Time to defuse breast cancer bomb

Multiple factors such as genetic mutations, longer life expectancy, hormonal imbalances, intake of hormones through medicines, delayed or no breast feeding, menarche and menopause among the younger population has made Indian women vulnerable to breast cancer. As the country observes and dedicates the month of October to breast cancer, a look at its incidence and prevalence not only in Telangana but also in the country indicates that the ailment has become the leading cause of cancer among Indian women.
The landmark study on disease burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) in India by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Public Health Foundation of India (PHFI) and other agencies, published recently in The Lancet journal, has clearly established that the breast cancer indeed has become a major form of cancer for Indian women.
In fact, the ICMR study said that over the last 26 years i.e. between 1990 and 2016, even the age of women, who have been diagnosed with breast cancer, has decreased. This means that women from the age of 30 years are now getting diagnosed with breast cancer, which was not the case earlier.
The cancer disease burden study of ICMR is relevant not only for all India but also to the two Telugu speaking States, because the ailment is ranked number one i.e. the leading cancer among women in both Telangana and Andhra Pradesh.

Overall, across India in 2016, the estimated incidence of breast cancer cases in India i.e. the rate of new breast cancer cases, was 1,18,000 women. In the same year, the prevalence of breast cancer cases in India was 5,26,000. Moreover, in the last 26 years, the ailment became number one among women in every Indian State, which should give a fair idea to public health experts on where to lay more focus on.
In yet another study that involved ICMR researchers, the age-adjusted rate of breast cancer was as high as 26 women and mortality or death about 12 women for 1,00,000 population. Age-adjusted rate is a technique that allows comparison of population when the age-profiles of the population are quite different. There are projections that suggest that by 2020, the number of breast cancer cases in the country can go as high as 17, 97, 900.

Telangana, Andhra set example with initiatives

The unique population-based breast cancer screening initiative launched in the two Telugu speaking States by Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation (UBF) in collaboration with State health authorities has now become a part of the national initiative on early screening of breast cancers in the country taken up by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
To frame the procedures and guidelines, founder of UBF Dr P Raghuram was also appointed member of the high-powered steering committee and Technical Advisory Group (TAG) to guide and form a breast cancer screening strategy for India.
The issue:
An organised population-based breast screening programme using mammography is the best proven way to detect cancers. And yet, it is not a viable option in India due to the enormous costs involved, huge variation in mammographic reporting and quality assurance issues.
The Indian solution:
Since 2012, UBF and health authorities have implemented South Asia’s largest breast cancer screening programme through Clinical Breast Examination (CBE). The programme was implemented in 15 districts of TS and AP and over 2 lakh underprivileged women in 4,000 villages were screened for breast cancer.
“Instead of depending on mammography, we decided to train health care workers, comprising mostly women, to clinically examine the breasts of women. This is relatively simple and inexpensive screening method and there is circumstantial evidence to show that this is a viable screening tool for a country like India,” says Dr Raghuram.
As part of the screening programme, women between the age group of 35 years and 65 years were screened for signs and breast cancer. Thanks to the CBE programme, it also imparted training to as many as 3,065 healthcare workers.
“Detecting breast cancers when they are small will undoubtedly help reduce death rate from this disease. More importantly, CBE presents an excellent opportunity for healthcare providers to educate importance of early detection of breast cancer in the community,” he said.
The CBE programme of TS and AP eventually became a part of the national guidelines for breast cancer screening programme. Currently, healthcare workers across the country are being trained to perform the examination. As a pilot project, the initiative is being implemented in five districts before being expanded to other parts of the country.

