Code: The language you need to learn

Computer code shapes our world – regardless of your age, job or gender. So why are so few of us proficient in this most modern of international languages?

                                Photograph: Getty Images

Imagine the entire world switching to a new language that you don’t know. It runs deep through everything from governments to your personal life, evolving to create new meanings, set priorities and decide ethics – all in an unregulated environment.

It has already happened. The language is computer code, and most of our schools aren’t teaching it. There will be nearly a million unfilled information and communication technology jobs in Europe by 2015, thousands of them in Ireland. But the importance of code is about more than jobs.

“Coding is the future,” says Jordan Casey, the 14-year-old creator of teach-ware.org, a free web-based application that he wrote for teachers to use after he noticed how lost they were when they misplaced their books of student information.

Since teaching himself to code, at the age of eight, Casey has developed two apps for the iPhone and spoken at conferences around the world. “Technology is making its way into every major industry, and that all comes down to people learning programming. You can create anything at all with code; the possibilities are endless. In Ireland there are lots of jobs, and people are not taking them because they are not familiar with code.”

Casey’s learning has been entirely self-directed, as he finds the information he needs online. He won’t be going to third level after his Leaving Certificate, as he believes he doesn’t need to. His 10-year plan has him at the age of 24 with his first successful start-up.

So what’s the best way to learn code? “Beginning Programming for Dummies, the book, and university computer-science lectures on YouTube,” Casey says. “For younger kids, CoderDojo, the free clubs founded in Ireland by James Whelton.”

Year of code The US has its Hour of Code campaign to get schoolchildren across the country coding. In the UK, 2014 is the Year of Code. Ireland has CoderDojo, which Whelton, who is 22, created in Cork in 2011. He has grown CoderDojo into 300 clubs in 30 countries and now spends much of his time in the US as a consultant.

At school Whelton was labelled a low achiever with learning difficulties. He taught himself maths, so that he could get an A in the Leaving Cert. “Some kids have friends growing up; I had a keyboard. I have learned the hard way that academic success does not translate into life success,” he says

.

Whelton believes that the way schools teach doesn’t suit many bright kids and that children should be introduced early to code. “You can change the world with your keyboard,” he says. “I see programming more as an artistic endeavour than a business. Beauty is in the eye of the coder. Like art, you can create anything with code.”

Whelton is nurturing ideals that he hopes will influence young programmers to use technology for social good. “I want to see kids growing up in Ireland going into nonprofits, disrupting using technology and re-creating ethics. It’s not important for everyone to learn to code, but they should have the opportunity to learn it.”

Source:  http://www.irishtimes.com/news/technology/code-the-language-you-need-to-learn-1.1847852

Plan to bring high-speed broadband to rural Ireland gets cautious IFA welcome

Pat Rabbitte confirms new joint venture between ESB and Vodafone

The Government  plans to bring high-speed broadband to close to a million homes and businesses in more than 1,000 towns and villages across rural Ireland

The Government’s plan to bring high-speed broadband to close to a million homes and businesses in more than 1,000 towns and villages across rural Ireland received a cautious welcome from the Irish Farmers Association last night. IFA president Eddie Downey said the initiative announced by Minister for Communications Pat Rabbitte would be “judged on its ability to deliver a cost-effective service to all rural homes and businesses”.

He said previous schemes had not reached the number of households promised, and “every house and business in the countryside must have the option of receiving a cost-effective, top-class, fibre-based broadband service”. Mr Downey added: “The proposed new scheme must deliver high-speed broadband at affordable prices for all businesses, homes and schools in rural Ireland.”

Mr Rabbitte accepted that even after the new scheme was concluded there would still be some remote pockets which would not be able to access the fibre networks. However, he said their proximity to it would give them easier and better access to alternate services.

Green Party local election candidate and communications spokesman Ossian Smyth criticised what he called the Minister’s “abandonment” of the national broadband strategy after just 18 months. He said Mr Rabbitte had promised every home in Ireland would get 30 megabits broadband by 2015. “Today he has abandoned that goal and given up. Instead of a goal for broadband access, now he says he will just spend a sum of money that won’t be complete during the lifetime of this Government.”

In addition to announcing the €500 million scheme yesterday, the Minister confirmed that a new joint venture was being set up between the ESB and Vodafone, which would see the former’s existing infrastructure of poles and pylons used to carry high-speed broadband into 450,000 homes in areas where it is now unavailable. He said the details of the new partnership between Vodafone and the ESB would be ironed out “in the next few weeks”, after which a new company would be established.

Mr Rabbitte also highlighted a higher-than-anticipated level of investment across the private sector, with Eircom rolling out a €400 million investment in a fibre network which would offer speeds of 100mbps. That service is already available to 800,000 homes and will be available to 1.4 million by 2016. For its part, UPC has spent more than €500 million upgrading its cable network which has given 700,000 homes and businesses access to speeds of up to 500mbps.

“These high-speed services are possible because the networks on which they are based have a strong fibre component,” Mr Rabbitte said. “This model cannot be replicated commercially in many rural areas because the fibre networks do not exist and population densities are small.

“The Government has confirmed it intends to ensure that rural Ireland enjoys similar opportunities by ensuring an end-to-end market intervention with fibre as a core component.” He said once high-speed broadband was rolled out across the State, investment opportunities would be enhanced and the way small and medium enterprises did business would be dramatically improved.

Mr Rabbitte also suggested that many people living in rural areas, who currently have to move to urban centres because connectivity was problematic, would be able to stay at home and set up businesses or work remotely.

Source: http://www.irishtimes.com/news/technology/plan-to-bring-high-speed-broadband-to-rural-ireland-gets-cautious-ifa-welcome-1.1774505

7 Ways to Never Have a Heart Attack

Gamblers, weathermen, and Dionne Warwick aren't the only people who try to make a living predicting the future. Doctors do, too. Just as a gambler might gather stats like Sammy Sosa's slugging percentage on Thursday games at home when the wind is less than 15 mph, a doctor gathers vital information to try to determine the odds on your health.

For years, physicians focused on basic measures, such as blood pressure, weight, and cholesterol. But recently, more and more studies have shown that there's a new MVP (most valuable predictor) when it comes to forecasting heart disease. It's a substance that sounds like a grunge-rock band: C-reactive protein (CRP).

Though it was discovered in 1930, only in the past several years has CRP been shown to be important. Doctors now know that CRP helps measure chronic inflammation and the overall health of your arteries. The higher your CRP level, the more at risk you may be for heart disease—even if your other indicators look normal.

