Genetic Testing in the Breast Clinic

Background Genetic Testing for breast cancer in India has been limited so far by the high cost of patented tests, need to ship samples overseas and social stigma towards genetic disease. However recent emergence of new technology such as next generation sequencing and local presence of genetic labs has brought down costs considerably. Hollywood actress…

Breast Cancer Treatments Simplified..(Well Almost… )

The intense fear we have about cancer relates not only to the deadliness of the disease but the overwhelming nature of treatments involved. Time-and-again cancer proves that it certainly is a worthy enemy. Rationally then, we must use the most effective and powerful defenses available in medicine to fight it. The treatments we have to…

What Depression can Learn from Cancer

Depression sucks. We’ve heard the reasons it exists and we often know our own. Bad genes, life stressors, neurotransmitter imbalance ..whatever. You just want to get better already!  The self-help you read on exercise therapy, mindfulness or eating healthy, points out how you’ve been doing it all wrong. The friends who have it all together…

5 Pinktober Mistakes Women Make

Its October and like every year, there’s going to be a lot of talk about breast cancer. It’s likely that each of you will come across something pink- a fundraiser walk, an awareness talk or at-least someone wearing a pink ribbon. When you do, be careful not to make these common wrong assumptions. PInktober Mistake 1:…

“Will I be ok?”….Probably …Maybe

“The cancer won’t come back right?”  “I’m completely cured now?” “I’m going to be alright then?” Every cancer patient needs a reassuring hug that says “Ofcourse ! Yes! Don’t you worry! I won’t let anything happen to you” As an oncologist however I have to hold myself back and say it like I see it…attempt to predict what is…

What oncologists want to scream and tell !

Arising from your own cells & living amidst them, the emperor of all maladies insidiously grows… gets noticed and then ……..gets ignored.  ” Yes I’ve had this lump for 2 years..but it didn’t hurt.” or “She really didn’t say it bothered her..so we never thought it could be serious.” Oncologists hear this day-in and day-out . A…

I’ve Completed Cancer Treatment….But I Don’t Know If I’m Cured.

There’s an expected a sense of relief after completion of cancer treatments. You’ve fought and you’ve endured. It’s been a few months of intense physical and emotional exercise. One would hope for a celebration that says, “You did it… you’re cured.” Unfortunately that’s almost never the case. A gnawing question lingers at the back of…

“Doctor Shopping”- Second Opinions in Oncology

 A patient and family facing a diagnosis of cancer, are perhaps going through some of the scariest moments of their lives. They seek an oncologist’s knowledge and experience to help them sail through this rough time. The underlying assumption is that the oncologist will help them understand the disease and will plan a treatment that…

“When I have Cancer, Don’t Tell Me Not to Worry”

When you’re diagnosed with cancer, you hear a lot of “Everything’s going to be Just Fine…Don’t worry”  The comment is  a  reflex reaction intentioned to bring hope and comfort to the patient. However it mostly lessens the anxiety of the “comforters” rather than the “comforted”. The cancer patient on the other hand is thinking ” Really..how can I not worry? Do you even get…

Breast Cancer Myths

Social media platforms are a great way to improve health awareness. However most circulating messages and emails, contain information that has not been reviewed by reliable sources. Often search engines direct surfers to blogs and patient forums that are simply personal anecdotes and often misguiding. I caution patients against making any health related decisions based on…