Need tailor made solution for Indian population, says expert

Founder and CEO of Ushalakshmi Breast Cancer Foundation (UBF), Dr P Raghuram points out that experts in public health and other stakeholder institutions in the industry should strive to come out with an Indian solution to fight the scourge of breast cancer. Interacting with Telangana Today, Dr Raghuram made it clear that the country has a real challenge on the hand.
On the rise of breast cancer:
Conservatively put, we come across 7,000 to 8,000 women with breast cancer cases every year and unfortunately 60 per cent to 70 per cent of them come at an advanced state. To counter this, we need a solution that will be tailor made for Indian population. Mammography itself is very expensive and everybody can’t afford the diagnostic tool. Moreover, there is also a shortage of trained personnel who can report the mammography properly.
On importance of counselling:
Counselling is a very important component of breast cancer care because it makes patients and their relatives better informed, better prepared and more importantly, feel more in control at every stage of their treatment. Counselling should involve discussion about the diagnosis, adequate psychological and emotional support and various treatment options by the specialists in a sensitive and supportive environment. It is also the duty of the specialist to clarify questions posed in an unhurried manner and reinforce the points in simple easy to understand language.
On making counselling a part of curriculum:
Counselling is not part of the Indian medical curriculum. There are enormous lacunae in the way breast cancer is diagnosed and equally, very little time is spent by health professionals in reassuring the patients with benign breast health issues, which always tend to be far more common than breast cancer.
Are most breast lumps cancers?
By my estimates, 9 out of 10 breast lumps are not cancers. However, it is vitally important to investigate by way of triple assessment that includes clinical breast examination by a specialist, bilateral mammogram and ultrasound guided core needle biopsy in order to obtain a definitive diagnosis.
Does breast cancer affect only older women?
Although majority of breast cancers occur in women over the age of 50 in the western world, it can in fact occur at any age. It is alarming to note that majority of breast cancers in India are diagnosed at a much earlier age in India, which should worry all of us.
Visit Amri Hospital Best Cancer Hospital in Kolkata

Breast Cancer and Nutrition: Tips for Maintaining a Healthy Diet

Nausea, vomiting, and mouth sores are all common side effects of breast cancer treatment. When you feel sick to your stomach and your mouth hurts, you may start to dread mealtimes.

Yet eating a balanced diet is especially important when you have breast cancer. Proper nutrition helps your body heal from treatment. Eating right will keep you at a healthy weight and help preserve your muscle strength.

If you’re having difficulty eating enough, use these tips to get more nutrition into your daily diet.

Meet with a registered dietitian

A dietitian can help you design a healthy meal plan that fits with your food preferences and nutritional needs. They can also teach you ways to manage cancer treatment side effects like nausea so that you can eat a more well-balanced diet.

If you can, work with a dietitian who has experience in treating people with breast cancer. Ask your oncologist or nurse to recommend someone.

Restock your pantry and fridge

Certain food choices are better than others for people with breast cancer. Here’s a quick guide.

Foods to eat

• Vegetables and fruits. Brightly colored fruits and vegetables are high in plant nutrients called phytochemicals. Cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower, kale, and Brussels sprouts may be especially good choices because they have antiestrogen properties. Try to eat at least five servings of fruits and vegetables daily.
• Whole grains. Whole-wheat bread, oatmeal, quinoa, and other whole grains are high in fiber. Eating extra fiber may help you avoid the constipation that certain cancer drugs can cause. Try to eat at least 25 to 30 grams of fiber daily.
• Lentils and beans. These legumes are high in protein and low in fat.
• Protein. Choose healthy sources of protein, which will help keep your body strong. Examples include skinless chicken and turkey breasts, and fatty fish such as tuna and salmon. You can also get protein from nonanimal sources like tofu and nuts.

Foods to avoid

• High-fat meats and dairy products. These foods are high in unhealthy saturated fats. Limit fatty red meat (burgers, organ meats), whole milk, butter, and cream.
• Alcohol. Beer, wine, and liquor could interact with the cancer drugs you take. Drinking alcohol is also a risk factor for the development of breast cancer.
• Sweets. Cookies, cake, candy, sodas, and other sugary treats cause weight gain. They’ll also leave less room in your diet for healthy foods.
• Undercooked foods. Cancer treatments can make your white blood cell count drop. Without enough of these immune-fighting cells, your body is left more vulnerable to infections. Avoid raw foods like sushi and oysters during your treatment. Cook all meats, fish, and poultry to a safe temperature before eating them.

Shrink the size your meals

Nausea, bloating, and constipation can make it hard to eat three large meals a day. To get the calories you need, graze on smaller portions five or six times daily. Add snacks like granola bars, yogurt, and peanut butter on crackers or apples.

Use caution when trying new diets

If you’ve been reading up on breast cancer, you might have come across stories online claiming that one diet or another can cure you. Be wary of these highly exaggerated claims.

Certain types of eating plans — like the Mediterranean or low-fat diet — might help improve the outlook for some people with cancer. One study linked a low-fat diet to better odds of survival after a breast cancer diagnosis.

But any diet you try should contain a healthy balance of nutrients, protein, calories, and fat. Going too extreme could be dangerous.