"Half of all heart attacks and strokes in the United States each year occur among people with essentially normal cholesterol levels," says Paul Ridker, M.D., a professor of medicine at Harvard medical school. "There's more to heart disease than just lipids. In addition to the problem of cholesterol, there's the problem of the immune system or the inflammation response."

A heart attack occurs when plaque ruptures inside your blood vessels. But that rupturing hinges not just on how much plaque you have but also on the degree of inflammation, Dr. Ridker says. Your level of CRP—measured by a simple blood test—helps detect this condition so you can predict whether you're in danger of cardiovascular disease and stroke. "You can be at quite a high risk of both despite having normal cholesterol," Dr. Ridker says. "Even people with low cholesterol but high CRP are at high risk."

Luckily, just as you can with cholesterol and body fat, you can take steps to shrink your CRP. "If you have your CRP measured in your 20s and 30s, you can prevent heart disease and strokes in your 50s and 60s," Dr. Ridker says. Aside from drugs such as statins, lifestyle changes are the best way to whittle down your CRP and, more important, snuff the flames before they snuff you.

Pop a Multivitamin

A grande cappuccino isn't the only thing you'd better slug down before you go to work. A study in the American Journal of Medicine showed that people who popped a multivitamin each morning for 6 months decreased their CRP by 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/l). And a University of California at Berkeley study found that people who took 500 mg of vitamin C saw a 24 percent drop in CRP after just 2 months.

Arch Mainous, Ph.D., a professor of family medicine at the Medical University of South Carolina, says CRP levels are connected to the amount of stress caused by free radicals in your body. "Vitamins C and E decrease the oxidative stress," he says.

Take 500 mg of a vitamin C supplement, or a multivitamin like GNC Men's Mega Men, which contains one of the highest levels of vitamin C (300 mg) in a multi. Another way to swallow more C: cherries.

In a small study published in the Journal of Nutrition, people who ate two daily servings of cherries lowered their CRP by 16 percent.

Source:  http://www.menshealth.com/mhlists/prevent_heart_disease/

Home Remedies to Cure Jaundice

What is Jaundice?

Jaundice is a liver disorder where the liver is unable to function properly. There are several researches that link Liver disorders like Jaundice to the consumption of alcohol. In this case the person suffering from the disorder tends to feel extreme nausea. The person’s urine and eyes turn yellow. The person feels extremely tired as the liver is unable to eliminate the toxins from the body. Traces of high fever have been noticed.

Home remedies

-The best thing you can do is to stop the consumption of alcohol immediately. Do not drink even if it is socially as it may lead to permanent damage to your liver. This can be life threatening.

-To take care of your damaged liver cells and get it in original shape you must drink water with a few drops of lime in it. This is quiet beneficial to restore strength in your liver. Doing this for a week twice a day will leave you free of jaundice.

-Tomatoes are extremely helpful in this case. Drink a glass of tomato juice daily if you are suffering from jaundice or any other liver disorder. Add salt and pepper to it to add value to the taste of the natural juice. Strain the seeds to the tomato before you drink the juice.

-Another juice that helps to cure jaundice is sugarcane. The sugar content in the juice is extremely high and it is this sugar that helps the liver to fight the infection. Drink a glass or two daily for faster results. Mix a few drops of lime in the juice for quicker results as lemon juice has curative powers for jaundice as well.

-Barley water is the best solution to your issue. Boil one cup of barely with 2 liters of water. Strain and drink throughout the day and you will see visible changes in your health within hours.

Source:  http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/blog/home-remedies-to-cure-jaundice/

Toothache? Try these Home Remedies

There are several factors that contribute to a toothache. Often the ache is started by an external agent like germs or bacteria. In the initial stages the bacteria causes mild pain; later on it can lead to the formation of cavities and tooth decay. A lot of people ignore toothaches until a time when they can’t bare the pain anymore. Some people are not able to get dental assistance due to lack of finances. If you are unable to visit a dentist there is no reason to live with the pain of an aching tooth. There are plenty of home remedies to help you to get rid of the pain or reduce it.

Clove oil is a natural pain reliever. If you don’t have clove oil then you can chew on a clove to reduce the impact of the pain. it prevents the bacteria from growing and spreading thereby reducing the pain drastically. Clove oil is very strong and hence you need to dilute it when you are using it to reduce pain.

If you do not dilute it the oil may cause a stinging sensation in the mouth. Dilute clove oil with 2 parts of olive oil. Dip a cotton ball in the liquid and then place it in your mouth on the side that is in pain. Bite into the cotton ball for a few minutes; you will feel the pain reducing naturally.

In order to destroy the bacteria in your mouth chew on a mix of garlic and rock salt. The anti bacterial properties of the garlic will destroy the bacteria in your mouth and prevent them from spreading to other parts of the mouth and destroying other teeth as well.

If the pain is caused by cavities then you need to mix pepper powder in clove oil and then massage the oil onto the gums near the aching tooth. Apply pressure while massaging the gums in order to get rid of the germs and bacteria from the mouth.

Rinse your mouth with vinegar to get rid of the germs in the mouth. This will also help to alleviate the pain in your mouth. Massaging the gums with lemon juice also reduces the pain in the mouth.

Source:  http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/blog/toothache-try-these-home-remedies/

Treatments for Cataract

Cataract is only formed within the eyes. A person suffering from Cataract sees double or blurred images. Cataract is nothing but a feeling of cloudiness in the natural eye lens which is the most important part which is responsible for watching sharp images and focusing of light. The effect of this problem is such that the quality of visibility starts reducing on an increased rate.

There is a natural lens behind the coloured part which is named as pupil and cannot be directly seen with the naked eye. This lens is made up of water and proteins. Cataract generally occurs due to progression of age, as the age passes the risk of getting affected by Cataract increases. When this lens is opaque due to ageing it does not allows the light to go through retina which indicates poor visibility.

Carrots serve as the most efficient home remedy for Cataract. Eat plenty of raw carrots daily if somebody does not like eating raw carrots then take fresh carrots juice instead of that. Consume 2-3 garlic daily chew the raw garlic slowly. You can also make the juice of pumpkin flowers and apply them on the eyelids at least 2-3 a day. Wearing sunglasses outside during the sunlight reduces the chance of developing Cataract. Avoid using white bread, sugar, cream, refined cereals. Beverages like tea, coffee, alcohol are also to be avoided.

