MGM’s Medical Oncologist answers the most common questions about Cancer

MGM New Bombay Hospital, Vashi is equipped with a state-of-the-art department for cancer management with a dedicated oncology team and staff. Consultant Medical Oncologist, Dr. Pushpak Chirmade sheds some light on the most common FAQs related to cancer.
What is cancer?
Cancer is an uncontrolled and abnormal growth of cells. Normally our body has multiple checkpoints that control the growth of cells and the cell division occurs in a regular way, whenever there is any loss of these checkpoints the cells escape the regulation and they grow uncontrollably.This leads to the formation of a lump and this is known as cancer.
Are all lumps cancerous?
All lumps are not cancerous. There are few which are benign (non-cancerous) and few which are malignant. Rapidly increasing lumps may be more dangerous and tend to be malignant.
Which are the most common types of cancers in India?
Breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, oral cavity cancer, and Gastrointestinal cancers, in that order.

How to screen for breast cancer?
Screening for breast cancer begins at the age of 40. Every female above 40 should undergo a self-breast examination every month. Clinical breast examination every six months and screening mammography every year. It is well known that mammography can pick up a lump 2 years before the patient actually feels it.
What are Pap smear and HPV testing?
Cervical cancer is on the number 2 spot in India. To detect it early in the pre-cancerous stage, Pap smear examination is to be done every 3 yearly for women more than 30 years of age. If Pap smear and HPV testing both are done together the examination can be performed every 5 years, however, it may be slightly costly.
Why is lung cancer increasing?
Lung cancer is mostly associated with smokers but nowadays non-smokers are also getting lung cancer in increasing percentages. Exact reasons are not known but pollution may be a cause. However, non-smokers are better responsive to treatments especially molecular targeted therapy and may tolerate the treatment better. It is important that people stay away from smoking and tobacco consumption.
Is cancer curable?
Cancer may be curable if detected early and correct treatment is started at the correct time.
Who should one consult if one suspects cancer in himself or herself?
Cancer specialists are of three types: medical oncologist, surgical oncologist and radiation oncologist.
Medical oncologists have expertise in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy and are best equipped with one of the latest knowledge and advances in these fields.
Surgical oncologists are experts in surgical resection of tumors.
Radiation oncologists use radiation therapy for the treatment of cancer.
All these have specialties in their own right and hence particular treatment should be taken under the guidance of the particular specialist.
Mostly a multidisciplinary approach that involves all 3 specialties is required for correct treatment of any cancer.
How can we stay away from cancer?
Healthy lifestyle, good diet, adequate sleep, exercise, and staying away from tobacco and alcohol are all important factors to stay away from cancer.
Can obesity cause cancer?
Obesity is an outcome of multiple factors like unhealthy lifestyle, less exercise, improper diet and stress. It does play a very important part of a person developing cancer. Thus, it is very important to keep your weight under check.

For more information
MGM New Bombay Hospital Vashi
Plot-35, Sector-3, Vashi, Navi Mumbai-400703.
Tel No: (022) 50666777, 50564748, Emergency: 50666888 Toll Free: 18002665456, Emergency Helpline Number: 14466
Disclaimer: The views/suggestions/opinions expressed in the article are the sole responsibility of the experts and the hospital concerned