in less amounts than the original cigarettes.

Further, overheating the liquid in e-cigarettes can produce formaldehyde, a cancer-causing chemical. Dr. Sandeep Nayak, one of the best oncologist in India, urges people not to use e-cigarettes. 

It poses several risks, such as getting bronchiolitis obliterans, a severe lung condition, or delivering heavy metals such as tin or lead. Moreover, most e-cigarettes have nicotine which is highly addictive and can impede brain development in teenagers.

When you stop smoking, not only does your chances of developing lung cancer decreases, but it also improves your overall health. 

Some of the advantages of quitting smoking are:

• Improves heart functions and circulation 
• Decreases heart rate and blood pressure
• Decreases coughing and shortness of breath
• Minimizes the risk of pregnancy issues and impotence
• Reduces the chance of premature birth, miscarriage, or low birth weight
• Lowers the potential risk of bladder, pancreatic, cervix, esophagus, throat, and mouth cancer

About 10 to 15% of patients with lung cancer have no smoking history. Other factors that increase the chances of lung cancer other than smoking are:

• Family history of lung cancer
• Prior radiation treatment in the chest area
• Air pollution
• Exposure to asbestos or radon gas
• Exposure to certain chemicals like arsenic, chromium, diesel exhaust, or silica

Dr. Sandeep Nayak, a highly experienced surgical oncologist in India, says that lung cancer cases in young people are increasing, and more than 30000 new cases in people below 50 years are reported yearly.

However, giving up smoking allows the body to heal. So, make an effort to quit smoking and give life a chance. If you have been a heavy smoker for a long time, it is better to get yourself checked. You can visit a specialist in lung cancer treatment in Bangalore for accurate diagnosis and ways to minimize lung cancer risk.