Dr Krishnan, young and dynamic oncologist who completed his MBBS in Stanley Medical College in the year 1988 and his MD in Oncology at Madras Medical College,1998, where he conducted research in thyoma and the cancer of cervix.
In 2004 he was invited along with the AIMS and Tata memorial Hospital to oman to establish the first ever cancer care center there. He returned to India in December 2007 to serve the patients here.
Doctor what is Cancer? And what is oncology ?
When body’s cells become abnormal and grow without control it is called Cancer. The cancer cells may invade the nearby tissues.
Oncology is the branch of medicine with deals with Cancer.
In the mid 80’s much pathos was featured in the regional films depicting the cancer patient as being served with a death sentence by destiny. Currently the scenario has changed .Can you tell us about the advancement in the treatment of cancer?
The cancer treatment has progressed so much that cancer is now curable.
If detected in the early stage (Stage I) Surgery or Biopsy can cure the cancer.
In the Stage II and III Chemotherapy using chemicals and radiotherapy are integrated with Surgery.
In the advanced stage Cancer can only be controlled and managed but not cured.
The Brain cancer as well as melanoma (pigmentation) are the only cancers that cannot be cured.
What are the causes for Cancer?
As far as the cervical cancer in women, it is due to lack of hygiene and multiple sexual partners which makes them prone to papilloma viral infection .This is more prevalent in rural India, which may later manifest as cervical cancer. This infection is now being controlled with vaccine .
The breast cancer is often due to late marriage, obesity, intake of hormonal supplement, avoidance of breast feeding and hereditary factors.
With the increase in consumption of precooked food loaded with preservatives as well as junk food the cancer of colon, rectum, and esophagus is on the rise.
The lung cancer is due to smoking, the oral head and neck cancer is due to use of tobacco.
What is the cost incurred in treating Cancer?
In Stage I which is manageable by surgery the cost is between 40-75 thousand rupees.
In Stage II and III where additionally Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy are required on an average it will cost between 1.5 – 3.0 lakh rupees.
In the Stage IV symptomic and management care is provided it will incur up to 2 lakh rupees where there is very little or no chance for cure.
What is the latest development in the treatment of cancer?
‘Brachy therapy’ with needle, where the chemical is sent to the affected area without damaging the healthy tissues as in the case of external treatment.
Recently about 35 oral medications have been developed to treat cancer with minimal side effects. The cost of these medicines is prohibitively high.A few precious lives have been saved by the use of these drugs at LIFE LINE HOSPITAL. The cost of these drugs will be within the reach of the common man after 5 or 6 years.
The best way to combat cancer is by preventive health care i.e. by going in for periodic health checkups as well as by adopting a healthy life style. Cancer detected early is curbed and cured easily.
