Dr. Makarand Bhole

Colon cancer is a type of colorectal cancer that begins in the large intestine (colon). It often develops from small growths called polyps, some of which can gradually become cancerous. Detecting and removing precancerous polyps can help prevent colorectal cancer. Common Symptoms Change in bowel habits, including diarrhea or constipation Blood in the stool or rectal bleeding Persistent abdominal pain, cramps, or bloating Feeling that the bowel does not empty completely Unexplained weight loss Persistent tiredness or weakness Iron-deficiency anemia Risk Factors Risk can increase with: Increasing age Family history of colorectal cancer or polyps Certain inherited genetic conditions Inflammatory bowel disease Smoking Excess body weight Low physical activity Diet high in processed or red meat Diagnosis & Screening Depending on age and individual risk, screening may include stool-based tests or colonoscopy. If an abnormality is found, a colonoscopy and biopsy may be used to confirm cancer. CT and other imaging tests may be performed to determine the stage. Treatment Treatment depends on the stage, location, and characteristics of the cancer and may include: Surgery Chemotherapy Targeted therapy Immunotherapy Radiation therapy in selected colorectal cancers Early Detection Matters Colon cancer may be highly treatable when detected early. Regular colorectal cancer screening and prompt evaluation of persistent bowel changes or blood in the stool can help with early detection and prevention.

Ovarian cancer develops in the ovaries, the reproductive organs responsible for producing eggs and hormones. It can be difficult to detect in its early stages because the symptoms may be mild or resemble common digestive or menstrual problems. Common Symptoms Persistent bloating or abdominal swelling Pelvic or abdominal pain Feeling full quickly or loss of appetite Changes in bowel or bladder habits Frequent or urgent urination Unexplained weight loss or gain Persistent fatigue Changes in menstrual patterns or unusual vaginal bleeding Risk Factors Risk may be influenced by: Increasing age Family history of ovarian or breast cancer Inherited genetic changes such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 Certain hereditary cancer syndromes Endometriosis Some reproductive and hormonal factors Diagnosis Evaluation may include: Pelvic examination Ultrasound CT or MRI scans when required Blood tests, including CA-125 in appropriate situations Biopsy or surgical evaluation to confirm the diagnosis Treatment Treatment depends on the type and stage of ovarian cancer and may include: Surgery Chemotherapy Targeted therapy Maintenance therapies such as PARP inhibitors in selected patients Other systemic treatments when appropriate Importance of Early Evaluation There is no single routine screening test recommended for ovarian cancer in women at average risk. Persistent or unusual abdominal, pelvic, urinary, or digestive symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. Early diagnosis can help guide timely and appropriate treatment.

Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are cancers that develop in the digestive system, including the oesophagus, stomach, small intestine, large intestine (colon), rectum, anus, liver, gallbladder, and pancreas. Common Types Oesophageal cancer Stomach (gastric) cancer Colorectal cancer Small intestine cancer Liver cancer Pancreatic cancer Gallbladder and bile duct cancers Anal cancer Common Symptoms Symptoms can vary depending on the organ affected, but may include: Persistent abdominal pain or discomfort Difficulty swallowing Changes in bowel habits Blood in the stool or black stools Persistent indigestion or bloating Nausea or vomiting Unexplained weight loss Loss of appetite Jaundice Persistent fatigue Risk Factors Risk factors may include smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, unhealthy diet, certain infections, family history, inherited genetic conditions, and chronic inflammation of the digestive tract. Diagnosis Depending on the suspected cancer, evaluation may involve: Blood tests Ultrasound, CT, or MRI scans Endoscopy or colonoscopy Biopsy Specialized tests to determine the cancer type and stage Treatment Treatment depends on the type, location, stage, and overall health of the patient. It may include: Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Targeted therapy Immunotherapy A combination of treatments Early Detection Matters Persistent digestive symptoms should not be ignored. Early evaluation and diagnosis can help identify gastrointestinal cancers at an earlier stage, when treatment may be more effective.

