www.womanthismonth.com 89 October 2013 A woman with early breast cancer has a good chance of cure from her illness if treated by experts. Ironically, common chronic illnesses such as diabetes, coronary artery disease, hypertension or stroke cannot be cured. Therefore, it is very important not to be afraid of this illness, and to face it courageously. Woman this Month speaks to Dr Prasan Durga, consultant medical oncologist at Bahrain Specialist Hospital regarding the sensitive subject of cancer. “One of the major challenges facing medical science is early detection of cancers. For decades, considerable efforts and resources have been spent on trying to improve cancer detection, with mixed results,” he says. Breast cancer screening is very effective and has been proven to improve chances of cure. The added advantage is that early detection saves the patient from getting her breast surgically removed. It also allows a few to escape chemotherapy. This theory holds good for many other types such as colon cancer, oral cavity cancers, uterine cancers including those in the cervix, and lung cancers in high risk individuals. “Early detection programmes are meant for people who are healthy and without any symptoms of any disease. This is why many are often reluctant to come for screening,” the doctor notes. “Either they think they don’t have a problem or they are afraid that a problem may be detected and will destroy their lives. It is this fear that we need to tackle and remove.” Cancer kills because it hides silently for years before destroying us. Hence, we must try to remove it before it can do harm. Screening is the best way to do it. Today, most treatments are less toxic, less mutilating and in case of targeted therapy, much smarter as well. Many childhood cancers can be cured. It is important to minimise treatment, which may lead to complications later in their lives, such as growth and mental retardation, emotional disturbances, endocrine and reproductive problems, heart failure, second cancers and loss of limb. Thankfully, children often tolerate chemotherapy much better than adults. They can tolerate doses of medications that adults could not. This helps in achieving much higher cure rates with relatively less side effects. “While we do know that some habits, such as smoking or tobacco use, excessive alcohol consumption and certain viral illnesses can cause cancer, we are not sure whether any particular diet is related to cancer. We do know that anything that leads to obesity can put us at a higher risk of cancer,” he adds. “Some families have a higher chance of having cancers due to their unique genetic features. Instead of eating any special diet, I would advise you to eat your normal diet in moderation.” Call 17 812-000. The word “cancer” continues to instil the fear of death in all of us. However, it is also one of those diseases which can be cured if detected early. Be Aware; Not Afraid FASHION BAHRAIN SPECIALIST HOSPITAL Dr Prasan Durga
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