Prostate cancer is one of the top ten cancers among men in India. According to Globocan, in 2018, there were 25,696 new cases and 17,184 deaths due to prostate cancer in India.
TYPES OF PROSTATE CANCER
Prostate cancer may be classified in several ways by a doctor:
Based on cell type:
Based on the spread of cancer:
These are diagnosed by the pathologist based on microscopic study of sample from the tumor.
STAGING OF PROSTATE CANCER:
If you are diagnosed with prostate cancer, your doctor will run more tests to determine the extent (stage) of your cancer. Your cancer's stage is an important input in deciding on your treatment. Prostate cancer staging is complicated and this is a simplified version but your doctor will be able to explain it to you in more detail:
Sources: Cancer India; European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO);
SCREENING & DIAGNOSIS OF PROSTATE CANCER
TREATMENT OF PROSTATE CANCER
The management of cancer depends on various factors, including the stage of the cancer, additional health issues, age etc. Surgery, radiation or chemotherapy may be used.
Sources: European Society for Medical Oncology (ESMO); Mayo Clinic; National Cancer Institute;
MULTI-DISCIPLINARY TEAM (MDT): Unlike most other diseases, cancer treatment requires an integrated approach from several specialists, each with their own expertise. This team of specialists who would work together on your cancer, is referred to as the Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT). Many global organisations have recognized the importance of a MDT for cancer treatment, as it improves coordinated care to you, as a patient. Your MDT would include specialists from the following:
Some hospitals that take an organ-based approach to cancer, have a separate department for Reproductive cancers. These teams comprise of specialists who have dedicated training in cancers occurring in female and male reproductive organ cancers.
TUMOR BOARD: A tumor board is a meeting where your Multi-Disciplinary Team discusses cancer cases and shares knowledge. The board’s goal is to determine the best possible cancer treatment and care plan for an individual patient. Having fresh perspectives from other doctors makes it much easier to come up with that plan.
In some hospitals, all cancer cases are discussed at the Tumor Board, while in other hospitals the Tumor Board focuses on cases where a doctor seeks inputs from other specialists on the patient’s case. It’s OK to ask your doctor if or why your case was discussed at a tumor board. Or if it wasn’t, why not? In some cases, a patient’s treatment plan is very straightforward using standard treatment guidelines, and the doctor may feel a tumor board review isn’t needed. However, you can request that one be done.
SUPPORT GROUPS: These are offline or online groups that connect patients suffering from cancer. Do find out about a support group around you. The hospital where you are being treated may have a support group that you could join.
Sources: Mayo Clinic
Choosing your oncologist and hospital is a very important decision, we recommend you make the time to research your options. We profile doctors and hospitals based on the range of services they offer to treat prostate cancer. Use our search tools to guide your choice of a medical provider. You may get in touch with us for any assistance during selection or booking process.
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer, you need to find an oncologist to begin your treatment. An oncologist is a doctor who specializes in treating cancer. For prostate cancer, you can start by visiting a medical oncologist. Choose someone you are not only confident about but also comfortable with.
TIPS TO FIND AN ONCOLOGIST
TIPS TO FIND A HOSPITAL
Sources: Rogel Cancer Center; Cancer.Net
Source: TEDed
Source: Institute of Cancer Genetics and Informatics
Source: Cancer Research UK
Source: BMJ Learning
Source: Institute of Cancer Genetics and Informatics
Source: Professor Mohamed Khadra
Source: Cancer Research UK
Source: Get Palliative Care
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It is a unique peer-support network of cancer survivors, for patients. By being a part of this network, you can support patients by speaking to them on a call.
Why should I join the Canswer network?
Einstein said, “The only source of knowledge experiences”. Only you, the survivor, has the real experience to support and guide patients who are still fighting cancer. Most patients say talking to a survivor is an important way of dealing with the disease. We want this network to provide a simple way for survivors to support patients, by just making a call.
What is expected of me during the call?
Simply share your experience with the patient honestly. Most patients may have questions on situations that cancer patients face commonly, you can use your own experience to answer. Good listening and encouragement can do wonders.
How will I know if any patient wants to talk to me?
Patients who find your profile as a match can request an introduction to you through our website. Our team will get in touch with you to seek a time that is convenient for you to take the call. We will schedule the call to introduce you to the patient at the appointed time.
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How much time do I have to devote, if I join this network?
Calls are only setup after taking a prior appointment with you. There is no expectation of minimum or maximum number of calls you have to take, it’s totally up to you. The normal duration of a call is up to 20-30 mins. If the patient needs more time, we request them to schedule a separate call.
Do I get paid for attending calls?
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