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The Hindu
04-06-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Brain tumours are on the rise in India: what does the future hold for treatment?
Brain tumors are on the rise in India, as evidenced by data from various cancer registries since 1982. According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2022 report, brain tumors rank 14th amongst all tumours in India, and are projected to increase in number. One of the primary reasons for this trend is the widespread availability of imaging techniques like MRI and CT scans making for increasing diagnoses and reporting. Brain tumors can develop in people of all ages, and the incidence is nearly equal between men and women. What are brain tumours? Brain tumors can be classified as benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Benign tumors are more common, and they often have a cure and complete recovery. In contrast, malignant tumors may not have cures, but have advanced treatment options that can lead to long disease-free periods. The symptoms of brain tumors can vary depending on the affected area of the brain or structure. Common symptoms include headaches, dizziness, vomiting, instability, weakness, seizures, and more. Some red flag symptoms include recent-onset headaches accompanied by vomiting, seizures, gradual vision loss, hearing loss, progressive weakness of limbs, and an increase in head size in infants. In general, symptoms of benign brain tumors persist for more than three months, while those of malignant tumors typically last less than three months. Early identification and appropriate treatment are crucial to achieve the best possible outcomes. Treatment options Treatment options for brain tumors range from no treatment with follow-up MRI scans, to medical treatments, stereotactic radiosurgery, biopsies, and surgical excision, with the last being the most invasive. If a biopsy-proven malignant tumor is found, additional treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be necessary, depending on the type of tumor. Metastatic brain tumors require a PET CT scan of the entire body to locate the primary tumor and other metastatic deposits. The treatment and outcomes of these tumors depend on the specific type of tumor. Glioma is the most common type of brain tumor in children, while meningioma is the most common in adults. Unfortunately, there are currently no preventive strategies for brain tumors. Just to bust a commonly-held myth at this juncture, research has shown that mobile phone use does not increase the risk of developing brain tumors. What the future holds The future of brain tumor management holds immense promise. Emerging applications of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and precision medicine are poised to revolutionise the treatment of brain tumors. The use of AI in brain tumor imaging can enhance tumor detection and characterisation, as well as monitor treatment response. Molecular and genomic profiling of brain tumors can provide personalised treatment options by identifying the gene mutations responsible for the disease and tailoring drugs to the patient's unique genetic makeup. Newer brain tumor markers, such as microRNA, are being researched for diagnostic, grading, prognostication, and therapeutic targeting purposes. Precision surgery guided by image and robot technology, along with minimally invasive approaches, has significantly reduced the incidence of collateral damage to normal neural structures, leading to shorter hospital stays. (Dr. Boopesh Pugazhendi is a neurosurgeon at Naruvi Hospitals, Vellore. Email: boopesh@
IOL News
29-05-2025
- Health
- IOL News
Thyroid Cancer: A silent threat South Africans shouldn't ignore
Thyroid cancer is often overlooked, yet its impact is growing in South Africa. Image: IOL Ron AI While thyroid cancer is not among the most commonly discussed cancers in South Africa, its global impact, and growing local significance make it worth paying attention to. As International Thyroid Awareness Week is from May 25 to 31, it's an important reminder for South Africans to take thyroid health seriously, especially since this often-silent disease can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender. With early detection, most types of thyroid cancer are highly treatable, yet many South Africans remain unaware of the risks, symptoms, and treatment options. The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland at the front of your neck that plays a critical role in regulating your body's metabolism. According to the Global Cancer Observatory, thyroid cancer is the seventh most common cancer worldwide. In South Africa, although comprehensive national data is limited, specialists are seeing a steady increase in diagnoses, particularly as access to ultrasound and diagnostic tools improves. Thyroid cancer develops when cells in the thyroid undergo changes in their DNA. These changes lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which can eventually form a tumour. While the cause is often unknown, exposure to high levels of radiation, such as radiation therapy to the head and neck, can increase the risk. Family history may also play a role. According to Dr Eric Moore, a head and neck surgeon at the Mayo Clinic, most forms of thyroid cancer are treatable: 'Minimally invasive surgery may be an option, sometimes sparing much of the noncancerous thyroid gland tissue.' However, he cautions that rarer, more aggressive types of thyroid cancer can be much harder to treat. He adds that 'our research and treatment have made transformative strides in the outcomes for our patients with these types of thyroid cancer.' Video Player is loading. Play Video Play Unmute Current Time 0:00 / Duration -:- Loaded : 0% Stream Type LIVE Seek to live, currently behind live LIVE Remaining Time - 0:00 This is a modal window. Beginning of dialog window. Escape will cancel and close the window. Text Color White Black Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Background Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Opaque Semi-Transparent Transparent Window Color Black White Red Green Blue Yellow Magenta Cyan Transparency Transparent Semi-Transparent Opaque Font Size 50% 75% 100% 125% 150% 175% 200% 300% 400% Text Edge Style None Raised Depressed Uniform Dropshadow Font Family Proportional Sans-Serif Monospace Sans-Serif Proportional Serif Monospace Serif Casual Script Small Caps Reset restore all settings to the default values Done Close Modal Dialog End of dialog window. Advertisement Next Stay Close ✕ Women are more frequently diagnosed with thyroid cancer than men, but this doesn't necessarily mean they're at greater risk. Dr Victor Bernet, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic in Florida, explains that women tend to be more proactive about their health, often leading to earlier diagnosis. 