The ketogenic diet is an eating plan in which you dramatically cut carbohydrates to put your body into a state of ketosis, where it’s forced to burn stored fat for energy. Though a few studies have shown the ketogenic diet to be promising for certain types of cancer, it hasn’t been proven to treat breast cancer. And it can alter the chemical balance in your body, which could be risky.

Before you try any new diet, check with your dietitian and doctor to make sure it’s safe for you.

Plan and prepare meals ahead of time

Cancer treatment can take up a lot of your day and leave you feeling exhausted. Meal prep can help make eating easier. Also, if you prepare your meals ahead of time, you’re more likely to stick to a healthy eating plan.

Create a meal plan for the entire week. Ask your dietitian to recommend healthy, cancer-friendly recipes.

Cook an entire week’s meals over the weekend, when you have more time. If you’re too tired to cook or you can’t stand the smell of it, ask a friend or relative to prepare meals for you.

Add more fluids

Treatment side effects like vomiting and diarrhea can dehydrate you. Try to drink at least 2 to 3 liters of water, fruit juice, and other caffeine-free beverages each day. If you feel nauseated, drink herbal tea with ginger or peppermint to settle your stomach.

If your mouth hurts too much to eat solid foods, get your nutrition from liquids. Drink smoothies or nutritional beverages.

Use different utensils

Sometimes chemotherapy can leave a bad taste in your mouth that gives food an unpleasant flavor. Certain foods — like meat — can take on a metallic taste.

To improve the taste of your food, avoid metal utensils and cooking implements. Use plastic cutlery instead. Cook with glass pots and pans.

Visit Amri Hospital Best cancer Hospital in Kolkata

Weight loss: Three Ayurvedic herbs that burn belly fat and fight scalp psoriasis

Psoriasis, a chronic skin condition that speeds up the life cycle of skin cells, is linked to other serious health conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, and depression. Research also shows that being overweight or obese increases your chances of getting psoriasis or make the symptoms worse if you have it. Weight loss or slimming down may ease symptoms and lower your risk of other issues linked to psoriasis.

Usually, psoriasis affects the outside of the elbows, knees or scalp, although it can appear on any location. It causes itchy or dry patches of thick, red, flaky skin with silvery scales. Sometimes, these patches will crack and bleed. Unfortunately, there is no cure for psoriasis, but there are treatments that can help manage the symptoms. This means the main goal of treatment is to remove scales and stop the skin cells from growing so quickly. Besides medication, you can also opt for these natural remedies to ease symptoms of psoriasis from the comfort of your home. The good news is that these natural hacks will also help you lose weight and get rid of that ugly belly fat in a healthy way

Home remedies for weight loss and scalp psoriasis Turmeric:

Turmeric is a spice loaded with healing properties that can help treat a wide range of ailments, including psoriasis. Research has shown that turmeric can help minimise psoriasis flare-ups. Curcumin, the main active ingredient in turmeric, has been credited with various health benefits. Increasing intake of turmeric may help mitigate inflammation associated with obesity and promote fat burning, which may aid in weight loss. You can sprinkle turmeric on your food, have it in the form of pill or supplement.

Apple cider vinegar: The antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties found in apple cider vinegar can help reduce redness, inflammation and burning. It can also help you to fight infections naturally. Acetic acid, main compound in apple cider vinegar has been shown to improve digestion, boost metabolism, aid fat burning and prevent fat storage in the belly. Make sure that you dilute apple cider vinegar with water and apply it on your scalp, and wash it off after leaving it for some time. For weight loss, it is recommended to mix 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with a glass of water and consume it every morning.

Aloe vera: Sometimes described as a wonder plant, aloe vera is known to provide various benefits for skin, health, weight loss, etc. Aloe vera has soothing properties which can help relieve itchiness and irritation. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory properties and antioxidants can help reduce swelling and treat your condition. Studies have shown that daily intake of aloe vera juice can help with weight loss and improve health. To get rid of scalp psoriasis, try mixing freshly extracted aloe vera gel with some lavender oil and apply it on the scalp. Leave it for a while and wash it off.

The bottom line is that while staying at a healthy weight is one of the best things you can do for your overall health, it’s especially important for people who have psoriasis.

Disclaimer: All content, including tips and suggestions, is purely for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a dietician before starting any fitness programme or making any changes to your diet.