Source:  http://www.natural-homeremedies.com/blog/treatments-for-cataract/

Top 6 Foods For Healthy Eyes And Better Vision

Staying healthy obviously involves keeping a healthy diet and an active lifestyle. This usually refers to a healthy heart, strong bones and a healthy, slim body. But keeping healthy also implies taking care of vision, our most important asset. After all, seeing well into the future requires healthy eyes and, most certainly, after reaching an old age, many people develop vision problems. Issues such as cataracts, dry eyes or other ocular disease may be prevented by following simple eating guidelines and basically “keeping an eye” on healthy foods. Here is a rundown of some of the best foods for healthy eyes and better vision:

1. Carrots

The number one obviously goes to carrots. Bugs Bunny certainly knew that carrots are the way to having a perfect vision. These orange colored vegetables are packed with beta carotene (carotene actually comes from carrots, hence the name) and antioxidants to help fight degenerative eye diseases such as cataracts and macular diseases.

Carrots are easy to add to any dish or salad, but if you don’t like them whole or solid, carrot juice is a great option. After all, most food supplements or child drinks have carrot juice as a main ingredient. Carrots can be a fine ingredient for soups, stews or any other sauce, be it hummus, spice sauces or sweet pastes. You can even dip them in salsa, hummus, peanut butter, or guacamole for added flavor and texture.

  2. Bell peppers

Bell peppers are excellent sources of vitamin C, a crucial element for keeping a healthy vision. Also, they are high in antioxidants and other vitamins that will protect your eyes.

They can be eaten fresh in salads, sauces, and sandwiches or cooked in stews or even an addition for meat plateaus or steaks. Bell peppers can also add color and texture to a dish, as well as that added healthy element. Steamed, roasted, in soups, or in your favorite pasta dressing, bell peppers are the ideal ingredient for having great eyesight.

3. Poultry meats – turkey, chicken or ostrich

Poultry is the lean and healthy substitute for the red, fatty meats you usually come across in dishes, including beef, pork or lamb.

Even though ostrich meat may be hard to find in stores, it is packed with zinc, potassium, proteins and iron which are key elements for having excellent eyesight. Zinc is a crucial mineral found in the retina and it causes enzyme production which is related to having healthy eyes. Also, iron helps fight ocular degeneration, keeping eyes healthy even during old age.

Turkey and chicken also have high amounts of zinc, but as a plus, are also rich in a variety of vitamins such as Vitamin B, niacin and vitamin E. These are essential in fighting cataracts and other debilitating eye diseases.

These types of meats are incredibly versatile, being a staple ingredient for many dishes. You can eat them in chili, steaks, soups, stews or even low fat salads.

4. Spinach

Popeye knew his secret. Spinach is literally packed with almost every vitamin out there, but the key components are vitamin C, lutein, zeaxanthin and beta carotene. Also, spinach has a high concentration of antioxidants that will help fight macula degeneration. Zeaxanthin and lutein increase the pigment density in the macula area, which acts as a natural sunscreen for the eyes, absorbing 40 to 90 percent of the dangerous blue light spectrum rays. Spinach can be eaten stewed, boiled, in salads or as a sauce for pasta.

5. Sweet potatoes

Here comes another high beta carotene food for great vision. The bright orange colored flesh of these vegetables is packed with this important element. They can be baked, fried and mashed just as regular potatoes. The sweet, soft taste will leave you breathless. Sweet potatoes really are a sweet ingredient when trying to keep healthy.

6. Fish – salmon and sardines

Fish, in general, has high amounts of healthy omega 3 fats, essential for any healthy lifestyle. But salmon and sardines are even better, having a higher amount of omega 3 fats, which will ensure a healthy vision. Omega 3 fats work by protecting the tiny blood vessels that surrounds and are buried in the eyeball. Try to eat at least 6 ounces of wild salmon or sardines every day and you will surely see the difference.

Source:  http://www.fitnea.com/top-6-foods-for-healthy-eyes-and-better-vision/

How ancient parasite wormed its way into human life

Scientists extricate a skeleton at a dig in northern Syria in 2010, in this image released Thursday. The skeleton, more than 6,200 years old, displays the earliest known evidence of infection with a parasitic worm that now afflicts more than 200 million people worldwide. | AP

LONDON/PARIS – In a skeleton more than 6,200 years old, scientists have found the earliest known evidence of infection by a parasitic flatworm, revealing how human advancement enabled a creature resembling a tiny slug to spread. Today it afflicts more than 200 million people.

Archaeologists discovered the egg of the parasite near the pelvis of a child’s skeleton in northern Syria and say it dates back to a time when ancient societies first used irrigation systems to grow crops.

Scientists suspect the new farming technique meant people were spending a lot of time wading in warm water — ideal conditions for the parasites to jump into humans. That may have triggered outbreaks of the waterborne flatworm disease known as schistosomiasis.

In a letter published by the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases, a team of archaeologists and biologists said they had found a 6,200-year-old egg of the feared parasite in an ancient grave in northern Syria.

The site, Tell Zeidan, is in the valley of the Euphrates, part of the fabled Fertile Crescent, where humans settled down to farm nearly 8,000 years ago, making the historic leap from hunter-gatherers.

The team excavated the skeletal remains of 26 people from the burial site and gently sifted through sediment collected from their pelvic areas. The painstaking work turned up an egg just 132 thousandths of a millimeter long that under a powerful microscope turned out to be pale brown, stained by millennia-long exposure to the soil.

The egg, say the researchers, is from one of two species of schistosomes — flatworms that cause bilharzia, which affects hundreds of millions of people in tropical Asia, Africa and Latin America.

Schistosomes burrow into the skin when someone wades into freshwater, and develop into adult worms before invading the kidney and bladder or intestines. Luxuriating in the balmy flow of blood, they mate, and their eggs are excreted in urine or feces, thus exposing more people to the disease, which is also called schistosomiasis or snail fever.

Infection, typically signaled by blood in the urine, can result in kidney failure, bladder cancer, malnutrition and anemia.

Recent DNA analysis of schistosomes suggest the flatworm evolved in Asia and spread from there to Africa and beyond. But how this happened was unclear until now.

Migration through early human settlement in the Middle East, via the irrigation system of the Fertile Crescent, is a likely answer, the letter says.

The people at Tell Zeidan grew wheat and barley in highly arid conditions, which suggests they developed an irrigation system to water their crops. If so, wading in the water channels would have been the likely infection source for the individual who carried the parasite, according to the probe headed by Piers Mitchell at Britain’s University of Cambridge.

“Our findings suggest that crop irrigation 6,000 years ago in the Middle East enabled schistosomiasis to spread to people living there, and so triggered the enormous disease burden that schistosomiasis has caused over the past 6,000 years,” the letter says.

The World Health Organization says more than 42 million people were treated for bilharzia in 2012, and 249 million were given preventive treatment with praziquantel, the front-line drug for controlling the parasite.