'Men have a risk, and we're not catching them as much,' he says. In advanced cases, the risk levels between men and women are nearly equal. One of the challenges with thyroid cancer is that it often presents no symptoms in its early stages. As it progresses, however, people may notice swelling in the neck, changes in voice (especially hoarseness), persistent throat pain, or difficulty swallowing. These symptoms are easy to dismiss, which is why awareness is critical. Treatment usually involves surgery, depending on the type and stage of the cancer Surgical options include: Thyroidectomy : Removal of all or most of the thyroid gland. Thyroid lobectomy : Removal of one lobe of the thyroid, often used when the cancer is slow-growing and contained. Lymph node dissection: If cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, some may be removed for testing or treatment. Surgical decisions depend on the cancer's size, spread, and the patient's preferences. Many patients also require hormone therapy after surgery to maintain normal metabolic function. For South Africans, the takeaway is clear: thyroid cancer is not rare, and it's not always obvious. Whether you're male or female, young or older, understanding the warning signs and seeking medical advice when symptoms arise can make all the difference. IOL Lifestyle
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Raising Awareness and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer
Cancer is a debilitating illness that remains a persistent threat to humanity and is one of the leading causes of death globally. It is imperative to recognize the prevalence of head and neck cancers, the seventh most common cancer in the world. Head and neck cancers exhibit a continuous rising trend of prevalence and incidence rates across the globe and more prevalent in developing nations like India where it is responsible for significant cancer-related mortality rate. In India, Head neck cancers cause over 1,25,000 deaths annually, accounting for a significant 30 percent of all cancer cases as per the latest Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates produced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and disseminated as Cancer Today on GLOBOCAN website database. The GLOBOCAN 2024 database includes seven types of head and neck cancers, including the lip and oral cavity, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, salivary gland, larynx, and thyroid cancer. These categories are made according to the International Classification of Diseases Related Health Problems; 10th Revision (ICD-10) based on anatomical location of tumor. The estimated rise in the incidence rate was predicted until 2050. The highest prevalence was reported for lip and oral cavity cancer which was 26.31, 17.07, and 6.4 for the 5 years, 3 years, and 1 year per 100,000 individuals respectively. The percent risk of rise of new cancer cases by the year 2050 is maximum for oropharynx cancer (103.9%). In India, the number of cancer cases is rising and it is estimated that there will be approximately 2.1 million new cancer cases in India by 2040, an increase of 57.5% from the year 2020. Tobacco addiction is one of the most important and significant risk factors for head neck cancers, especially oral cancers. Tobacco use has been identified as a risk factor in 80 to 90% of patients with oral cancer. Tobacco use in India is characterized by a high prevalence of combustible (in the form of smoking) and smokeless tobacco use, with dual use also contributing a noticeable proportion. Tobacco and alcohol consumption synergistically increase the likelihood of cancer by 500 times. Head neck cancers can manifest with various symptoms depending on the location and stage of the cancer. Some common signs and symptoms include swelling or lumps, pain, difficulty swallowing, changes in Voice, persistent sore throat, ear pain, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, bleeding, and numbness One of the significant challenges in combating Head neck cancers in India is the late presentation of cases. Due to a lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare facilities in remote regions, and sociocultural beliefs, patients often seek medical help at advanced stages of the disease, reducing treatment options and chances of successful outcomes. Treatment for head and neck cancer typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and in recent years, advancements in medical technology have led to targeted therapies and immunotherapy Prevention is better than cure. Head neck cancers can be prevented by Avoiding consumption of tobacco (in any form) and alcohol is the best strategy for oral and head & neck cancer prevention. Maintenance of good oral hygiene HPV vaccine is now available that helps in the prevention of HPV-associate oropharyngeal cancer. Regular screening As the healthcare stand poised on the edge of discovery, crucial innovations entail developing patient-focused and patient-friendly treatment modalities for head neck cancers. April which is a Head neck cancer awareness month, let us all take a pledge to unite together in our fight against head neck cancers. (The writer is a Consultant -Head & Neck Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery Apollo Cancer Centre, Visakhapatnam)
Hindustan Times
25-04-2025
- Health
- Hindustan Times
With ‘MenCan', TMH steps up on gender-inclusive oncology
