The words "bone marrow transplant" can sound frightening to patients and families. Many people assume that a transplant is required whenever cancer treatment is unsuccessful or that it is an extremely risky procedure. The reality is more nuanced. A bone marrow or stem cell transplant is an important treatment option for selected patients with certain blood cancers. It is not required for every patient, and the decision depends on the type of cancer, its response to treatment,

Being told that you need chemotherapy can be frightening. Many patients immediately worry about side effects, hair loss, weakness, hospitalization and how treatment will affect their daily life. However, chemotherapy today is very different from what many people imagine. Modern cancer treatment is increasingly personalized, and supportive medicines can help prevent or control many side effects. If you have been advised chemotherapy in Mumbai, understanding what to expect can

Blood cancer is a broad term used for cancers that affect the blood, bone marrow, or lymphatic system. Unlike many solid cancers, blood cancers may not form a single lump or tumor. Instead, abnormal blood cells can grow in the bone marrow or circulate through the bloodstream and affect other organs. The good news is that blood cancer treatment has advanced significantly. Many blood cancers can now be treated effectively, and some can even be cured, particularly when diagnosed

Cancer is a serious disease, but early detection can save lives. Many people ignore early symptoms because they think it is a small problem. Understanding the early signs of cancer, knowing when to see an oncologist, and learning the truth about cancer myths and facts can make a big difference. Early Signs of Cancer Cancer symptoms can vary depending on the type, but some common warning signs should never be ignored: Unexplained weight loss Constant tiredness Persistent fever

Cancer Awareness in India Many people ignore early warning signs because they think it is a minor problem. Lack of awareness is one of the biggest challenges in India. Rural areas, especially, have limited screening and delayed diagnosis. Common Cancers in India Some of the most common cancers in India include: Breast cancer Cervical cancer Oral cancer Lung cancer Colorectal cancer Regular health check-ups and screening tests can help detect cancer early. Cancer Symptoms in I

Cancer in women is not just a medical issue — it is a social and gender equity challenge. In India, breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers together account for more than half of all cancers in women. The tragedy is that most of these are detectable, preventable, or treatable if caught early. The Changing Landscape Over the last two decades, India has witnessed a sharp rise in breast cancer, especially in urban women under 50. Lifestyle changes, delayed childbirth, obesity, and

In recent years, oncologists across India have noticed an unsettling trend — more young adults are being diagnosed with cancers traditionally seen in older patients. Breast, colorectal, and head-and-neck cancers are increasingly appearing in people under 40. This rise in young-onset cancers is not just a medical issue; it’s a social and generational one. The Alarming Shift Globally, cancer incidence among younger adults has been rising by 1–2% each year, but in India, the pac

Cancer may appear to strike at random, but science tells a different story. Nearly 40% of all cancers are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors — smoking, diet, alcohol, infections, and inactivity. In India, where both traditional habits and modern lifestyles coexist, prevention is not a slogan; it’s the most powerful cancer therapy we have. Understanding the Indian Reality India’s cancer landscape is unique. Oral and lung cancers dominate among men due to tobacco, while cer

Cancer treatment today is no longer about choosing one drug over another — it’s about choosing the right combination. The modern oncologist is less a prescriber and more a strategist, combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted agents in ways that deliver maximum benefit with minimal toxicity. Understanding the Rationale Every cancer is biologically unique. Chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells, immunotherapy unlocks the patient’s immune system, and targeted the

Cancer treatment can place a significant financial burden on patients and families in India. Affordable cancer treatment in India does not necessarily mean compromising on the quality of care. A value-based approach to oncology focuses on choosing evidence-based treatments appropriately while considering effectiveness, quality of life, and the financial impact of treatment. The Economics of Cancer in India Cancer care can create a significant financial burden for patients and

Artificial intelligence (AI) has entered almost every field imaginable — and oncology is no exception. Yet, the excitement surrounding AI often oscillates between utopian promise and dystopian fear. In India, where oncologists face overwhelming patient loads and resource limitations, AI may not replace human expertise — but it can certainly amplify it. From Diagnosis to Decision: Where AI is Already Making a Difference AI tools are now being integrated into pathology, radiolo

Cancer treatment has changed significantly over the past two decades. While treatment decisions were traditionally based largely on the type, location, and stage of cancer, advances in molecular testing now allow oncologists to examine specific genetic and molecular characteristics of a tumor. Precision oncology uses this information, along with a patient's clinical condition and other diagnostic findings, to help guide treatment decisions. For some cancers, identifying speci

Immunotherapy has changed how we think about cancer treatment worldwide, and India is rapidly catching up. As an oncologist practicing in Mumbai, I’ve seen how these therapies—once limited to a few research centers—are now reaching more patients across the country. Immunotherapy India, once a distant dream, is fast becoming part of routine care for lung, head-and-neck, kidney, and melanoma patients. From hype to hope Early headlines portrayed immunotherapy as a miracle cur