The latest discovery also fits with other pieces of evidence.

They include the remains found at many ancient Middle East sites of freshwater Bulinus snails that provide a host for the parasite at an early stage of its life cycle, as well as an ancient medical text found in modern-day north Iraq whose author described diseases that caused blood-stained urine.

And in 2002, schistosomes were found in Egyptian mummies — evidence that the wretched parasite was a problem for the people living and working along the Nile 5,200 years ago.

Infection through irrigation could be the earliest known example of human technology enabling a disease to spread. The health consequences probably had “a significant impact upon early civilizations in the region,” said Mitchell.

Source: http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2014/06/20/world/science-health-world/how-ancient-parasite-wormed-its-way-into-human-life/#.U7GleqjoSDo

FDA approves inhaled form of insulin

Associated Press 10:39 a.m. EDT June 28, 2014

The FDA approved Afrezza, an inhalable diabetes medication to help patients control their blood sugar levels during meals.  (Photo: Damion Edwards for Mannkind)

WASHINGTON (AP) - The Food and Drug Administration has approved a long-delayed inhalable diabetes medication to help patients control their blood sugar levels during meals.

The FDA cleared MannKind Corp.'s Afrezza, a fast-acting form of insulin, for adults with the most common form of diabetes, which affects more than 25 million Americans. Friday's approval comes more than three years after the agency first asked MannKind to run additional clinical studies on the drug.

Demand for diabetes treatments is surging globally as the prevalence of obesity explodes. According to the World Health Organization, roughly 347 million people worldwide have the disease, a chronic condition in which the body either does not make enough insulin to break down the sugar in foods or uses insulin inefficiently. It can lead to blindness, strokes, heart disease or death. In type 2 diabetes, the most common form of the disease, the body does not use insulin properly. Type 1 diabetes is usually diagnosed in children and young adults. In those cases, the body does not produce insulin.

Afrezza, an insulin powder, comes in a single-use cartridge and is designed to be inhaled at the start of a meal or within 20 minutes. MannKind has said that patients using the drug can achieve peak insulin levels within 12 to 15 minutes. That compares to a wait time of an hour and a half or more after patients inject insulin.

The FDA said in its approval announcement that Afrezza is not a substitute for long-acting insulin and is a new option for controlling insulin levels during meals. The agency approved Afrezza with a boxed warning - the strongest type - indicating that the drug should not be used in patients with chronic lung diseases, such as asthma and smoker's cough, due to reports of breathing spasms. The agency is also requiring several follow-up studies looking at the drug's long-term safety, including its impact on the heart and lungs.

Mannkind first submitted the drug to FDA in March 2009. The Valencia, California-based company has no other products on the market and lost more than $191 million last year.

Several other companies have failed to make inhaled insulin work commercially. In 2007, Pfizer Inc. discontinued its inhaled insulin Exubera after it failed to gain ground on the market. In 2008, Eli Lilly & Co. ended its development program, citing regulatory uncertainty.

MannKind shares fell 5.5 percent in regular trading after the FDA's approval announcement but rebounded 70 cents, or 7 percent, to $10.70 in after-hours trading Friday.

Source:  http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2014/06/28/fda-inhaled-insulin-diabetes-afrezza/11612739/

Hope for cystic fibrosis patients as drugs improve lung function

Combination of two drugs leads to benefits for people with the most common form of CF

A combination of two drugs improved lung function in patients with the most common form of cystic fibrosis in late stage trials, holding out the promise of a new treatment for the genetic illness.

Boston-based Vertex Pharmaceuticals said it will seek regulatory approval in the fourth quarter for the treatment in the US and the European Union based on the final-stage trials, dubbed Traffic and Transport, the company said in a statement today

.

“Today’s results are a milestone for CF patients and their families, as well as for our company,” Vertex chief executive Jeffrey Leiden said on a conference call.

The goal is to treat as many people as possible, and he said the results provide “optimism that we can make new therapies possible for more patients”

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The combination of lumacaftor and Kalydeco, or ivacaftor, is the first treatment for the underlying cause of cystic fibrosis in patients with two copies of a genetic mutation known as F508del, the company said.

Those patients total about half of those with the illness, and include more than 22,000 people ages 12 and over in North America, Europe and Australia.

“These data showed consistent evidence of clinical benefit in lung function and other measures of the disease,” Bonnie Ramsey, a professor of pediatrics at the University of Washington, said in the statement. While the drug will be able to treat patients 12 and older, the company will also start testing on patients between ages 6 and 11, Mr Leiden said.

Vertex rose 40 per cent to $93.16 at 9:40 a.m. New York time, the biggest intraday gain since April of last year. The company had a market value of about $15.7 billion as of yesterday’s close.

In the studies, which included 1,108 patients, those taking the drug saw lung function improve by 2.6 per cent to 4 per cent compared to those taking a placebo, Vertex said.

Mark Schoenebaum, an analyst with International Strategy and Investment in New York, said the drugs could boost Vertex’s total sales to $5.5 billion by 2020.

“The data are good and will clearly support worldwide regulatory approval for this drug regimen,” he said. “I can’t see any reason why the vast majority of patients with the appropriate mutation will not want to take this regimen.”

Vertex posted a loss last year.

Kalydeco is already on the market, and had sales of $371 million for Vertex last year.

Cystic fibrosis is a deadly genetic disease that affects about 70,000 people around the world. In patients, a thick mucus clogs the lungs, hurting breathing. It also impedes the pancreas from making enzymes that help get nutrients to the body, according to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Most patients don’t live into their 30s, according to Vertex.

Vertex executives declined to comment on the call on what the price of the treatment will be, and said they will consider patient population size and how big the clinical benefit is.

“Many people with CF and their families have been eagerly awaiting these results, and we are thrilled with the outcome,” Robert Beall, chief executive officer of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, said in an e-mail. “These studies further validate that we are on the right track to getting new and effective treatment into the hands of people with CF who so desperately need them.”

Geoffrey Porges, an analyst with Sanford C Bernstein in New York, questioned the new data, citing “limited effect” and missed secondary endpoints. He continues to rate the stock as an equivalent of buy, with a price target of $65

.

“We prefer to remain on the sidelines for what is increasingly a single product story with still substantial market cap and investor interest,” he said in a note to clients. – Bloomberg

Source:  http://www.irishtimes.com/business/sectors/health-pharma/hope-for-cystic-fibrosis-patients-as-drugs-improve-lung-function-1.1843787

10 secrets to great heart health

On World Heart Day which is celebrated on September 29, say yes to good eating habits and exercise. Have low fat milk, make your plate colourful by opting for different coloured vegetables and fruits, says an expert.