Mumbai: Tata Memorial Hospital (TMH), which has for long led efforts to provide cancer care to women and children in India, has launched MenCan, a comprehensive initiative focused exclusively on male cancer patients. The initiative marks a crucial step toward gender-inclusive oncology as it addresses prostate, testicular, and penile cancers, which are common among men. Male pelvic cancers are deeply stigmatised, and silence often leads to late-stage diagnosis. TMH alone sees around 1,100 prostate, 300 testicular, and 150 penile cancer cases annually. But nearly 80% prostate cancer patients are diagnosed in the advanced stages, which contrasts sharply with trends in developed countries, where 80% cases are detected early. 'In India, only 20–30% cases are diagnosed in the second stage. Most reach us when the cancer is far advanced,' said Dr Gagan Prakash, professor of surgical oncology at TMH. 'This is due to a mix of stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to screening.' MenCan is TMC's answer to this crisis. The programme combines medical care with holistic support—focusing on early detection, counseling, fertility services, financial aid, and long-term rehabilitation through a survivorship clinic. It also works to normalise discussions around male health through public education and outreach. A key concern MenCan addresses is treatment dropout. 'Nearly 20–30% male patients discontinue treatment, primarily due to financial constraints,' said Dr Vedang Murthy, a core member of the initiative. 'Our goal is to ensure no one drops out because they can't afford care, or because they're too ashamed to ask for help.' The initiative includes a confidential helpline (8451009760) for guidance and emotional support, which links up patients with support groups, survivorship meetings, and counselling sessions. 'Our helpline ensures men don't have to face this battle alone,' said Dr Prakash. According to the Global Cancer Observatory 2022, India is expected to record 41,736 prostate, 4,640 testicular, and 11,264 penile cancer cases by 2025. Prostate cancer ranks 12th in India but is expected to climb as the elderly male population grows. The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI) estimates the 60+ demographic will nearly double, from 8.6% to 19.5% by 2050. Though rare, testicular cancer affects men between 14 and 44 years and has a 90% survival rate even in advanced stages. Penile cancer, despite being rare globally, sees the highest incidence in India. TMH's audit of 750 penile cancer cases revealed patients aged between 22 and 91 years. MenCan has roped in well-known singer Shaan as brand ambassador. It has also developed a campus navigation app for TMH's 60-acre ACTREC campus to help first-time visitors. 'MenCan is not just about treating cancer—it's about restoring dignity, breaking silence, and making sure every man gets the care he deserves,' said Dr Prakash. The initiative is likely to be expanded across all Tata Memorial Centres in India, he added.
Yahoo
15-02-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lung Cancer Is Rising in Non-Smokers, And This Could Be Why
While the number of smokers in the world as a proportion of the population is dropping, lung cancer continues to cause almost 2 million deaths per year – and new research reports on a concerning rise in cases among people who've never lit up a cigarette. The international team behind the research found that rates of lung cancer in this group of people could be tied to increasing levels of pollution and the subsequent damage to health, with east Asia, particularly China, the worst affected. "As lung cancer is the leading cancer worldwide, a comprehensive understanding of the changing epidemiological patterns and their potential causes is essential," write the researchers in their published paper. Digging into statistics from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) survey of 2022, as well as other registers of cancer incidence covering the years 1988 to 2017, the researchers identified adenocarcinoma as the most prevalent type of lung cancer worldwide, accounting for 45.6 percent of cases in males and 59.7 percent in females. Adenocarcinoma starts in glands, and while it can certainly be caused by smoking, it's not the number one cancer type in smokers. It is, however, the most common type of lung cancer in non-smokers. Cross-referencing their findings with previous studies, the researchers identify a rising trend in lung cancer cases in people who've never smoked. That's something that needs addressing, the researchers say, along with continuing efforts to get smokers to quit and to discourage young people from taking up the habit in the first place. "As smoking prevalence continues to decline in many countries worldwide, the proportion of lung cancer in people who have never smoked has increased," write the researchers. "Notably, lung cancer in people who have never smoked is estimated to be the fifth leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, occurring almost exclusively as adenocarcinoma and most commonly in women and Asian populations." The research team suggests that part of the reason behind the increasing occurrences of lung cancer in non-smokers is rising air pollution, and several earlier studies have already joined the dots between adenocarcinoma and air pollution. Again there's a link to east Asia and especially China, where air quality is some of the worst in the world. Even as one cause of lung cancer is on the wane, another is rising up, and this one is less about personal lifestyle choices and more about global pollution. As always, frequent data gathering and analysis should give scientists a better understanding of how lung cancer is developing – and how we might continue to tackle one of the most common cancers worldwide. "Our findings provide insight for those seeking to develop and implement strategies to control tobacco and air pollution that are adapted to populations with high rates of lung cancer incidence or increasing generational risks," write the researchers. The research has been published in The Lancet Respiratory Medicine. Woman Develops Kidney Injury From Menstrual Cup in Rare Case Valentine's Day: The Science of How Physical Affection Boosts Health Your Social Life Could Help You Stave Off Dementia For Years, Study Finds
