Breast Cancer – Being Aware Helps.

Breast cancer is spreading and increasing its presence day by day. It is becoming more and more important for women to be aware of breast cancer. Breast cancer symptoms vary widely — from lumps to swelling to skin changes — and many breast cancers have no obvious symptoms at all.

A recent study 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. Sadly, breast cancer also ranks first in deaths due to all cancers. One in 25 women is at risk of developing breast cancer in India, only one out of two breast cancer patients make it beyond 5 years after treatment.

Breast cancer symptoms to watch for:

·         swelling of all or part of the breast.

·         skin irritation or dimpling.

·         breast pain.

·         nipple pain or the nipple turning inward.

·         redness, scaliness, or thickening of the nipple or breast skin.

·         a nipple discharge other than breast milk.

·         a lump in the underarm area.

These changes also can be signs of less serious conditions that are not cancerous, such as an infection or a cyst. If you notice anything unusual on your breast, consult your doctor. Make breast self-exam a part of your monthly health care routine.

Get yourself screened with mammograms regularly after 40 years. It doesn’t help prevent cancer, but it can help find cancer early when it’s most treatable. For most women, regular mammograms can begin at age 40, but specific recommendations vary by age and risk. You can have yearly mammograms from age 40 years to 55 years. Post 55 years mammograms can be done every other year.

More about Mammograms:

·         Mammograms can save your life. Finding breast cancer early reduces your risk of dying from the disease by 25-30% or more. at high risk.

·         Don’t be afraid. Mammography is a fast procedure (about 20 minutes), and discomfort is minimal for most women. The procedure is safe: there’s only a very tiny amount of radiation exposure from a mammogram.

·         Bring your past mammogram films/results with you.

·         Don’t wear deodorant or antiperspirant to your mammogram since these can show up on the film and interfere with the test results.

·         Women should get a mammogram once a year beginning at age 40. If you’re at high risk of breast cancer, have a strong family history of breast or ovarian cancer, or have had radiation treatment to the chest in the past, it’s recommended that you start having annual mammograms at a younger age (often beginning around age 30).

Prevent Breast cancer:

·         Keep Weight in Check – Being overweight can increase the risk of many different cancers, including breast cancer, especially after menopause.

·         Be Physically Active – Women who are physically active for at least 30 minutes a day have a lower risk of breast cancer. Regular exercise is also one of the best ways to help keep weight in check.

·         Eat Your Fruits & Vegetables – and Avoid Too Much Alcohol

A healthy diet can help lower the risk of breast cancer. Try to eat a lot of fruits and vegetables and keep alcohol at moderate levels or lower (a drink a day or under). If you don’t drink, don’t feel you need to start.

·         Don’t Smoke – On top of lowering quality of life and increasing the risk of heart disease and stroke, smoking is also responsible for at least 15 cancers including breast cancer.

·         Breastfeed – Breastfeeding for a total of one year or more lowers the risk of breast cancer. It also has great health benefits for the child.

·         Avoid Birth Control Pills – Birth control pills have both risks than benefits. The younger a woman is, the lower the risks are. While women are taking birth control pills, they have a slightly increased risk of breast cancer especially after 35 years of age.

·         Avoid Post-Menopausal Hormones – Post-menopausal hormones shouldn’t be taken long-term to prevent chronic diseases. They highly increase your risk of breast cancer.

Eat healthily, reduce your risk of Breast Cancer:

No specific food can cause or prevent breast cancer. However, dietary guidelines may help you reduce your overall breast cancer risk. Include these in your diet:

·         Green tea – Green tea is high in polyphenol and catechins. These antioxidants may help protect cells from DNA damage caused by free radicals.

·         Pomegranate juice – Pomegranate juice, which is derived from its seed pulp, also contains polyphenols. Pomegranate juice has the potential to be a preventive tool for certain cancers, including breast cancer.

·         Berries – Berries, such as blueberries, strawberries, and black raspberries, contain high amounts of polyphenols, which may have anticancer properties. They’re also high in antioxidants, such as vitamin C.

·         Plums and peaches – The polyphenols found in plums and peaches may help prevent breast cancer cells from forming and later multiplying. Evidence suggests the polyphenols help kill cancerous cells while leaving healthy cells alone.

·         Cruciferous vegetables – These vegetables are typically rich in antioxidant vitamins, such as C, E, and K, and are high in fiber. Cruciferous vegetables contain glucosinolates, a type of chemical which has cancer-fighting properties. Some examples are broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, arugula, Brussel sprouts.

·         Dark, leafy green vegetables – The darker the green, the denser the nutrition. Greens are typically high in antioxidants and fiber, which may make them potent anticancer tools. Spinach, collard, mustard, turnip, beet greens are some good options.