Sonal Raval, nutritionist at Snap Fitness India, shares dietary and health tips to help people have a healthy heart: 

- Eat a variety of food items, but not in excess: Different coloured vegetables and fruits, pulses and legumes, low fat dairy products are some of the ways to prevent your food from becoming boring.

- Check your weight: Overweight can be the reason behind high blood pressure or disease like diabetes. To avoid such problems, it is best to keep a check on your weight. Eat slowly and take smaller portion, opt for low calories, but rich in nutrients food. (Read: 5 diseases you can prevent with weight loss)

- Keep away from food rich in fat: Use skimmed or low fat milk and milk products. Bake, roast or boil rather than frying.

- Eat food with adequate fiber: Fruits and vegetables like carrot, cucumber and apple have skin. They should be consumed along with it.

- Avoid sugar in excess: White sugar, soft drinks, candies, chocolates, cakes and cookies should be avoided. Don’t eat sweets between meals. (Read: 6 healthy substitutes for white sugar)

- Sodium should be taken in less quantity: Use small amount of salt to prepare dish, try more natural ways to add flavour to food items. Go with spices, lemon juice, tomatoes and curds, don’t munch chips and fried foods constantly.

- Don’t encourage exercises such as push-ups and sit-ups. Such exercises involve straining muscles against other muscles or an immovable object.

- Don’t exercise outdoors when the temperature becomes extreme. High humidity may cause you to tire more quickly; extreme temperatures can make breathing difficult, and cause chest pain. Indoor activities such as mall walking are better.

- Exercise in hilly areas is a big no. If you are located in such places then slow down when climbing up the hill. 

- If your exercise programme has been interrupted for a few days due to illness, vacation, or any other reason, start with a reduced level of activity. (Read: Ten tips for a healthier heart)

Source:  http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/10-secrets-to-great-heart-health/

Now, a new technology for 3D imaging of brain tumors

A tumor navigation technology that allows surgeons to get a 3D view of the brain and better control of their surgical procedures was Saturday installed at a multi-specialty hospital.

The neuro-navigation technology comprises of advanced software modules that enable surgeons to visualise the anatomy of the patient’s brain in 3D to get a comprehensive idea of the location of the tumor and the obstacles that can be encountered during surgery. When used during the surgery itself, the navigation tools present a much better three dimensional view of the anatomy, serving as an ideal guide for the surgical instruments.

The neuro navigation software provides surgeons with 3D image data in higher resolution and enables them to visualise anatomical areas of interest with no segmentation including cortical surface, skull and vasculature. This gives surgeons sufficient visual data to plan the least invasive path for surgery. It also provides greater precision and control and minimises the possibility of a negative impact to critical brain structures during surgery.

Speaking on the occasion V.S. Mehta, Director Neuro Sciences, Paras Hospitals, Gurgaon said: ‘Treating problems that occur inside the brain like lesions or tumors is very sensitive. ‘Understandably, conducting a surgery to remove tumor from the brain is one of the most sensitive surgeries doctors perform. The tumor navigation technology gives the doctors a 3 D comprehensive view of the area where the tumor is located both before and during the surgery’.

Source:  http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/now-a-new-technology-for-3d-imaging-of-brain-tumors/

4.8kg tumor removed from South African woman at Mumbai hospital

This picture is for representation only.

For a 45-year-old resident of South Africa, it was a relief when a hospital in Mumbai agreed to operate on a large lump in her left breast which she had been living with for the last two years. Investigation revealed it was a cancerous tumour weighing about 4.8kg, one of the heaviest according to doctors. It was diagnosed as locally advanced breast cancer.

‘When Mary (name changed on request) came to us, we were surprised to see such a huge lump. We did her PET CT which showed locally advanced breast cancer as it hadn’t spread to any other organs. She was given three cycles of chemotherapy upfront to reduce the tumour’s size,’ said Dr Indoo Ambulkar, oncologist at SevenHills Hospital.

She underwent mastectomy (surgery to remove a breast, performed either to treat or prevent breast cancer in high-risk patients) and removal of chest muscles. The cancerous growth was so huge that its removal and reconstruction took four-and-a-half hours. Post surgery, Mary will require more sessions of chemotherapy for three months followed by radiotherapy to complete the treatment.

‘Mary will require post-operative radiotherapy to prevent further recurrence. The external beam radiotherapy is a local form of treatment delivered to the chest wall and regional lymph nodes after mastectomy. It continues for five to six weeks, five days a week,’ said Dr Phoolkumari Talukdar, radiation oncologist, SevenHills Hospital. Recuperating at the hospital, Mary said, ‘I am so relived. The constant pain has stopped and I am recovering now. India has great oncologists, and the SevenHills team helped me a lot, boosting my mental strength all the time.’

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

‘Breast cancer is such a disease which is seen by every practitioner of any speciality. Awareness among medical fraternity is important so that doctors suspect and advise early investigation for any breast lymph to get it detected in the early stages and treated systematically,’ said Ambulkar.

Source: http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/4-8kg-tumor-removed-from-south-african-woman-at-mumbai-hospital/

What is the most common form of cancer in India?

Women play many roles in their life – that of a mother, a sister, a wife, a daughter and a friend. However to play all these roles, one needs to stay healthy. One of the foremost barriers between women and a healthy life is breast cancer. According to experts, breast cancer is one of the leading diseases affecting women today. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), WHO’s specialized cancer agency, has released the latest data on cancer incidence, mortality and prevalence worldwide.  (Read: One sure-fire tip to beat breast cancer!)

The new version of IARC’s GLOBOCAN 2012 provides the most recent estimates for 28 types of cancer in 184 countries and offers a comprehensive overview of the global cancer burden. It reveals striking patterns of cancer in women and highlights that priority should be given to cancer prevention and control measures for breast and cervical cancers globally.

Dr Shalin Dubey, General Consultant and  Laparoscopic Surgeon from Sterling Wockhardt Hospital Vashi said, ‘In the last ten years or so, breast cancer has been rising steadily, and for the first time now, breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in India because the risk of females getting breast cancer is 12.29 %. Early diagnosis and treatment can cure it completely. Since more patients in India turn up in later stages, they do not survive long irrespective of the best treatment they may get, and hence the mortality is fairly high. There are lots of reasons for late presentations including lack of awareness, shyness on part of patients, social stigma, ignorance by family members  and many other causes.’ (Read: 10 tips to detect breast cancer early)

He further added, ‘Around 70% of all breast lumps are first found by woman herself. Most breast lumps are harmless. Approximately three out of four breast lumps turn out to be benign. There is no need to panic, just consult an expert. Decisions about which treatment is most appropriate, are made on sound judgment, which should be the responsibility of both you and your doctor. Awareness about how your breasts look and feel normally will make it easier for you to spot and identify any suspicious change at an early stage.

