Cancer is a haunting adversary that affects millions of lives worldwide and drastically changes the lives of innumerable more around them which they call family. It is a disease characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells within the body. Dr. Manoj Kr Sharma, a leading oncologist in the Delhi NCR region, has dedicated his career to helping patients understand and overcome this formidable foe. In this blog, we will discuss what cancer is, its types, its origin, and the modern procedures to effectively combat it.

Understanding Cancer

Cancer is not a single disease but a complex group of diseases that can affect virtually any part of the body. At its core, cancer begins when normal cells undergo genetic mutations that lead to unchecked growth and division. These mutated cells can form a mass called a tumour, which can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). Malignant tumours have the potential to invade nearby tissues and spread to other parts of the body through a process known as metastasis.

Types of Cancer

There are more than 100 different types of cancer, each with its unique characteristics and treatment approaches. Some of the most common types of cancer include breast cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, colorectal cancer, and skin cancer (melanoma). Each type of cancer may require a tailored treatment plan based on its location, stage, and characteristics.

Origins of Cancer

Cancer can begin in various ways, and understanding its origins is crucial for effective treatment and prevention. Here are some common causes and risk factors:

Genetic Factors: Some individuals have an inherited predisposition to cancer due to specific gene mutations (e.g., BRCA1 and BRCA2 in breast and ovarian cancer).

Environmental Factors: Exposure to carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, radiation, and certain chemicals can increase the risk of cancer.

Lifestyle Choices: Unhealthy habits like smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, a poor diet, and lack of physical activity can contribute to cancer development.

Infections: Certain viruses, such as human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B and C, are associated with an increased risk of specific cancers.

Age: The risk of cancer generally increases with age, as accumulated DNA damage can lead to cancerous changes.

Some antiquated ways to better treat and beat cancer are described as follows: –

1. Early Detection: Regular screenings, such as mammograms and colonoscopies, can help detect cancer at an early, more treatable stage.
2. Diagnosis and Staging: Accurate diagnosis and staging of cancer are crucial for developing a personalized treatment plan.
3. Surgery: Surgical removal of tumours or affected tissue is a common approach, especially for localized cancers.
4. Chemotherapy: Drugs are administered orally or intravenously to kill cancer cells throughout the body.
5. Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body’s immune system to fight cancer more effectively.
6. Targeted Therapy: Drugs specifically target cancer cells’ unique characteristics, minimizing damage to healthy cells.
7. Lifestyle Changes: Adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce cancer risk and improve treatment outcomes.
8. Supportive Care: Managing cancer-related symptoms and side effects, such as pain and nausea, is vital for patients’ quality of life.
9. Survivorship Care: After treatment, regular follow-up care helps monitor for recurrence and address long-term effects.

These treatments are widely used around the world and have proven to be effective for many. But as medical technology evolves with every sunrise, more modern procedures have come into the big picture of eliminating cancer without harming the healthy and necessary cells of the body. These include Proton Therapy, Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT), and upgraded conventional Radiotherapy.

Defeating Cancer with Precision, Dr. Sharma’s Expertise in Photon Therapy, SBRT, and Radiotherapy

Photon Therapy: Targeting Cancer with Precision

Photon Therapy, a form of radiation therapy, is a key weapon in Dr. Sharma’s arsenal. It involves the use of high-energy X-ray photons to target and destroy cancer cells. What sets Photon Therapy apart is its precision. Dr. Sharma ensures that the radiation is precisely directed at the tumour, sparing surrounding healthy tissue as much as possible.

This precision is crucial for minimizing side effects and maximizing the therapy’s effectiveness. By tailoring each treatment to the patient’s unique needs, Dr. Sharma achieves the best possible outcomes while preserving the patient’s overall well-being.

SBRT: A Revolution in Radiation Treatment

Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) is another groundbreaking treatment that Dr. Sharma employs. SBRT delivers highly focused, high-dose radiation to small, localized tumours with remarkable precision. What’s impressive about SBRT is its ability to complete treatment in just a few sessions, sparing patients from the lengthy treatment courses associated with conventional radiation therapy.

This therapy is particularly effective for tumours that are hard to reach or inoperable. Dr. Sharma’s expertise in SBRT ensures that patients receive the most advanced and effective treatment available, improving their chances of a successful outcome.

Upgraded Conventional Radiotherapy

While approval of innovative technologies like Photon Therapy and SBRT, Dr. Manoj Kr Sharma recognizes the enduring importance of conventional Radiotherapy. This treatment remains a cornerstone of cancer care, especially for a wide range of cancer types and stages.

Dr. Sharma’s extensive experience in Radiation Oncology allows him to customize conventional Radiotherapy treatments and upgrade them to suit each patient’s unique situation. By carefully planning and delivering radiation, he maximizes the therapeutic benefit while minimizing any potential side effects. This patient-centred approach helps maintain the patient’s quality of life throughout and after treatment.

In the battle against cancer, Dr. Sharma’s expertise in Photon Therapy, SBRT, and conventional Radiotherapy shines as an encouragement of hope and well-being. These precise and effective treatments offer cancer patients the best chance of dominating cancer while minimizing their harsh impact on patients’ daily lives. Dr. Sharma’s commitment to staying on his toes to practicing the best of oncology technology ensures that patients receive the most advanced and compassionate care available in this modern world. With these therapies in his medical expertise, patients facing cancer can find comfort in knowing they are in the capable hands of a dedicated expert in this respectable field of medical treatments.