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The Role of Experienced Radiation Oncologist in Providing Insights into the Necessity of Identifying Symptoms, Screenings, and Customised Treatment Process for Cancer Treatment
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Early detection of cancer could be an important factor in increasing the options for treating the disease. The problem is that the delay in consulting a doctor, the absence of knowledge regarding the symptoms and some wrong perceptions of cancer become those problems that must be solved. The need for timely diagnostics, right treatment and correct diagnosis of cancer is highlighted by Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma, who is the Director and Unit Head of Radiation Oncology at Venkateshwar Hospital in Delhi.

Cancer is a set of diseases that each has its own features and requires a different treatment. While new ways of treatment, such as targeted therapy, immunotherapy and more advanced irradiation have been invented recently, timely diagnosis and a right choice of the method of treatment are still crucial elements of cancer treatment.

Understanding Cancer Symptoms and Consulting a Doctor in a Timely Manner
Another challenge linked with the issue of cancer awareness is that one may not have any symptoms in case of early stages of cancer. In case the patient does experience certain symptoms, he/she will confuse them with much less severe symptoms which will make him/her postpone consulting the doctor.

The following symptoms may require consultation of a doctor in case they last for a prolonged period of time: unusual lumps, unexplained bleeding, continuous cough, difficulties in swallowing, sudden weight loss, changes in bowel or bladder habits, and an ongoing sore. The aforementioned symptoms do not mean that one definitely has cancer, however, they should not be ignored.

According to Dr. Sharma, this awareness will help prevent unnecessary delay in diagnosis. Going to the doctor does not mean that one is diagnosed with cancer, however, the doctor will assess his/her symptoms and take necessary actions.

Screening and Early Detection: Getting to Know the Difference
Cancer screening is a test that focuses on identifying certain kinds of cancers or pre-cancers in people who do not exhibit symptoms of the cancer. On the other hand, the diagnostic tests focus on performing tests on people based on the symptoms they exhibit.

All cancers cannot be screened through screening tests. Moreover, screening guidelines will vary depending on a person’s age, medical and personal history, the risk factors, and the kind of cancer. The evidence-based screening guidelines and advice by professionals will help an individual in making the correct choice about screening tests.

Diagnosis will require clinical testing, imaging, biopsies, and pathologic testing where required. Diagnosis enables the identification of the nature and the extent of cancer and hence the best management strategies.

Personalised Treatment Is Reshaping Cancer Care
The treatment of cancer has moved away from a standard method based only on where a tumour is situated. In the modern approach to treatment, consideration is given to type, stage, biological features of the cancer and general health of the patient and what the goals of the treatment should be.

Based on the diagnosis, a treatment might include surgery, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy or a combination of all of these methods. Molecular and biomarker testing can also help determine the treatment in certain types of cancer.

Dr. Sharma, who specialises in radiation oncology, discusses the place of radiation therapy in this approach to the treatment of cancer. Treatment with radiation involves an elaborated plan for administering radiation that is meant to kill cancer cells. It can be considered as a method in case treatment requires tumour control, to reduce the chance of recurrence or to relieve symptoms, depending on the patient’s condition.

Application of innovative techniques like intensity modulated radiotherapy or stereotactic radiotherapy enables radiation oncologists to deliver a more accurate treatment plan for some patients.

A Patient-Centred Approach to the Treatment of Cancer
The effective treatment of cancer requires more than just choosing an adequate treatment method. It is important that the cancer patient be fully informed and be given the needed assistance while facing any side effects of the treatment.

“Early evaluation, proper diagnosis and the formulation of an individualised treatment plan are just some of the important components of an effective cancer treatment plan.” A patient must not neglect any persistent symptoms nor delay consultations due to fear and ignorance. Awareness of the condition along with a discussion of proper treatment methods with the oncology team would allow making educated decisions,” says Dr. Manoj Sharma.

Given that cancer treatment constantly progresses and new methods are developed, increasing awareness among the general population remains highly relevant.

About Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma
Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma is a radiation oncologist who functions as Director and Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology of Venkateshwar Hospital, New Delhi. Dr. Manoj Kumar Sharma has expertise in several modalities of radiation therapy and treatment of cancer diseases like head & neck cancers, brain cancers, lung cancers, and prostate cancers.

Media Contact
Venkateshwar Hospital
Sector 18A, Dwarka, New Delhi, 110078
Website: https://www.venkateshwarhospitals.com/
Phone: +91-11-48-555-555