‘Early detection improves the overall cure rate and survival. Early breast cancer usually has no symptoms. Regular breast self-exams and mammograms are important. Although the incidence of breast cancer is increasing. If diagnosed early it is curable provided the right treatment choices are made.’ (Read: 12 risk factors for breast cancer you should know)

Non-preventable breast cancer factors like if a family member has developed breast cancer, women in that immediate family have a high risk for breast cancer than those without family history. Women who experienced their first menstrual cycle before age 12, had their  menopause after age 55, and/or never had children are at an increased risk of breast cancer. At the same time, factors like smoking, and alcohol habit also increases the risk of breast cancer.

 Here are a few symptoms of breast cancer you should know about:

Change in the shape of your nipples

If you have noticed a recent ‘in drawing’ or ‘inward pull’ on your nipple or even a change in direction, it is a sign that there is something wrong. Normal nipples should face outwards and look healthy.

Change in the texture of the skin over your breasts

Usually the skin around your breast is soft and supple, but if you notice any change in the texture of the skin around your breasts it is a definite warning sign. According to Dr Sumeet Shah, if the skin around your breasts feels thick, hard and like an ‘orange’ peel, you need to get the reason for this thickening investigated immediately. 

Source: http://www.thehealthsite.com/news/which-is-the-most-common-form-of-cancer-in-india/

In India, more women have cancer than men

Disease affliction is said to be gender neutral but not when it comes to cancer in India. Women outnumber men when it comes to being afflicted with the dreaded disease while Uttar Pradesh (UP) has surfaced as the cancer capital of India.

Saddled already with a poor sex ratio, the greater incidence of cancer in women than men in India makes it a double whammy for the weaker section. However, the situation in advanced countries like USA, men are the weaker sex when it comes to cancer incidence. According to the Population Based Cancer Registry functioning under the National Cancer Registry Programme of Indian Council of Medical Research, in the year 2011, 5, 54,234 female cases of cancer were reported as against 4, 90,008 cases of cancer for men.

Detailing the reasons behind the rise of fatal cancer among women, Dr Ramesh Sarin, senior consultant, surgical oncology at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi, said, ‘It’s extremely important to identify the risk factors for each cancer. The common risk factors associated with breast cancer in women are increasing age, family history and early puberty.’ In a detailed state wise analysis, Uttar Pradesh followed by Maharashtra and Bihar have recorded maximum number of incidence of cancer in 2011. Uttar Pradesh recorded 1, 71,369 incidence of cancer followed by Maharashtra at 96,890 and Bihar at 89,030 cases respectively.

 Identifying the reasons behind the rise in cancer cases in high risk states, Dr Rajeev Kumar, head of surgical oncology at International Oncology Centre,  Fortis Hospital, Noida, said, ‘Ignorance among the general population as well as lack of proper training among the doctors  are the main reasons behind the rise in cancer cases in these states. Also, hospitals in these states lack proper infrastructure facilities which also act as a hindrance in the detection of cancer at an early stage.’

According to an article ‘Cancer mortality in India: a nationally representative survey’ published in Lancet in March 2012, at 30—69 years, the three most common fatal cancers were oral (including lip and pharynx, (22.9 percent), stomach (12.6 percent]), and lung (including trachea and larynx (11.4 percent) in men, and cervical (17.1 percent), stomach (14.1 percent) and breast (10.2 percent) in women.

‘If a woman above the age of 35 years gives birth to her first child, her risk of getting breast cancer doubles,’ warned Dr Sarin at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, New Delhi. Pointing out the reasons behind the cancer cases in male, Dr Manav Rakshak, consultant at Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi, said, ‘ Cigarette smoking and chewing pan , tobacco and guthka are the main  reasons behind oral and lung cancer in men.’ 

Highlighting the preventable aspects of risk factors associated with cancer in women, Dr Sarin at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, added, ‘Post-menopausal women should avoid gaining weight. Alcohol consumption should be checked and women should indulge in some sort of physical activity to keep cancer at bay.’ ‘Women above the age of 35 years should go for regular tests and screening which can help in ident0ifying the cancer at an early stage and can help in checking the cancerous growth,’ suggested Dr Kumar at Fortis Hospital, Noida.

The Government of India had launched a comprehensive National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010 and the programme envisaged implementation in 100 districts across 21 States during 2010-2012 of the 11th Five Year Plan. Under Cancer component of NPCDCS, the district hospitals are strengthened for early diagnosis of cancer, chemotherapy facilities and palliative care to cancer patients. Financial assistance up to Rupees one lakh per patient is available for chemotherapy drugs to treat 100 Cancer patients per district.

Emphasizing the government policies in place, Dr Rakshak at Moolchand Medcity, New Delhi said, ‘The government of India’s ‘National Tobacco Control Programme’ has helped in controlling oral cancer and lung cancer in India. It is high time that people should become aware to curb the spread of this deadly disease.’

Source: http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/in-india-more-women-have-cancer-than-men/

Leukaemia – the blood cancer

Five-year-old Tushar doesn’t know what it is like to play in the garden with boys his age. He hasn’t done so is the last 3 years for fear of infection. His only trips in the outside world are those when he visits the cancer hospital for his chemotherapy. His parents’ lives revolve around him, his appointments at the hospital. Even after all this, they aren’t sure if he’ll grow to be a healthy adult with his leukaemia.

White blood cells are like soldiers of our body. They fight infections and help maintain our immunity against disease. However, when there is uncontrolled and/or abnormal growth of these cells, it results in a type of cancer called leukaemia or commonly called ‘blood cancer’.

The so-called ‘acute’ leukaemias are aggressive cancers which affect children and older people over 65 years or age whereas ‘chronic’ leukaemias affect adults and take months or even years to develop.

Depending on the kind of cells that are affected, they are again classified into ‘myeloid’ and ‘lymphoblastic’.

Read more about causes, symptoms, diagnosis and treatment of blood cancer.

Thus, leukaemias are classified into Acute Lymphoblastic (ALL), Acute Myeloid (AML), Chronic Lymphoblastic (CLL) and Chronic Myeloid (CML).

Cancer is complex and involves many interactions that occur inside your body. Anything from your genes, diet, hormones, exposure to high levels of radiation or chemicals such as benzene, chemotherapy drugs (to treat another cancer), pre-existing blood disorders and smoking could act as risk factors. Children with chromosomal abnormalities (Down’s syndrome, Fanconi’s anaemia) have also been reported to be at a higher risk of developing leukaemia.

