Choosing the Right Hospital

When you know that you are diagnosed with Cancer you need to get the best possible medical treatment. Every patient has a dilemma in choosing a hospital and doctor. This is the most important decision that has to made. There are Hundreds of hospitals hospitals in India, but how to decide which one ?

Here are some suggestions given by the members of  Yoddhas patient support group-

About 80% of the patients agree that the primary aspect should be considered is the doctors of the Hospital.

But, How can one know the doctor is good enough of any specific hospital?

Stay away from doctors who hide facts and avoid questions. Best doctor is one & only preference who can take any bold decision if needed. The doctor should be easy to approach and must have full knowledge about your treatment every time you visit.

The success rate ,reputation and experience of the doctor should also be considered.

Choosing a Good Hospital

It is important that the hospital is equipped with modern and advance technology. The administration and the nursing staff is also a deciding factor.

It is always a good choice to select a hospital which that has experience in treating your type of Cancer. Most big and reputed hospitals have more experience with different kinds of cancer and offer more services to the patient.

The following hospitals are shortlisted based upon the positive reviews given by the patients –

Tata Memorial Hospital

Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Hospital

Medanta Medicity Hospital, Gurgaon

Prince Aly Khan Hospital

Omega Hospitals ,Hyderabad

Christian Medical College & Hospital ,Vellore

Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital ,Pune

BLK Super Speciality Hospital

Shirdi Sai Baba Cancer Hospital

Apollo Hospital, Bangalore

Fortis S.L. Raheja Hospital, Mumbai

Army Hospital Research & Referral

All India Institute of Medical Sciences Delhi

 Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research

 Omega Hospitals

Max Hospital, Saket

Manipal hospital, Bangalore

Apollo Gleneagles Hospitals,Kolkata

Basavatarakam Indo-American Cancer Hospital and Research Institute

 Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, India

 Indraprastha Apollo Hospital,Newdelhi

Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital , Mumbai

Action Cancer Hospital ,New Delhi

Yashoda hospital . Secunderabad

Deenanath Mangeshkar Hospital pune

Narayana Healthcity

Max Hospital Patparganj

Cmc Vellore, Tamil Nadu

Jehangir Hospital, Pune

Fortis Hospital, B.G Road, Bangalore

Hinduja Hospital ,Mumbai

Mahaveer cancer and research center,Jaipur

Saifi Hospital,Mumbai

Leelavati Hospital, Mumbai

Nanavati hospital

Fortis Hospital, Bannerghatta

Kailash Cancer Hospital Muni Seva Ashram,Gujarat

Fortis Hospital,Gurgaon

Hinduja Hospital

INS Ashwani,Mumbai

Sahyadri Hospital,Pune

Inlaks & Budhrani Hospital

Rashtra Sant Tukdoji Regional Cancer Hospital & Research Centre, Nagpur

Arthemis Hospital ,Gurgaon

Aditya Birla Memorial Hospital (ABMH)

Dharamshila Hospital and Research Centre

Yashoda Hospital, Ghaziabad

Appolo Hospital

Disclaimer:                                                                                        

The above information was extracted based upon the reviews given by the Patients of Yoddhas support community.Please take your choice wisely.

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

 Author- Akshith Vijay Kumar

FACTS ON CERVICAL CANCER

               Cervical Cancer is the 2^nd most widely occurring cancer in women. It is most common for women in the age group of 30 and older. Every year about 12000 cases of cervical cancer occur in women and estimated deaths in a year are approximated to be around 4000 worldwide.

Here are some lesser known facts about cervical cancer.

• HPV is considered to be one of the major causes of cervical cancer. HPV is a group of viruses present worldwide.
• High risk type of HPV infection results in cervical cancer in women. HPV viruses is available in 2 types (16 and 18) which cause 70% of cervical cancers.

    

• Cervical Cancer’s development is quite slow and begins with a precancerous condition known as Dysplasia. HPV spreads through genital contact, vaginal, anal, oral sex.
• Smoking, HIV, Birth Control Pills consumption for more than 5 years, giving birth to 3 or more kids, weakened immune system, Exposure to diethylstilbestrol (DES) during your mother’s pregnancy are some of the reasons for cervical cancer.

           

• A Pap test and HPV test are prescribed for cervical cancer detection. Screening for cervical cancer begins at 21.
• A Pap test needs to be taken every 3 years for age groups between 21 and 29.
• A Pap test and HPV Test need to be taken every 5 years for ages between 30 and 64.
• Lifestyle changes like limiting number of sexual partners, practice safe sex, Exercising regularly, Eating a healthy diet and to quit smoking are some of the ways to prevent cervical cancer.

