It is difficult for any woman to cope with breast cancer, as the diagnosis and treatment can be overwhelming. How important is doctor-patient communication at this point?
Breast cancer is the leading cause of female cancers in India. Cancer is not contagious. Knowing that they have cancer itself is overwhelming. With a multi-disciplinary team approach, we can effectively diagnose and treat the patient?s condition, in a short time span and make the entire event less stressful to the patient and the families. So a patient-doctor communication is very crucial. There should not be any communication gap. We always encourage patients to write to the doctors and ask us questions, since they are worried about the life changing event and it is difficult for them to understand about their condition and treatment.
What are the latest methods in treating breast cancer?
Breast cancer treatment depends on several factors such as extent of the disease, estrogen (ER) and progesterone (PR) receptor status, human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER2) status. Moreover, co-morbid medical conditions and tolerability to withstand the treatment is important. Much advancement is happening in treatment of breast cancer, including new radiation therapy techniques/targeted and biological treatments based on molecular tests, novel chemo agents with less side effects, and breast conservation surgeries. Targeted therapies are evolving in breast cancer and recently approved targeted therapies such as pertuzumab have shown increase in progression free survival. Similarly another targeted therapy mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor everolimus in combination with exemestane in postmenopausal women with hormone receptor?positive, HER2-negative breast cancer recurrence or progression of disease after treatment with letrozole or anastrozole showed increase in progression free survival.
Is there a specific diet plan that the patient should follow after undergoing breast cancer surgery?
After breast cancer surgery, depending on the patient?s condition, they are allowed to eat ice chips followed by clear liquid diet such as gelatin followed by full liquid diet. After a day or so, they can resume normal diet. It is important to begin eating intermittent small meals. Avoid high fat and fried foods such as red meat. We encourage eating diet rich in fruits and vegetables and protein foods such as tofu, chicken, fish and grains.
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What are the common challenges for younger women (aged below 35) with breast cancer?
Most common issues for younger patients are relationship with their loved ones, emotional aspect dealing with body appearance, such as loss of hair, losing part of the body (removal of part or entire breast) after surgery, hormonal changes, stress at home and work, being non-compliant with the treatment and other psycho social issues - depression, anxiety, worries about life, finances and social status.Patient support groups help them a lot in situations like this to console, counsel and guide them appropriately.
Dr Padma Kamineni, consultant, breast cancer specialist at HCG hospital, shares with DNA the new therapies and techniques that help treat the dreaded disease in a more effective manner and also prevent its recurrence.
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