So, what happens in leukaemia? How can someone who is otherwise healthy develop such a deadly disease? To figure this out, we need to understand some basics.

Inside each of your bones, the various cells of blood are produced – red blood cells (which carry oxygen), white blood cells (which fight infection) and platelets (which stop bleeding). In a healthy human being, these cells grow to a certain size, live for a particular amount of time, perform their duty and die. In a person with what is called ‘acute leukaemia’, the young white blood cells do not mature properly but multiply in number very fast. Hence, there are a large number of immature white cells which cannot fight infections, like they are supposed to. In ‘chronic leukaemia’, even though the white blood cells mature, they are abnormal and are hence unable to fight infections. The abnormal white blood cells take over the bone marrow thus reducing its capacity to produce red blood cells and platelets. This leads to anaemia (due to reduced red blood cells) and bleeding (due to reduced platelets). The increased number of white blood cells also spill over into the blood stream and are carried to various other organs of the body ultimately resulting in reducing their function too.

Leukaemia usually does not present with any symptoms at first and may be found by chance during a blood test. Even if the symptoms appear, they may be indefinite and non-specific. Most of the symptoms are caused by the decreased healthy blood cells and show up slowly. But as the immature white blood cells increase in the blood the symptoms quickly get severe. Some of the symptoms are:

• repeated infections
• flu-like symptoms
• breathlessness and tiredness
• excessive sweating
• swollen lymph nodes (glands), swollen testicles in men
• weight loss
• bleeding gums or nose bleeds
• high temperature (fever)
• easily bruised skin
• swollen liver, spleen
• bone and joint pain
• headaches, dizziness, seizures (fits)
• vomiting
• blurred vision

A person may either visit a doctor after he notices any of the above symptoms or it may be diagnosed during routine blood tests. The doctor will perform a physical exam to check for any swollen lymph nodes, liver or spleen. Blood tests show abnormal type and number of white blood cells and reduced red blood cells and platelets. Lymph node biopsy in acute leukaemia establishes how far the leukaemia has spread. A lumbar puncture is performed to test a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (fluid that surrounds spine) to determine whether leukaemia has reached the nervous system. To find out if the leukaemia has spread to other parts of the body, various scans like CT, MRI or ultrasound may be done.

Once diagnosed, acute leukaemia cases need quick and aggressive treatment. Patients go into ‘remission’ or periods of no symptoms with treatment.

The chronic lymphocytic type may need treatment only when symptoms appear whereas the myeloid type may require treatment as soon as it is diagnosed.

The most effective method of treating leukaemia is chemotherapy. High percentage of remissions can be achieved in a patient with leukaemia through anti-cancer drugs, either used singly or in combinations of two or more drugs. Side effects such as nausea and vomiting, anaemia, decreased blood-clotting, diarrhoea, hair loss, susceptibility to infections, mouth sores, etc. may occur with varying degrees in different individuals. Side effects disappear when treatment is stopped.

In cases of acute leukaemia, since the blood will not have enough healthy blood cells regular blood transfusions may be needed. It is important to keep the patient in a sterile environment because he/she will be vulnerable to infection. Antibiotics may also be prescribed to prevent infections.

Radiotherapy is usually used in acute leukaemia to treat advanced cases that have spread to the nervous system and/or brain and to prepare the body for a bone marrow transplant. Nausea, fatigue, skin sensitivity and hair loss are some of the side effects of radiotherapy which pass once the course has been completed. Children treated with radiotherapy may have restricted physical growth during puberty.

If the leukaemia does not respond to chemotherapy, an alternative treatment option for some patients is bone marrow or stem cell transplants. An aggressive, high-dose chemotherapy and radiotherapy is given to destroy any cancerous cells in the body prior to the transplant.

Since all the treatment options for leukaemia are very aggressive, the immune system is weakened making the patient more vulnerable to developing an infection. Regular doses of antibiotics need to be taken to prevent infections. Low levels of platelets (clot-forming cells) cause easy and excessive bleeding and bruising. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy can cause temporary, and in some cases permanent, infertility.

Even after all the advances in treatment options for leukaemia, depending on the type of leukaemia, what stage it was first diagnosed, how well it responds to chemotherapy and overall health of the patient, prognosis and survival from leukaemia varies in each case.

Source:  http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/leukaemia-the-blood-cancer/

Bone Cancer — types, causes, symptoms and treatment

Did you know that every year about 15,000 children and adolescents in India are affected by bone cancers?

Yes, that’s true. Bone cancer might not sound very familiar to you as compared to leukemia, breast cancer or cervical cancer. But it is one of the major causes of death in children between 0-14 years of age. Statistically speaking, the incidence of bone cancer is quite less compared to other cancers but still it adds to about 6-7 percent of registered pediatric cancer cases in India.

The most intimidating aspect of bone cancer is that it has the ability to attack the human body within the first 20 years of life. The reason why it hits adolescents is because they are at a stage where maximum growth in the musculoskeletal system takes place. Bone cancer can also affect adults in their 50s or 60s but the severity is quite less compared to pediatric bone cancers.

What exactly is bone cancer?

There are different types of cancers identified by the organ or tissue that it originates from. As the name suggests, bone cancer simply means cancer that originates in the bone. Bone cancer can arise in any of the bones of the body but it is most commonly seen in the long bones of the arms and legs.

Types of Bone Cancers

Primary bone cancers:

When it comes to bone cancer, it is essential to first determine whether the cancer has originated in the bone tissue itself or it has been spread from another site to the bone tissue (metastatic). This is especially important to decide a treatment option for the patient. Bone cancer that originates in the bone tissue is categorized as primary bone cancer. Primary bone cancers may spread to other parts of the body (malignant) or may develop as localized tumors (benign).

Primary bone cancer is further categorized into:

Osteosarcoma:
This is the most common type of malignant bone cancer. It occurs majorly in the long bones of the leg, knee and the upper arm. It is mainly seen in males between 10-25 years of age. Osteosarcoma is known to be very aggressive with increased risk of spreading to the lungs. 

Chondrosarcoma:
It is the 2nd most common primary bone cancer which originates in the cartilaginous tissue present at the end of the bones. It mainly occurs in the pelvis region, positioned between the hip bones, shoulder region, ribs and in the upper leg. Chondrosarcoma may sometimes be cancerous. Most cases of chondrosarcoma are seen in people above the age of 40 years.