          

• Vaccines are available for reduction in infections due to HPV. Girls in the age group of 11 or 12 should get 3 doses of Cervarix or Gardasil.HPV vaccines are not recommended for pregnant women.
• Consulting a health care professional/doctor for regular screening/early detection, treatment follow-up, a well maintained healthy diet along with having all the chemo, radiation sessions are a must for cervical cancer patients.    

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Shashwathi.S

HEALTH AND LIFESTYLE TIPS DURING CHEMOTHERAPY

A healthy lifestyle complete with an effective diet plays an important role in achieving  the purpose of chemotherapy. Here are some tips to deal with the chemo blues.

• Chemotherapy has a surprising effect on the taste buds. They make certain food items taste metallic or unpleasant like meat and water. To overcome this flavored mineral water or sliced lemon in water can be tried and other protein containing foods like eggs and fish are good alternatives.                 
                     
  
                                                
• Diarrhea or constipation is a common side effect. Increasing the fiber content,having small walks can work wonders and act as an intestinal stimulant.      

                             

     

•  Low fat meals and snacks with lots of greens should be incorporated in the diet to manage weight issues.                                                                                                                                                                                       
   

• Rinsing mouth with salt and water or any other antiseptic solution is helpful in relieving mouth sores.                                                                                     
  

• Being hydrated is the key. Drinking plenty of water can keep you from dehydration.                                                                            
  

• Having cool foods,chewing on ginger or peppermint can be practiced to avoid nausea. Having mini meals instead of larger ones can help reduce nausea too.                              
  
• Alcohol should be avoided to  make it easier for the lives to process the chemotherapy drugs.                                                  
  
• Green tea should be avoided or kept limited to two or three mugs a day. Tea is packed with antioxidants which may interfere with the desired outcome of chemo.                                                                                  
  

• Fatigue is one of the common problems faced during chemo. Exercising such as walking,rowing,cycling can b helpful. Rest is equally important.important. Short naps should be taken in  between activities throughout the day.                                                                                                                                    
  

• Listing to music or participating in any recreational activities can be helpful as distraction techniques and work as mood lifters.     

                                                 
                                                    

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!


Author- Ayantika Dey

ALKALIZING YOUR BODY

Cancer thrives in acidic environment and cannot survive in alkaline environment. Cancer cells produce Lactic acid making your body more acidic. Taking action to make your body more alkaline is vital in the battle against cancer.

Eating acidic food highly imbalances the  pH (measure of acidity and alkaline) level in our body. A self balancing mechanism is present in our body which brings back the pH level back to normal. The body does this by releasing alkaline minerals like calcium, phosphorous and magnesium into our blood. Not having enough alkaline food in our daily diet forces the body to extract minerals from bones and other organs which might cause our immune system to weaken.

Factors that help in maintaining alkalinity of the body:

• Green leafy vegetables, free from pesticides or other chemical contaminants helps to sustain the body's pH level on a daily basis. 

                                                

•  Protein intake should be kept at a minimum level. Items like refined sugar, flour, meat etc add to the acid level in the body.

                                      

•  Exercising daily flushes out the unwanted, harmful acid formations in the body and keeps it fit and healthy for a better cancer fighting platform.

• High potassium containing food like banana, honey, lemons should be incorporated in the diet too. Vitamin D containing food items is seen to be effective too.

                         

• Drinking lots of water is very effective. It flushes out the waste and refreshes the system. It is often advised to consume water equivalent to 50% of the body weight!

                                          

•  Lime water flushes out the excess acid from the body and helps to create a alkaline forming state. Taking lemon juice with raw honey and warm water is an effective way.

                                   

• Taking one or two teaspoons of baking soda(sodium bicarbonate) mixed with water is an effective way but people having edema or hypertension should avoid this. 

                            

Factors to be avoided:

•  Alcohol 
•  Aerated drinks
• Tobacco
• Pickled products
• Stress or tension
• Preservatives.    

         

Advantages of having an alkaline diet:

1. Immunity Boosting: Boosts your immune system up to 85% makes you less vulnerable to diseases like cold, flu virus and also headache.
2. Restful Sleep: Helps you sleep better.
3. Energy efficiency: Gives you more physical energy.
4. Yeast prevention: Does not promote the growth of infections or yeast.
5. Cancer Preventing: An alkaline body not only prevents cancer but also stops the cancer cells from multiplying and decrease the tumor growth rate. 