·         Apigenin – Apigenin is a flavonoid found in certain fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Because apigenin is an antioxidant, these foods may have anti-inflammatory properties. Herbs like parsley, celery, basil, oregano, thyme, coriander include this.

·         Lignans and saponins – Lignans and saponins are polyphenols and may have anticancer properties. They’re often found in beans like lentils, split peas, kidney beans.

·         Capsaicin -Both dried and fresh chili peppers contain capsaicin. The hotter the pepper, the more capsaicin it has. Research suggests that capsaicin may prevent the growth and spread of malignant cells in some people with breast cancer.

·         Turmeric – Our popular spice turmeric contains curcumin, a substance with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It helps to decrease the toxic effects of certain breast cancer cells and can potentially inhibit cancer cell growth.

Being aware of breast cancer is important. As you age get yourself screened regularly. Talk to experts at our Breast clinic for more information about Breast cancer and to know if you are at risk. Please find below website link:

https://www.kokilabenhospital.com/departments/clinicsatkh/breastclinic.html

All about Organ Donation at Kokilaben Hospitals

The need of organ donation has never been greater than in today’s times. More than half a million Indians are estimated to be in dire need of an organ transplant.

What is an Organ Donation?

Know the importance of organ transplants to understand organ donation. A transplant is a medical procedure where one person’s dysfunctional organ or tissue is replaced by that of a healthy person. In certain cases, despite major advances in the medical world, transplant is the only option available for the patient. Transplants drastically improve the quality of life of the patient and give them another chance to live.

What organs and tissues can be transplanted?

Liver, Kidney, Pancreas, Heart, Lung,Intestine, Cornea, Middle ear, Skin, Bone, Bone marrow, Heart valves, Connective tissue.

Who can be an organ donor?

People of all ages should consider themselves potential donors. When a person dies, he or she is evaluated for donor suitability based on their medical history and age. The Organ Procurement Agency determines medical suitability for donation.

Some things about Organ Donation:

• Anyone can be an organ donor irrespective of age, caste, religion, community, current or past medical condition. Children can also be organ donors after taking consent for organ donation from their parents.
• However certain diseases like active cancer, active HIV, active infection have restrictions. Patients suffering from Hepatitis B and C also have some limitations.
• Vital organs like heart, liver, kidneys, intestines, lungs, and pancreas can be donated only in case of ‘brain death’.
• However other tissues like corneas, heart valves, skin, bones etc can be donated only in case of natural death.
• Take a moment for wisdom and pledge to gift someone a new life — sign up to be an organ donor. Log on to www.organdonationday.in

Best Hospital for Robotic Surgery in Mumbai

Kokilaben Hospital started Centre for Robotic Surgery in 2012 and within short span have completed more than 1800 surgeries.

In continuation with the momentum the hospital present their second cutting edge Robot da Vinci Xi- the next frontier for minimally invasive surgery.

SERVICES

The Centre besides Minimally-Invasive Surgery (MIS) offers Robotic Surgery, a breakthrough surgical technique which is an effective, minimally-invasive alternative to both open and laparoscopic surgery.

TECHNOLOGY

With the da Vinci Surgical System (Robot), surgeons are now able to offer a minimally-invasive option for complex surgical procedures as well. Robotic Surgery, computer-assisted surgery and robotically-assisted surgery are terms for technological developments that use robotic systems to aid in surgical procedures.

Robotic Surgery was developed to overcome both the limitations of MIS and enhance the capabilities of surgeons performing open surgery.

Some of the major benefits experienced by surgeons using the RoboticSurgical System over traditional approaches have been:

• Greater Surgical Precision
• Increased Range of Motion
• Improved Dexterity

The benefits experienced by the patients include:

• Shorter Hospital Stay
• Lesser Pain
• Lower Risk of Infection
• Lesser Blood Loss
• Fewer Transfusions
• Less Scarring
• Faster Recovery Quicker Return to Normal Daily Activities

For more information and details visit our Robotic Surgery department

World Breastfeeding Week

The World Health Organisation WHO recommends six months of exclusive breastfeeding for babies and thereafter continuing breastfeeding on demand till the child reaches two years of age. Breast feeding is the most valuable gift which you can give to your newborn. It is the healthiest natural food for your baby and undoubtedly plays a very important role in his/her life. Breast milk contains all the nutrients which babies need for their growth and to stay healthy for a longer period of time.

Benefits of Breastfeeding:

• Early breast milk also called colostrum is a magical liquid for your baby. This milk is rich in nutrients and antibodies and helps to protect your baby.
• Most of the infants can digest breast milk very easily as compare to formula or any other milk because breast milk contains certain enzymes which helps baby to digest the milk.
• Breastfeeding not only protects your child from different diseases but also reduces the mothers risk from health problems like type 2 diabetes, postpartum depression, ovarian and breast cancer.
• Breast feeding saves money and is convenient. It eliminates the need of formula and related feeding supplies essentials and sterilizing of bottles.