Visi Amri Hospital Best skin specialist in Kolkata

Towards good health, fitness and happiness

The last few years have seen a paradigm shift in the attitude of Indians towards health and wellness. From dates going so far back that it’s untraceable, most of the wisdom of superfoods originated from India itself.

We are gradually moving towards our physical and mental well-being like never before, placing extra emphasis on what we eat, how we feel and how fit we are.

On a general scale through rigorous research, we have learnt that up until 2015, India’s health in metro cities (socio-economic a & b) was on a steady decline. More than 85-90 percent of our youth is protein deficient. Now, more than ever, young girls are faced with issues like PCOD, which are directly linked to lifestyles.

An insight into the Indian health and wellness market

 With a gradual change, more consumers (through awareness of the right information) are becoming health-conscious with each passing year. Healthy options are gradually increasing as well. What was once an unstructured ecosystem is slowly transforming into an active and growing sector with a range of new generational offerings.

Here’s an in-depth look at the health and wellness products dominating the market today:

Nutraceuticals

The new mantra for good health is not just ‘how you look’, but ‘how you feel’. Good and responsible nutraceuticals products work to improve the quality of lives. They help to fill the nutritional gaps in diet, which elevates various aspects of health. These supplements are crafted for various applications. A good comprehensive blend of superfoods that are dosed well together, always serves to enhance your strength, longevity and overall immunity. Plant-based proteins. which is the best way to reach your protein goals, finally has a strong voice as people have understood the benefits of migrating towards better sources.

Naturally healthy foods

The demand for naturally healthy foods has witnessed a spike in India as consumers started making wiser consumption decisions. Superfoods such as oats, spinach, brown rice, amla, grape seed, green tea, chlorella etc. have become a popular source for nutritional support.

State-of-the-art fitness centres

Fitness is no more seen as a luxury; it has become a way of life. Today, not just urban cities, but Tier II and Tier III cities and even smaller towns are experiencing a sudden surge in the number of the health club and gym memberships. In fact, according to a 2016 report by FICCI and EY, the fitness centres and gyms in India are predicted to witness a growth of 18 percent in the next ten years.

Wearable fitness devices

A number of new and existing players in the market are leveraging technology to create health and wellness tools like wearable devices to target urban consumers across age groups. Fitness trackers, smartwatches, GPS-enabled gadgets and heart-rate monitors instantly became a popular accessory for the health-conscious, and they continue to see considerable growth each year.

Digital platforms

With the penetration of smartphones in the country expected to rise to almost 40 percent by 2019, health is made more accessible for Indians with digital fitness and nutrition platforms. These mobile apps allow people to sign up for open gym memberships, schedule their workout sessions, provide them with goals-based diet charts and offer information tailored to the user’s profile.

Alternative therapies

Wellness has always been at the core of Indian history as the country is the birthplace of treatments like Ayurveda, Yoga and Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha and Homoeopathy. The government of India is launching a number of programmes such as the Make in India initiative to provide impetus to these ancient healthcare systems and push the wellness industry of India much far ahead.

Mental wellness solutions

With the hectic lifestyle seen today, stress and anxiety issues have become quite common. Mental health had a stigma attached to it but fortunately, people are slowly beginning to understand its importance. Thus, there is an active market in India today for foods that aid mental wellness and centres that help people attain a more holistic state of being.

As there is an increasing need for consumers to stay fit, look good and feel happy, the Indian health and wellness market is growing at a significant rate year-on-year. In fact, the sector as a whole is set to cross the Rs 1.5-trillion mark by FY20, as predicted in a report by FICCI and EY.

Now that the people of India have started to realise that health and wellness are imperative for their holistic wellbeing, it won’t be long before we are a much happier (by being fitter & healthier) country!

Visit Amri Hospital Best Hospital In Kolkata.

A Lifeline For Breast Cancer

Claiming countless lives every year across the globe, breast cancer poses a major threat to women. With the advancement of technology and treatment options, however, a number of life-saving medical procedures have come into use, bringing in new hope for people suffering from the disease.

Women with close relatives who’ve been diagnosed with breast cancer have a higher risk of developing the disease. If you’ve had one first-degree female relative (sister, mother, daughter) diagnosed with breast cancer, your risk is doubled.