However there are certain disadvantages too as some of the acidic food items contain fatty acids which are required for the development of the body.

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 
Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Cheers!

Author- Akshith Vijay Kumar

Facts about Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian Cancers are hard to detect as many symptoms can be correlated to symptoms of other diseases.Only 19% women get detected with Ovarian Cancer before it attacks on other body parts. It is ranked to be the 8^th most highly occurring cancers among women and 5^th most deadly cancer in the world. Here are some lesser known facts about Ovarian Cancer...

    1. Every woman is at a higher risk of having an ovarian cancer with the harmful gene mutation of the BRCA1 or BRCA2 genes and estimation is 15-40% in cases of BRCA1/BRCA2 mutation.

    2. A family history of ovarian or breast cancer make women more prone to ovarian cancer. Surgical removal of ovaries and Fallopian tubes help women to combat the higher risk of this deadly disease.

4.A Pap Smear Test (Cervical Smear Test) does not detect Ovarian Cancer as it is one of the myths among women for detection of Ovarian Cancer.

5.The survival rate is higher approximately 93%-95% in a 5 year tenure or more, in cases of early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.

6. A research indicates that ovarian cancer is one of the rarest cancers of all the reproductive cancers affecting women and the count in detecting this rarest disease in a woman’s lifetime is 1 in 72 women.

7. Survival rate of women in the 5 year term is overall 43.7% and survival factor varies as per the stage/level of cancer spread in the body.

8. Risk factors causing ovarian cancer are Family History, Age, Non-childbearing, Personal history, Obesity, Talc, Fertility Drugs, Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) after menopause.

9. Symptoms of Ovarian Cancer are as mentioned below and women need to be careful in detection of early symptoms, diagnosis and treatment.

10. The risk involved in getting this cancer and dying from it is one in 95.

11. Research shows that Genetic Link causing ovarian cancer in women is not clear and estimates figure out to be 85-90%.

12. A first degree relative (Mother, Daughter, Sister) suffering from ovarian cancer increases the risk 3 times for the women to develop ovarian cancer.

13. An estimation of 21% is detected for ovarian cancer in women in UK relating to HRT, smoking, occupational exposures and other lifestyle factors.

14. Detection of ovarian cancers through screening tests has not been successful at all occasions. However doctors still follow standard procedures like pelvic exams, Trans-vaginal Ultrasound, CA-125 assay, Barium enema, CAT scan, Biopsy etc.

Thanks for reading and please keep visiting our blog to discover and appreciate more Yoddhas. 

Feel free to contact the Yoddhas team at team@yoddhas.com 
Cheers!

Lastly,

Praise the Yoddhas; Support the Yoddhas ; Love the Yoddhas!

Author- Shashwathi.S 

Part-time content writer and an Ambassador at Yoddhas-Indians Fighting Against Cancer.

Running for a Cause..

It was an electric morning on 18th of January 2015. Set against South Mumbai's rich background, a huge crowd gathered for the flag off of arguably the most awaited event of the city this year. Over 40,000 people gathered to participate in the 18th Standard Chartered Marathon.

Each and every participant symbolized determination, strength, self-competition and endurance. This is what, many opine, makes the Marathon such a significant event. It is a level platform across countries, ethnicities, genders or even physical capabilities. So when a child pushed a differently abled gentlemen on a wheelchair across the finishing line, the crowd cheered and applauded as if the victory was their own.

It is this community feeling that defines Yoddhas' existence and aspirations. It was founded by Rahul Yadav, who was diagnosed with Multiple Myeloma, a rare form of Blood Cancer, at age 28. Yoddhas aims at forging a community where cancer fighters in India can share stories, information, experiences and draw strength from one another.

Indians Fighting Against Cancer

 So it was only natural that Yoddha's Mumbai members made an appearance in the marathon.In the early hours of the chilly sunday morning, the team met at the iconic C.S.T station, full of excitement.  The team was ready to revel in the positive energy surrounding the event and cheer on our very own Yoddhas participating in the marathon.

 Amongst them was Sidharth Ghosh. Sidharth was diagnosed with cancer in February 2014, a month after he ran the 17th Standard Chartered Marathon. Throughout the roller coaster journey from then on he has been an inspirational fighter, and he made Yoddhas so incredibly proud by completing the full marathon less than a year after his diagnosis finishing the 42 km run within a respectable time of two hours and thirty minutes.

