FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. What is Surgical Oncology?
Surgical Oncology is the division of surgery which deals with cancer. Surgical Oncologist/ Oncosurgens who got specialized training in cancer surgery performs these complex cancer surgeries.

2. Which are the common cancers treated by surgery?
Surgery forms the main treatment for majority of solid tumors like: cancers of Head & Neck, Breast, Gastro Intestinal tumors, Bone tumors and Soft Tissue Sarcomas. Now a day, multi- modality approach is adopted for cancer treatment. Patient choices, Stage of disease, Patient’s general condition, Research based evidence etc are considered before deciding on cancer surgeries.

3. What are the complications of cancer surgeries?
Cancer surgeries are complex prolonged surgical procedures in which complications are common. The nature of complication varies depending on type of surgery, disease site, patient’s general condition etc. However, in experienced hands and dedicated cancer centre’s these complications are kept to the minimal.

4. Do you offer reconstructive surgeries?
Yes, we do offer all types of major reconstructive surgeries including microvascular surgeries, breast reconstruction and Breast Conservation Surgeries.

5. Do you offer any rehabilitation services after surgeries?
Yes, rehabilitation physiotherapy, speech and swallowing therapy forms an integral part of our post-operative care.

6. What is Radiotherapy?
‘Radiotherapy’ literally means treatment with Radiation. Radiotherapy uses high energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells by making them unable to grow and reproduce. It may be given on its own or in combination with other treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy or hormones.
The treatment is usually given externally, using an external beam radiotherapy machine (Medical Linear Accelerator) or internally using radioactive sources.

7. What does External Beam Radiotherapy (Radiotherapy) involve?
You will be positioned carefully on a treatment couch a short distance away from treatment machine. Sometimes, an attachment to the machine will rest very close to your skin during treatment, otherwise nothing to feel from treatment. The treatment will be given by Radiotherapy Technologists.

Treatments lasts for a few minutes and you will be alone in the room while the machine is switched ON. The Radiotherapy Technologists are just outside the room, watching you on TV monitors, and there is an intercom if you wish to speak to them during your treatment.

Your treatment may involve moving the machine to several different positions – all you have to do is lie still, in the required position, and breathe normally.

8. Does Radiotherapy treatment makes me radioactive?
No. This treatment does not make you radioactive.

9. How many times will I need treatment?
You Radiation oncologist will decide exactly where to treat you, what dose you should have, the number of treatments and the frequency of those treatments. This may be daily, weekly, twice or thrice a week for anything up to seven and a half weeks. The number of treatments does not reflect the seriousness of your disease. Factors such as age, general health, site of cancer and type of cancer are all taken in to consideration.

10. How will I feel while taking Radiotherapy?
This varies considerably from one person to another and also depends upon which part of the body is being treated. Generally, any effects take a few days to develop. Tiredness is a common side effect so you may feel rather lethargic.

The skin sometimes becomes more sensitive in the area being treated. You may wash the area normally, unless told otherwise, but avoid any undue friction/rubbing and do not use any creams, ointments or powder on the skin unless approved by your doctor.

11. Can I play with children while on Radiotherapy?
Yes. You can very well play with kids.

12. How to reduce Chemotherapy Side effects?
• Don’t eat raw food. Raw foods may carry bacteria that can lead to infection.
• Before chemotherapy eat a small light meal. Eat what appeals to you.
• Try not to disturb your sleep pattern at night. Take nap early in the day, if needed.
• Cut your hair short or shave it, if you are worried about hair loss.
• Eat foods that are warm rather than cold.
• Avoid odors and smells that are unappealing.
• To prevent constipation drink 8-10 glasses of fluids a day.
• Stay active as you can.
• Brush your teeth with soft brushes three times a day.
• Rinse your mouth with solution of one teaspoon baking soda and one teaspoon of salt, diluted in a glass of lukewarm water three or four times a day.
• Wear soft , loose, padded shoes/sandals or cotton socks.

13. Do I get any financial assistance/Insurance coverage for doing the procedures at this centre?
Yes, we are Government approved centre for cancer treatments. Government employees can reimburse the cancer treatment expenses and are also eligible for Interest Free Medical Advance.
We are empanelled with:
Karunya Benevolent Fund Scheme (KBF),
Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), &
Employees state Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
Approved by many Private Medical Insurance Providers.
Indian Railway has recognised us as Cancer Hospital, thus our patients are eligible for travel concession. Financial assistance is given to deserving ones through
NGO & Charitable trusts. [Our patients themselves contribute to help their suffering brothers & sisters]. Public Donations are welcomed.

These schemes can be availed for patients receiving Cancer Surgeries, Chemotherapy and Radiotherapy.

Whether a patient is a candidate for surgery or not depends on factors such as the type, size,location, grade and stage of the tumor, as well as general health factors such as age, physical fitness and other coexisting medical conditions the patient may have. Surgery will be combined with other cancer treatments, such as hemotherapy, radiation therapy or hormone therapy.