So, AMRI Hospitals suggests you some healthcare tips to take care of yourself. There are lifestyle choices you can make to keep your risk of developing breast cancer as low it can be:

1. Maintaining A Healthy Weight
2. Exercising Regularly
3. Limiting Alcohol
4. Eating Nutritious Food
5. Never Smoking (Or Quitting If You Do Smoke)

With several options available, the type of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and severity of its symptoms, explain gynaecologists at AMRI Hospital, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata. Thus, it becomes imperative to ask your doctor for a comprehensive treatment plan.

Let’s take a look at some of the most effective and commonly used treatments for breast cancer:

Chemotherapy

An effective treatment based on medicines for weakening and destroying cancer cells in the body, chemotherapy is mainly used for treating early-stage invasive breast cancer and advanced-stage breast cancer at AMRI Hospitals.

Radiation therapy

Also known as radiotherapy, radiation therapy uses a special kind of high-energy beam to destroy cancer cells. This treatment is said to be relatively easy to tolerate, with its side effects limited to the affected area.

Hormonal Therapy

Hormonal therapy is used for treating hormone-receptor-positive breast cancers in women. It lowers the amount of oestrogen in the body and restrains its action on the breast cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

As the name suggests, targeted therapy focuses on specific characteristics of cancer cells, e.g. the protein, which is responsible for the growth of cancer cells in a rapid or unusual manner.

Immunotherapy

A treatment, which uses the power of your body’s immune system for destroying cancer cells, it assists your immune system in battling cancer cells effectively, explain health experts at AMRI Hospital Kolkata.

Complementary and Holistic Medicine

Medicines are mainly used for alleviating symptoms of the disease and its side-effects. The types of medicines that might prove the most effective treatment depend on the tumour’s hormone receptor status and a few other factors, which need consideration.

Breast Cancer: Causes And Prevention

The causes of breast cancer are not yet definitively known. However, extensive research efforts have uncovered various risk factors that are associated with increased incidence of breast cancer in women. Though some of these risk factors are unavoidable and uncontrollable, some of them are very avoidable, making it possible for people to take action so as to minimize their cancer risk. Even a minimized risk is still a risk, however. There is no way to pre-determine whether a person will get breast cancer until they have either been diagnosed with it or they have lived a breast-cancer free lifetime.

Some of the risk factors for breast cancer that are difficult or impossible to control include:

• Age. As women age their chance of getting breast cancer increase. The majority of breast cancer cases are diagnosed in women over the age of 50. Women over the age of 20 should get clinical (by a doctor or other health professional) breast exams at least every three years according to the American Cancer Society.  During the first clinical breast exam your physician should explain to you the potential benefits and limitations of breast self exam and instruct you on appropriate technique.  The American Cancer Society now says that women need not perform a BSE every month if they do not wish to.  However, it is important for all women to be vigilant of any changes in their breasts and to report any changes to their physician as soon as possible.  Asymptomatic women over the age of 40 should receive clinical breast exams during their yearly health maintenance exam (ACS, 2009). As a general rule asymptomatic women in their 40s and older should get yearly mammograms to check for breast cancer. The frequency with which someone should have mammograms performed should be determined with the input of a physician.
• Family and genetic history. Some cases of breast cancer are known to have been caused as a result of genetic mutation. Gene mutations can be inherited from parents and can also occur in otherwise healthy people in response to environmental toxins. Having a close relative on either side of your family who has breast cancer will, in general, increase your risk of contracting breast cancer.  This is particularly true if the relative is what is called “first degree” meaning your sister or mother.  In general, the more first degree relatives that have had breast cancer the more likely you are to develop breast cancer as well.
• BRCA gene mutation.  Recent advances in genetic mapping have discovered a gene mutation that increases the risk of certain female cancers in women with the mutation.  The two main breast and ovarian cancer susceptibility genes are known as BRCA1 and BRCA2.  I selected women who have extensive family history of breast cancer or ovarian cancer it may be beneficial to be tested for the mutations at an early age.  This would allow affected individuals to make informed decisions about prophylactic (preventative) surgery before they contract either type of cancer.
• Previous breast cancer. A woman who previously had breast cancer and has been cured has a greater chance for having a new breast cancer episode occur than is a woman who never had the disease. New tumors appearing inside someone with a previous history of cancer who has been cancer free are not necessarily related to or caused by old eradicated tumors. Instead, new tumors can form spontaneously in vulnerable persons.
• Race. Hispanic and Asian women have lower risk for getting breast cancer than do Caucasian and African American women. In fact, Caucasian women are at the highest risk of getting the disease compared to women of other racial backgrounds. African American women, however, are historically the most likely to die from breast cancer because, in general, their tumors are diagnosed at a later stage.
• Previous benign tumor biopsy results. Women who have had previous biopsy that has found a benign (non-cancerous) tumor in the breast are at a greater risk for malignant breast tumors in the future. However, the occurrence of cysts in the breast does not increase the risk for future breast cancer.
• Prior radiation treatment in the chest area. Women who receive prior radiation treatment directed at their chest area for any reason are at a heightened risk for future breast cancer compared to women who do not receive radiation treatment. The earlier in life women are exposed to chest-targeted radiation treatment, the higher their later risk for breast cancer.
•         Menstrual Cycles. Women who begin menopause after the age of 50 or who              had their first menstrual cycle before age 12 run a slightly higher risk for                    breast cancer than women whose menstrual cycles started after age 12 and                end  prior to age 50.  This is due to prolonged exposure to high levels of certain          reproductive hormones.

