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Breast Cancer Surgery: Past and Present

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Breast cancer is a common type of cancer that affects women worldwide, accounting for about 13.5% of all cancer cases in India. It is increasingly affecting younger women as well. Surgery is the main treatment for localized breast cancer, often combined with other therapies like chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and radiation. Over the years, there have been significant advancements in breast surgery aimed at improving patients' quality of life and ensuring their safety. In the past, most women with breast cancer underwent mastectomy (removal of the breast). However, now, 50-70% of patients can have breast conservation surgery, where only the tumor and surrounding area are removed, preserving the breast. This is possible for many early breast cancers and some locally advanced cases with the appropriate use of chemotherapy before surgery. Oncoplastic surgery principles are used to maintain the breast's appearance and feel as normal as possible after tumor removal. This involves sur

The Challenge of 'Young Women Dealing with Breast Cancer'

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Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women worldwide, with about 2.3 million cases every year. Surprisingly, 10-20% of new breast cancer cases occur in women under 40 years old, which is a big health challenge. Cancer is usually thought of as a disease of old age, so the increasing number of cases in young women is surprising. Symptoms of breast cancer in young women are similar to those in older women, such as a lump in the breast (with or without pain), nipple discharge, or changes in the breast skin. However, these symptoms are often overlooked because non-cancerous breast problems are more common in younger women. This leads to delays in diagnosis and the cancer being found at a later, more advanced stage. Studies show that breast cancer in young women is often diagnosed at an advanced stage, which can lead to poorer outcomes. This delay in diagnosis is due to a lack of routine screening in young women, hesitancy to seek medical help, and the limited effectiveness of mammo

Living Well After Breast Cancer: Tips for Survivorship

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  Breast cancer treatment is a challenging journey, and life after surviving breast cancer comes with its own set of challenges. One of the main challenges is the transition from frequent medical attention during treatment to less frequent visits afterward. During treatment, you are closely monitored by a care team, but after treatment ends, you might feel like you're on your own, wondering what to do next. Survivors also face new emotions, including guilt. You might feel guilty that your treatment and diagnosis weren't as severe as others', or you might feel guilty for not feeling happy immediately after treatment ends, even though you've been looking forward to it. Another challenge is dealing with body image changes. Breast cancer treatment can involve surgeries that alter the appearance of the breasts, such as removing one or both breasts. Some medications can also cause weight gain. Hair loss and regrowth after chemotherapy can also impact how survivors feel about

Uterine Cancer: What Every Woman Should Know

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Uterine cancer, also known as endometrial cancer, is a type of cancer that affects the uterus, which is a part of the female reproductive system. The uterus is where a fetus develops during pregnancy. Uterine cancer can develop in two main areas of the uterus: Endometrial cancer: This type of cancer starts in the endometrium, which is the inner lining of the uterus. It is the most common type of uterine cancer, accounting for about 95% of cases. Uterine sarcoma: Uterine sarcoma develops in the myometrium, which is the muscle wall of the uterus. It is a very rare type of uterine cancer. People often use the terms "endometrial cancer" and "uterine cancer" interchangeably, as endometrial cancer is the most common form of uterine cancer. Uterine cancer can be a serious condition, but with early detection and treatment, the prognosis is often good. The uterus is a vital organ in the female reproductive system. It is located in the pelvis and is responsible for nurturin

Myths and Facts About Thyroid Cancer

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  The thyroid is a gland located in the front of the neck that produces hormones essential for regulating metabolism. It secretes T3 and T4 hormones under the influence of Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) from the pituitary gland. These hormones affect almost every organ in the body and maintain the basal metabolic rate (BMR). Iodine is crucial for the normal function of the thyroid gland. Disorders of the thyroid gland include hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), goitre (thyroid swelling), and benign or malignant nodules. Screening for thyroid problems is important at different stages of life: Newborn babies should be screened for hypothyroidism at birth. Children should be screened if they show signs of poor growth, delayed puberty, inattention, or have other conditions like goitre, vitiligo, or type 1 diabetes mellitus. Adults should consider screening if they experience fatigue, lethargy, feeling cold, unexplained hair loss or weight gain, co

Oral Cancer Prevention Tips You Should Know

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  Preventing oral cancer is important. To lower your risk, it's good to know what can make you more likely to get it. These are called risk factors, and while you can't change some of them, there are things you can do to reduce your chances of developing oral cancer. The main risk factors for oral cancer are: 1. ** Tobacco Use **: This includes smoking cigarettes, cigars, or pipes, as well as chewing tobacco or using snuff. If you use any form of tobacco, quitting can help lower your risk. 2. ** Alcohol Consumption **: Drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts over a long time, increases your risk. If you do drink, try to do so in moderation or consider quitting. 3. ** HPV Infection **: Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection is a risk factor, particularly for cancers at the back of the throat. Limiting your risk of HPV infection can help lower your risk of oral cancer. 4. ** Sun Exposure **: Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can increase the risk of lip cancer. Protect

Head and Neck Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

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  What is Head and Neck cancer ? Head and neck cancer is a type of cancer that can affect various parts of your head and neck, including your mouth, throat, voice box, and salivary glands. Understanding the basics of this condition, including its types, symptoms, and risk factors, can help you recognize the signs early and seek appropriate medical care. Types of Head and Neck Cancer There are several types of head and neck cancer, each affecting different areas: Oral Cancer: This type of cancer can develop in the lips, tongue, gums, cheeks, and the roof or floor of the mouth. Oropharyngeal Cancer: Cancer that affects the middle part of the throat (oropharynx). Tonsil cancer is a common form of oropharyngeal cancer. Hypopharyngeal Cancer: Cancer that occurs in the bottom part of the throat (hypopharynx). Laryngeal Cancer: Cancer that affects the voice box (larynx), including the vocal cords. Nasopharyngeal Cancer: Cancer that occurs in the upper part of the throat (nasopharynx). Sali