Cancer and its types are among the most dangerous and feared illnesses. In India, nearly 7,25,000 people die from cancer. Even in Punjab, many people die from cancer. It is increasing rapidly and consuming the lives of people. However, the good thing is that now, cancer can be treated. Dr Manpreet Singh Bindra (BHMS PgHom(London), DIHom(London), CCH-UK(Oncology)) explains multiple things, such as different cancer treatments, which treatment is best and what steps to take after a diagnosis. This blog will explain the information provided by Dr. M.S. Bindra.
Cancer
Cancer is a disease that has many types. In this, cells grow abnormally and disrupt the regular functioning of the body. Cancer cells can affect any tissue or organs. They can also grow beyond boundaries and invade other areas of the body. The patient suffers from different stages of cancer, and based on the stage, treatment is provided to the patient.
Why Are the Majority Of Cancers Diagnosed Only At The Last Stage?
According to Dr. M.S. Bindra, people ignore early signs and overlook the symptoms in the initial stage. For example, if a person has a prolonged cough, he or she thinks it is normal and ignores it. Similarly, if a person has an ulcer in the mouth that is recurring or if it does not go away on its own, it could be mouth cancer.
What people usually do is ignore or take such symptoms lightly and try to treat them with home remedies. When remedies do not work, they approach the chemist and experiment with different medicines. Lastly, when nothing seems to work, they go to the hospital to get themselves checked. By the time they reach the hospital, it becomes too late, or the development of cancer spreads across the body. As a result, cancer is usually detected at the last stage.
What to do after diagnosis?
Cancer has a lot of fear attached to it. When a person learns that he or she is diagnosed with cancer, they usually think it is the end of their life or that they are about to die. But according to Dr. M.S. Bindra, this is not the case. Cancer now has many treatments available that are effective and reliable. Here are some of the things you can do if you are diagnosed with cancer.
- Remove The Fear – You need to let go of the fear of cancer and dying. Cancer can now be treated using various methods and medicines. Earlier, it used to be incurable or untreated. However, the scenario today is different. Thus, trust yourself and the process and do not fear.
- Be Patient – Once you are diagnosed with cancer and have started the treatment, do not expect overnight results. As cancer takes time to develop, so is the case with recovery. You can fight cancer, but you need to give yourself adequate time and should be patient throughout the process.
- Plan Proper Framework – With the help and consultation of your doctor, plan and formulate a proper framework. This framework can be for 6 months or 2 years, depending on the type and stage of cancer. The decision to choose the treatment and method should be taken in time and not in haste. Take proper guidance from the doctor, and discuss your case and concerns with your cancer specialist. Accordingly, work on it and have patience.
Allopathy Or Homeopathy For Cancer?
It depends on the patient which treatment they want to go for. We will discuss both options, as explained by Dr M.S. Bindra, so that you can make your decision accordingly.
Allopathy
In allopathy, emphasis is given to ease the symptoms rather than cure the root cause of the problem. Also, in allopathy, the medicines used are harsh and have adverse side effects on patients. In this medical approach, chemotherapy and radiation therapies are used to fight cancer.
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy target the whole body and not just cancer cells. As a result, along with cancer cells, even the normal and healthy cells are damaged. Even in surgery, cancer tumours are removed but not fully. The cancer cells can
grow back from the same place it was earlier or in a different part of the body. Brain tumour is an example of this, as it grows back in a few weeks or months despite its surgical removal.
Homeopathy
Homeopathy is an alternative medicine theory that aims to cure the root cause of the problem and not just the symptoms. Further, it is safe and hardly has any side effects. In homoeopathy, there are different treatments for patients. These include homoeopathic medicines and Immunotherapy.
In this, emphasis is given to making the immunity strong and treating the problem from the roots. This helps a person recover from cancer and also prevents it from growing back. The treatment is not hard on patients or the body, making it completely safe and the best choice.
Which Treatment Should You Opt for Cancer?
According to Dr. M.S. Bindra, the patient, when diagnosed with cancer, should always get a second opinion from different doctors instead of relying only on one thing. Maximum people choose allopathy as their first mode of treatment because they visit the hospital and get scared about the disease. Moreover, they are recommended to get treated immediately. As a result, they rush with treatment instead of taking proper time to decide the treatment.
Allopathy and Homeopathy both can be used to treat cancer, but the difference is that the former focuses on reducing the severity of the symptoms, whereas the latter focuses on curing the root cause. Dr. M.S. Bindra explains using an example of the tree, if we cut the tree and not its root, then the tree will grow back in due course of time. Similar is the case with cancer. Hence, choose the treatment you want after careful consideration and consultation with the doctors.
Chemotherapy vs Immunotherapy
Chemotherapy uses harsh medicines and radiation therapy, which damage normal healthy cells along with cancer cells; because of this, patients suffer more from the side effects of the therapy than the disease itself.
Immunotherapy focuses on strengthening the immunity and immune cells. Immunity can fight all diseases, including cancer cells. This treatment has no side effects. Moreover, the chances of cancer regrowth are also minimal and negligible.
What Can Be Done In The 4th or Terminal Stage?
Terminal Stage is a stage in which the chances of curing the disease are minimal. Also, it is difficult to bring the patient out of this stage. Not much can be done if the patient is in the last stage of cancer. In such cases, doctors recommend proper care of the patient.
Importance is given to making the patient’s lifestyle better, providing peace of mind, proper diet and care to help them live peacefully. In this stage, cancer is difficult to cure, but the patient’s quality of life can be improved.
Is Cancer Genetic?
Depending on the type of cancer, you can classify some of them as genetic and non-genetic. According to Dr. M.S. Bindra, around 30-40% of cancers are genetic. Breast cancer and prostate cancer are some of the examples of genetic cancer. If you have multiple cases of this cancer in your family, then the probability of you developing cancer increases.
With proper risk evaluation, regular screenings and diagnosis, the risk and severity of cancer can be controlled at an early stage. So, no need to fret about it as it can be treated and dealt with.
Can You Prevent Cancer?
The exact cause and reason for the development of cancer is not known. However, you can definitely take steps to prevent it. Stress is one of the major causes of cancer. It includes both physical and mental stress. Avoid over-exerting your body and mind.
Besides this, lifestyle and diet also play a major role in fighting diseases. You should eat a healthy diet and do regular exercise. Ignoring all these factors can lead to fatal consequences. Making these changes in the lifestyle not only helps you fight cancer but also helps you fight other diseases.
There is no need to be scared of cancer as it can now be treated. Make sure to consult the right doctor for proper guidance, and do not make impulsive decisions for the treatment. Have patience when starting the treatment and stay optimistic throughout the journey.