While the above risk factors for breast cancer are difficult or impossible to avoid, there are also numerous risk factors for breast cancer that can be avoided by making healthy lifestyle choices. While choosing a healthy lifestyle may not always be simple or easy, making such lifestyle changes can help you lower your cancer risk with regard to the following risk factors:

• • Use of Birth Control Pills. Some studies have shown that women who use birth control pills are at a slightly increased risk for breast cancer. However, any relationship between breast cancer and birth control pill use remains controversial at this time, pending further research. It’s not all bad news. While oral contraceptives (birth control pills) may slightly increase risk of breast cancer, they appear to reduce the risk of other types of female cancers. Consult with your doctor about the risks and benefits of birth control pills if you have concerns about breast cancer risk.

• • Not Having Children. Women who have their first child after the age of 30 or who have never had children run a slightly higher risk for contracting breast cancer than do women who give birth before reaching age 30. This is again due to more prolonged exposure to reproductive hormones.  Be this as it may, a decision as important as whether or not to have children should not be influenced by the small reduction or elevation in risk for breast cancer it may carry.

• • Hormone Replacement Therapy. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is sometimes prescribed to women as a means of alleviating discomfort associated with menopause. Research indicates that women who have received HRT for five years or more may be at a heightened risk for breast cancer. However, the heightened risk seems to occur primarily in women using combined (estrogen and progesterone mixture) HRT, as opposed to estrogen-only HRT. However, estrogen-only HRT increases risk of uterine cancer. The elevated breast cancer risk appears to be reversible in that women who discontinued HRT for five or more years show no more increased risk for breast cancer than women who never used it in the first place.There are real benefits to HRT that should not be dismissed lightly just because of the elevated breast cancer risk it may come with. Talk to your doctor about your risks and benefits with regard to HRT. HRT may be a good idea for you if you are at a low risk for breast cancer and could benefit from its therapeutic effects. However, if you are already at a high risk for breast cancer you should carefully weigh the risks and benefits before beginning HRT.
  • Obesity and Poor Diet. Research has established a link between being overweight and an elevated risk of postmenopausal breast cancer. This seems to be because the majority of reproductive hormones in postmenopausal women is produced in the fat cells.  Therefore, the more fat cells a woman has the higher their reproductive hormone levels.Getting one’s self down to a healthy weight and staying there is likely to be a means of reducing one’s cancer risk. The best way to combat obesity is to combine a balanced and nutritional diet with a consistent exercise program. Reduced or eliminating portions of foods known to be high in saturated (meat, dairy, etc.) and ‘trans fats’ (packaged baked goods often contain ‘partially hydrogenated’ oils which are, in fact, trans fats) may further reduce risk as well. There are numerous benefits to maintaining a healthy body weight besides possibly lowering your cancer risk. Losing weight can also reduce your risk for heart disease and leave you feeling healthier and more energetic.
  • Failing To Exercise. Some recent studies have found a small relationship between moderate exercise and decreased risk of breast cancer. Exercising regularly can help combat obesity as well which further lowers cancer risk. Aerobic exercises, such as swimming, brisk walking, jogging, and playing tennis are best bets as they are easy and enjoyable. However, any activity that will get your heart rate up for an extended period of time will be beneficial. It is a good idea to check with your doctor before beginning any kind of vigorous exercise program.

• • Breast Feeding. Multiple studies have demonstrated that breast feeding is associated with reduced risk of breast cancer. In addition, the longer you breast feed the better the cancer protection you appear to achieve.