Breast cancer is a cancer that develops when abnormal cells in the breast grow uncontrollably. It can occur in women and, less commonly, in men. Early detection and timely treatment can significantly improve treatment outcomes. Common Symptoms A new lump or thickening in the breast or underarm Change in breast size or shape Changes in the skin of the breast, such as dimpling or redness Nipple turning inward Unusual nipple discharge, particularly bloody discharge Persistent pain or discomfort in the breast Changes in the appearance of the nipple or surrounding skin Risk Factors Risk can be influenced by: Increasing age Family history of breast or ovarian cancer Certain inherited genetic changes, such as BRCA1 and BRCA2 Previous exposure to chest radiation Hormonal and reproductive factors Excess body weight and alcohol consumption Diagnosis Breast cancer evaluation may include: Clinical breast examination Mammography Breast ultrasound Breast MRI in selected cases Biopsy to confirm cancer Additional tests to determine the type and stage when required Treatment Treatment is individualized based on the type and stage of cancer and other patient-specific factors. Options may include: Surgery Chemotherapy Radiation therapy Hormone therapy Targeted therapy Immunotherapy in selected cases Importance of Early Detection Regular breast awareness and recommended screening can help detect breast cancer earlier. Any new breast lump or persistent breast change should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional rather than ignored.

Laryngeal cancer is a type of head and neck cancer that develops in the larynx (voice box). The larynx plays an important role in breathing, swallowing, and producing the voice. Early diagnosis can provide more treatment options and improve outcomes. Common Symptoms Persistent hoarseness or change in voice Sore throat that does not go away Pain or difficulty while swallowing Persistent cough Ear pain without an obvious ear problem Difficulty breathing A lump or swelling in the neck Unexplained weight loss Risk Factors Important risk factors include: Tobacco and smoking Heavy alcohol consumption Combined tobacco and alcohol use Certain occupational exposures Previous radiation exposure to the neck Diagnosis A doctor may perform a throat and neck examination followed by laryngoscopy, imaging such as CT or MRI, and a biopsy if an abnormal area is identified. Treatment Treatment depends on the location, stage, size, and overall health of the patient. It may include: Surgery Radiation therapy Chemotherapy Targeted therapy Immunotherapy A combination of treatments Whenever possible, treatment may aim not only to control the cancer but also to preserve important functions such as speech, swallowing, and breathing. When to See a Doctor Hoarseness lasting more than a few weeks, difficulty swallowing, breathing problems, or a persistent neck lump should be medically evaluated. Early assessment can help identify laryngeal cancer at a more treatable stage.

Thyroid cancer develops in the thyroid gland, a butterfly-shaped gland located at the front of the neck. Many thyroid cancers grow slowly and can be successfully treated, especially when detected early. Common Types Papillary thyroid cancer – the most common type and generally slow-growing. Follicular thyroid cancer – can spread to distant organs in some cases. Medullary thyroid cancer – develops from thyroid C cells and may sometimes run in families. Anaplastic thyroid cancer – rare but aggressive and requires urgent specialist treatment. Anaplastic thyroid cancer – rare but aggressive and requires urgent specialist treatment. Symptoms Thyroid cancer may not cause symptoms in its early stages. Possible signs include: A lump or swelling in the neck Enlarged lymph nodes Persistent hoarseness or voice changes Difficulty swallowing Difficulty breathing Persistent neck discomfort or pain Diagnosis Evaluation may include a clinical examination, thyroid ultrasound, blood tests, fine-needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy, and other imaging tests when required. Treatment Treatment depends on the type, size, stage, and spread of the cancer. Options may include: Surgery to remove part or all of the thyroid Radioactive iodine therapy Thyroid hormone therapy Targeted therapy Radiation therapy or other systemic treatments in selected cases

Head and neck cancer refers to a group of cancers that develop in the tissues and organs of the head and neck region. These may affect the mouth, throat, voice box (larynx), nose, sinuses, salivary glands, and other areas of the head and neck. Common Symptoms Persistent sore throat or throat irritation Difficulty or pain while swallowing A lump or swelling in the neck Persistent hoarseness or voice changes Non-healing ulcer in the mouth Unexplained bleeding from the mouth or nose Persistent ear pain Difficulty opening the mouth or moving the jaw Unexplained weight loss Risk Factors Major risk factors include tobacco use, alcohol consumption, certain strains of HPV, poor oral health, and prolonged exposure to certain environmental or occupational substances. Diagnosis & Treatment Diagnosis may involve a physical examination, endoscopy, imaging scans, and a biopsy. Treatment depends on the cancer's location and stage and may include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or a combination of treatments. Early Detection Matters Some symptoms can resemble common infections or other less serious conditions. However, persistent or unusual symptoms should be evaluated by a qualified doctor, especially when they do not improve. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment can significantly improve treatment options and outcomes.