Yoddhas was also humbled to have Maj. Gen. Devendra Kapur run in its support. He showed everyone that age is merely a number, winning Second place in the half marathon, 55-65 age category, with an enviable time of 1 hour 43 minutes. 

For Sachin Garg, a resident of Gurgaon, Haryana, the marathon held special meaning. Having lost his father to cancer, he has been actively trying to help other fighters overcome this disease. In his words, the marathon was an awesome  yet humbling experience.

We at Yoddhas have always strongly endorsed healthy living, by eating smart and exercising consistently. Our members have found that the right fitness regime makes a quantifiable difference in the battle against cancer. 

Driving home this point was Manik Dhodi. He once lived life on the heavier side, but after making a conscious decision to change his lifestyle, he is now a fitness enthusiast who has run numerous marathons and is an inspiration for many.

Even Solonie Singh, with her dazzling smile, believes that the quickest route to prevention or recovery, is a healthy balanced lifestyle. She now also motivates her friends to take up a healthy lifestyle.

It is events such as these that inspire us and make us question our complacency and occasional ungratefulness. Team Yoddha was inspired and touched by the stories of numerous participants that it got the opportunity to interact with. Together we can make the difference in the lives of people who are battling a massive battle and all they ask is a little support.

And again a big thanks to all the participants, volunteers, supporter and others who supported us in making this Awareness Drive a huge success..

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What you should know about someone fighting Cancer!!

Well if you know anyone fighting Cancer. Just keep these points in mind. 

Let the animations load. It would take a few seconds..

1. People detected with Cancer are not suddenly transformed into Super-Heros. 

We fight a disease that terrifies everyone but we dont turn into (and dont expect us to immediately) turn into Super Heros.

 2. We are strong because sometimes there is no other option.

At times our fight is simply a willingness to go through treatment because, frankly, there's no alternative. We endure pain and sickness for the chance to feel normal down the road.  

3. Just call sometimes, Don’t wait on me to call you if I need anything.  

Please call me every once in a while and do come over. I know you told me to call if I ever needed anything, but it’s weird asking others to spend time with me.

4. We can have real emotions too. 

We do experience real emotions too. Even though cancer and its treatments can sometimes influence my outlook, I still have normal moods and feelings in response to life events. If I’m angry or upset, accept that something made me mad and don’t write it off as the disease. 

5. Be Normal  - Not "How are you feeling now" 

Let’s talk about life and what’s been happening rather than just focusing on my illness.

6. Forgive me.  

There will be times when the illness and its treatment (Chemos, Drugs, Steroids)  make me “weird.” I may be forgetful, abrupt or hurtful. None of this is deliberate. Please don’t take it personally, and please forgive me.

7.Just listen.

I’m doing my very best to be brave and strong, but I have moments when I need to fall apart. Just listen and don’t offer solutions. A good cry releases a lot of stress and pressure for me. 

6. Ask if you want to take pictures of us. 

We all have our own ways of handling thing. Some dont want to remember this time and some dont mind. So better ask. 

7. We do need a little time alone sometimes. 

 A few points ago I was talking about how much I need to spend time with you, and now I’m telling you to go away. I love you, but sometimes I need a little solitude. It gives me the chance to take off the brave face I’ve been wearing too long, and the silence can be soothing. Sometimes I do cry in the bathroom.

8. Our family needs their friends too. 

The life starts revolving around the patients. Well try to make it a point to meet our families too. They also need normalcy for some time.

9. We love your advice but dont give Gyaan. (Dont Preach)

I know you care but still don't preach what you feel is the right way to fight Cancer. Give me the options. But dont push it beyond a point. Let me decide whats my way of fighting this battle.

10. Why did this happen? Ans. Well I dont know.

I saved the best one for the last. Frankly except a few Cancers, most do not have a particular reason. Its sheer genetic mutation, Just BAD LUCK !! 

Written By:

Rahul Yadav

A 29 year old battling Multiple Myeloma - Blood Cancer since Aug 2013, who wants to make fighting cancer Cool. 

Founder - Yoddhas- Indians Fighting Against Cancer. 

Note: 

I have picked all the images from the internet and do not own any of them. Also I have taken inspirations from Kim Helminski Keller's blog. Feel free to contact me for suggestions or feedback. Would love to hear from you.