• Excessive Alcohol Intake. Drinking alcohol has been shown to slightly increase the risk of breast cancer. There is a relationship between how much alcohol is consumed and how large breast cancer risk becomes (with women who drink more alcohol being at higher risk for contracting breast cancer than women drinking less alcohol). As alcohol is implicated in numerous health problems, it is best to limit daily alcohol intake to one drink, or to abstain from it altogether.

The more of these risk factors you can eliminate from your life the better your chances may be of avoiding breast cancer.

Visit Amri Hospital Best Cancer Hospital in Kolkata

Breast cancer diet and nutrition: Top 5 eating tips for breast cancer patients and survivors

Eating a well-balanced diet is vital for everyone trying to lead a healthy lifestyle. But when you’re living with a condition like breast cancer, nutrition plays an important part of your journey. A healthy lifestyle, which includes making healthier food choices, can help prevent or reduce your risk of various diseases, such as breast cancer. A nutritious diet before, during and after treatment can go a long way, from improving your health to speeding up the recovery process.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among Indian women, with more and more women falling prey to the condition. According to health experts, the county is also becoming home to the largest population of young women with breast cancer, mainly due to the westernisation of lifestyle. Lack of awareness about breast cancer, sedentary lifestyle, stress are some major factors that may lead to a rise in breast cancer cases in the country. Some research suggests that diet could be responsible for about 30-40 per cent of all cancers. Here are a few diet tips that people living with breast cancer may follow.

More fruits and vegetables

Eat a variety of colourful fruits and veggies that contain lots of essential nutrients and antioxidants, which can help fight against cancer. It is recommended to eat a minimum of 5 servings of whole fruits and vegetables per day. Patients in treatment with a weakened immune system should consume cooked fresh fruits and vegetables.

Include whole grains

Whole grains are a good source of complex carbohydrates, fibre, phytochemicals as well as vitamins and minerals. A diet rich in whole grains has been linked to a reduced risk of colon cancer and other diseases.

Opt for lean protein sources

Protein helps the body in repairing cells and tissue. It also helps your immune system recover from illness. However, opt for lean protein sources, such as chicken, fish, or turkey, eggs, beans, nuts, whole soy foods, low-fat dairy products, etc.

Choose healthy fats

Studies suggest that the type of fat you take may play a role in the development of breast cancer. Healthy fats are found in olive oil, avocados, seeds, and nuts. Avoid fried, greasy and fatty foods that are packed with unhealthy saturated fats. You should also limit the intake of foods high in added sugars.

Stay hydrated

It’s important to stay well-hydrated by drinking enough water to keep your system function normally. Moreover, drinking plenty of water can help you prevent dehydration during cancer treatment. However, avoid or limit caffeine intake as too much of it can lead to dehydration.

Visit Amri Hospital Best Cancer Hospital in Kolkata

World Polio Day – Spare The Children, Give The Vaccine

Polio free India: India marks six years since last polio case

India received polio-free certification along with the entire South-East Asia Region of WHO on 27th March 2014 by WHO. January 2017 marks six years since the last case of polio was reported in India. This milestone, in a country once considered the most difficult to stop polio, demonstrates the importance of strong surveillance systems, intensive vaccination drive and targeted social mobilization efforts. But until the disease is eradicated, India must remain vigilant. That’s why on National Immunization Days children are vaccinated across the country to maintain high levels of childhood immunity.

World polio status today

Today, there are only three countries where transmission of wild poliovirus is occurring: Afghanistan, Nigeria and Pakistan. Polio cases have decreased by over 99.9% since 1988, from an estimated 3,50,000 cases then, to just 37 reported cases in 2016 worldwide.

About Polio

Poliomyelitis (polio) is a highly infectious viral disease, which mainly affects young children (under 5 years of age). The virus is transmitted by person-to-person spread mainly through the faecal-oral route or, less frequently, by a common vehicle (e.g. contaminated water or food) and multiplies in the intestine, from where it can inter the nervous system and can cause paralysis.

Symptoms

Initial symptoms are fever, fatigue, headache, vomiting, stiffness of the neck and pain in the limbs. 1 in 200 infections leads to irreversible paralysis (usually in the legs). Among those paralysed, 5% to 10% die when their breathing muscles become nonfunctional.