World Hepatitis Day

28th July is observed as World Hepatitis Day worldwide and sees many international programs which are focussed to spread the awareness of Hepatitis.

What is Hepatitis? Hepatitis is an inflammation of the liver. It may be caused by drugs, alcohol use, or certain medical conditions. But in most cases, it’s caused by a virus. Hepatitis is a common disease that inflames the liver, an important organ for metabolism and breaking down food in the digestive system.

What are the five types of hepatitis?

There are at least five different types of viral hepatitis: A, B, C, D and E.

Hepatitis A

Hepatitis A is spread by either direct contact with an infected person’s faeces or by indirect faecal contamination of food or water.

Hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) can be spread through:

• body fluids
• urine
• semen
• from mother to infant soon or right after birth

Hepatitis C

Hepatitis C (HCV) is most commonly spread by exposure due to contaminated blood or needles and unsafe sex.

Hepatitis D

Unlike the other forms, hepatitis D can’t be contracted on its own. It can only infect people who are already infected with hepatitis B. People with HBV often develop hepatitis D (HDV), which is spread through contaminated blood products and unprotected sex with an infected person. The symptoms remain same as mentioned above.

Hepatitis E

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is found in underdeveloped areas of the world and is spread by the faecal/oral route. HEV causes acute hepatitis, which usually goes away on its own.

Healthy diet and Hepatitis

What we eat affects our entire body, especially our liver. It is the second largest organ and helps with many vital functions. Your liver is a highly efficient engine and filter. What you eat, drink and expose to your body is chemically broken down by your liver and affects your immune system and many other functions of your body

Consult our team of liver specialists if you have or suspect Hepatitis.

Centre for Diabetes & Obesity Treatment in Mumbai, India

Genetics, stress and wrong food habits that come with an erratic lifestyle, all contribute to a steep rise in diabetes and obesity. The Centre for Diabetes and Obesity has a host of facilities to deal with these two problems that lead to several other equally harmful sub-problems.

Obesity

Obesity results from the excessive accumulation of fat that exceeds the body's skeletal and physical standards. According to the United States National Institute of Health (NIH), an increase in 20% or more above your ideal body weight is the point at which excess weight becomes a health risk.

Indian bodies and genetics are different from their western counterparts. Indians suffer from abdominal obesity compared to people in the west whose bodies are uniformly obese. Studies say that India will become the global diabetes capital by 2050 if the abdominal and lower limb obesity and metabolic syndrome are not arrested.

For every 10 extra kilograms above the stipulated body weight (measured according to height), life expectancy of a person reduces by three years.

What is morbid or clinically severe obesity?

Obesity becomes morbid when it reaches the point of significantly increasing the risk of one or more obesity-related health conditions (also known as co-morbidities). This results either in significant physical disability or even death. Morbid obesity is a serious and chronic disease, and its symptoms build slowly over an extended period of time.

What are the risks of obesity?

Obesity is a risk factor for life-threatening diseases, including:

• Diabetes
• High Blood Pressure (hypertension)
• Heart Disease
• Obstructive Sleep Apnoea
• Stroke
• Heartburn or Acid Reflux Disease (GERD)
• Cancer
Six months after surgery for obesity, patients often find they no longer need medications for many of these conditions. Also, many women struggling with infertility before surgery find that conception is possible after weight loss.
For any such health problem visit us !

Postpartum Depression - Mothers Suffering during or after pregnancy.

When was the last time you met a new mother and felt she looks low?

Have you or a close family member recently experienced childbirth and the dreaded postpartum depression?

Postpartum is a very common phenomenon experienced by many but sadly discussed by very few.

What does it feel like?

The birth of a child should feel like the happiest time in your life, but for many women, the weeks or months after having a baby can be marred by sadness, anxiety, and despair. The actual experience of postpartum depression is wide-ranging and can include everything from obsessive anxiety to a sense of disconnect to unremitting rage. 

Listing down a few essential facts about  Postpartum Depression:

1. Postpartum depression also includes anxiety and other mood disorders.

2. Postpartum depression is not the same as baby blues.

3. Postpartum mood disorders don’t always show up immediately after the birth.

4. Extreme sleep deprivation can trigger postpartum depression.

5. Many symptoms of postpartum depression are similar to major depressive disorder, but there are also additional symptoms.

If you think you’re experiencing postpartum depression or a friend is experiencing, talk to a close friend. If needed consult specialists at our Psychiatry department who can help you in the situation. Please find website link for further details