Prevention

There is no cure, but safe and effective vaccines are there. Polio can be prevented through immunization. Polio vaccine given multiple times, almost always protects a child for life. The strategy to eradicate polio is therefore based on preventing infection by immunizing every child until transmission stops and the world is polio-free. There are two types of vaccine to prevention infection.

• OPV (Oral Polio Vaccine): It is given orally as birth dose for institutional deliveries, then primary three doses at 6, 10 & 14 weeks and one booster dose at 16-24 months of age.
• Injectable Polio Vaccine (IPV): It is introduced as an additional dose along with 3rd dose of DPT under universal immunization programme (UIP).

National Immunization Days

As Polio is eliminated from India but the risk of importation still persists from remaining three countries (Pakistan, Afghanistan and Nigeria) where poliovirus is still circulating, the need for the country is to maintain the population immunity and sensitive surveillance till global polio eradication happens. This is maintained through National and Sub National Polio rounds along with sustained high quality polio surveillance.

As long as a single child remains infected, children in all countries are at risk of contracting polio.   

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“Now More Than Ever : Stop Polio Forever”

Indians at higher risk of breast cancer

The recent ‘Globacan 2018’ data published by the World Health Organisation (WHO) declares that breast cancer is the most common cancer in India. It has outranked all other cancers with about 1.6 lakh new breast cancers detected every year contributing to 14 percent of all cancers put together. But what is more disturbing is that breast cancer also ranks first in deaths due to all cancers. One in 25 women are at risk of developing breast cancer in India, only one out of two breast cancer patients make it beyond 5 years after treatment.

The common reasons for this abnormally high death rate are:  

1.Most of the women in India present in late stages. Even though the trend is changing in the cities where women are more aware and come early for evaluation
2. There is a huge disparity in healthcare facilities available between rural and urban areas
3. Most women in India have neither financial independence nor insurance coverage
4. The stigma of cancer, the promise of cure by alternative treatment, the fear of side effects of chemotherapy delay treatment in a sizable proportion of women even after diagnosis
4. Lack of robust mammographic or any other screening programme for breast cancer in India.
5. In India, the percentage of younger women with breast cancer is about 15 percent i.e. double that of the west. In younger women, they are more aggressive, present at a later stage and may have a genetic predisposition

Can we do anything about this alarming epidemic?
Yes. There is something which each of us can do to bring down the crisis: Be aware of changes in the breast; Be screened; and Manage your genes

Be aware of changes in breast 

The first step towards being aware of changes in the breast is breast self-examination. A woman needs to be aware of her breast and its changes. Any abnormal change needs expert consultation.

Avoid or reduce risk

The risk factors for breast cancer are either modifiable or unmodifiable. Unmodifiable risk factors are age, gender and genes. The modifiable risk factors that can be reduced or avoided are: High-fat diet; Obesity; Alcohol; Delayed childbirth; and, Hormonal pills.

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Are You at a Risk of Breast Cancer?

The second leading cause of cancer deaths among women is breast cancer. It happens due to a malignant tumour, which arises from the cells of your breast. The disease develops in various steps, involving different cell types.

Although combating breast cancer still remains a challenge, early detection of its symptoms can help you to bring it under control. Listed below are some of the most common symptoms of breast cancer, which need immediate medical attention.

1. Changes in breast size or shape

One of the most common symptoms of breast cancer, an unusual change in your breast shape or size, should be reported to a physician or your gynaecologist for diagnosis.

2. Rashes or irritation

Rashes, redness and irritation on the skin or around the nipple can also be a sign of breast cancer in women, say gynaecologists at AMRI Hospitals, one of the best hospitals in Kolkata. However, there are various other reasons, like allergy to washing powder and lacy innerwear that can result in the same.

3. Discharge from nipple

Any discharge from your nipple without being squeezed is not normal, warn health experts at AMRI Hospitals. Get it checked by your gynaecologist in case you experience it.

4. Unusual swelling under the armpit or around the collarbone

Breast tissue doesn’t necessarily appear in your breast. It can also be found under the armpit or around your collarbone. Any swelling in these areas can be a cause of serious concern.

5. Difference in skin texture

Changes in the appearance of the skin on your breasts can also indicate breast cancer. Various studies show that a number of women did not know that this could also be a sign of the disease.

6. Inverted or unusual nipple

Nipples pulling inwards or changing their shape is often associated with breast cancer.

7. Pain without any prominent cause

Constant pain in your breast or armpit is a common warning sign for breast cancer, which calls for immediate medical consultation.