Ewing Sarcoma Family of Tumors (ESFTs):
Ewing’s sarcoma is named after James Ewing who first established an aggressive bone tumor distinct from other cancers known during that time. It usually occurs in the soft tissues and mainly affects the backbone, pelvis region and legs and arms. It affects children under 19 years of age with higher incidences seen in boys than girls.

 Apart from the above three types, other rare bone tumors include fibrosarcoma (affecting the knee or hip region), leiomyosarcoma (cancer of smooth muscles), malignant fibrous histiocytoma (benign tumor of the histiocytes, cells that play a role in the immune system) angiosarcoma (malignant cancer affecting endothelial-type cells lining walls of blood or lymph vessels), and chordoma (tumor found in the skull base or lower spine).

Secondary bone cancers

Bone cancer resulting from cancer cells that migrate to the bone tissue from other parts of the body through the blood stream is called as secondary bone cancer. Almost any type of cancer can migrate to the bone. However, most commonly cancer cells from the breast, prostate, lung, thyroid and kidney form secondary bone tumors.

What Causes Bone Cancer?

Although the exact cause of bone cancer is not yet known, it is thought to be related to changes taking place in the bones during their growing phase. Cancer develops due to an abnormal cell that either has some genetic alterations or is damaged due to external factors. The abnormal cell multiplies out of control to form a tumor or may migrate to other parts of the body. Here are a few factors that increase the risk of developing primary bone cancers:

• External factors like radiation increases the chances of bone cancers. Therefore, individuals taking high dose radiotherapy for other problems have higher risk of developing bone cancer.
• Certain benign tumors like Osteochondroma (chondroma) can progress to become chondrosarcoma.
• Adults who suffer from Paget’s disease, characterized by weak and disorganized bone structure, may develop a primary bone cancer.
• Rare inherited genetic disorders such as Li-Fraumeni syndrome (increased risk of cancer), HME-hereditary multiple exostoses (causes lumps on the bones) and hereditary retinoblastoma (cancer of the retina) increase the chances of primary bone cancers. 

Early Signs and Symptoms of Bone Cancer:

There is an evident lack of awareness and understanding about bone cancers in the public domain, which is often the main reason for its delayed diagnosis. Because people hardly know about bone cancers, the initial signs and symptoms are often neglected. Plus, bone cancers markedly differ from other cancers in their nature, distribution and prognosis. Therefore, the associated signs of cancer are not totally the same as seen in other cancers. The first sign of bone cancer in children is painful bones and joints, which is easily mistaken for minor sporting injury or growing teenager pain. If this sign goes unnoticed it may worsen with time and significantly reduce survival rates.

So, if you or your child experiences the following symptoms persistently, do not ignore. Seek medical help immediately.

• Intermittent pain in the bones and occasional swelling. The pain may worsen at nights and is usually not relieved by over-the-counter pain killers
• Presence of a mass or lump on the bone
• Decreased range of motion: Trouble in moving a particular joint due to a nearby tumor
• Pressure on nerves near the tumor may cause a tingling sensation, pain or numbness in that area of skin
• Dizziness and fatigue
• High body temperature, chills
• Unexplained bone fractures due to slight injury or trauma
• Weight loss
• Anemia

These signs may also develop due to other conditions. It is advisable to consult a physician for confirmed diagnosis.

Diagnosis

Alkaline phosphatase test:

Initially, the doctor may suggest a few laboratory tests. In India, alkaline phosphatase test is a key test for detecting bone cancers. Alkaline phosphastase is chemical substance that is particularly present in higher concentrations in the blood in the presence of highly active bone-forming cells. A positive test indicates abnormal bone tissue.

Imaging test

X Ray: A distinguished appearance of cancer, such as abnormal bone growth, can be seen on an X-ray.

A bone scan is taken by injecting a small dose of radioactive material into a vein. Cancerous bone tissues that take up the radioactive material shows are seen as ‘hot spot’ on a CT scanner.

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan may be suggested to determine the exact location and size of the tumor.

Biopsy:

Biopsy of the suspected tissue is crucial for definite diagnosis. A small sample of the tissue is removed from the body and is examined under the microscope to detect abnormal cells. Biopsy is also used to confirm the stage and grade of cancer by analyzing the features of abnormal cells.

Treatment Options

In the past, the only available option to treat bone cancer was to surgically remove the affected limb. With growing technological advances and development in health care, bone cancer surgeries are carried out in 90% of patients worldwide without the need to amputate the limb.

Since bone cancers mainly affect children, pediatric oncologists face several challenges in the treatment of bone cancers. This is because bone cancer treatment involves radiation therapy, surgery and chemotherapy that can have an adverse effect on the growth and development of children.

The treatment is decided depending on various factors such as the type of primary bone cancer, its exact location, the stage and grade of cancer, the extent of reach and the size of tumor, and the overall general health of the patient. Also read Latest advances in cancer treatments

• Radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a treatment which involves the use of high-energy radiation beams targeting cancerous tissue or tumor. The high radiation beam damages the DNA of abnormal cells rendering them incapable to multiply. The only disadvantage is that radiation also harms surrounding healthy cells. However, healthy cells are resilient and can recover fully whereas cancer cells are sensitive to radiation and get killed rapidly. Read more about radiotherapy. In the treatment of bone cancer, radiation therapy is used:

• To destroy the tumor completely
• To reduce pain in advanced stages of cancer
• Before a surgery to shrink the tumor in size, making it easier to remove surgically
• After the surgery to eliminate cancer cells that may have left behind.
• In combination with chemotherapy (chemoradiation)

• Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy involves use of chemical drugs/anti-cancer drugs targeted to kill rapidly growing cancer cells. Usually a combination of drugs is administered. Since anti-cancer drugs target only fast growing cells, without distinguishing between normal and abnormal cells, other rapidly growing healthy cells of the body, such as hair follicle cells, are also attacked which results in side-effects. Read more about chemotherapy side-effects. Chemotherapy may be used in bone cancer treatment the following reasons:

• To completely eliminate cancer cells
• In combination with surgery or radiotherapy for better results. Read more about combination therapy
• To prevent the recurrence of cancer after surgical removal of tumor

• Surgery

Bone cancer surgery is aimed at removing the entire tumor and probably some affected bone tissues surrounding the tumor. It is extremely challenging because if some cancer cells or a part of tumor is left behind after the surgery, it may grow and spread eventually. A limb sparing surgery means surgical intervention without amputating the limb. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary. 

Bone cancer treatment in India

In India, bone cancer surgery is very common because of the increased success rate. Today India has emerged as one of the crucial centers for bone cancer surgery. The availability of good treatment facilities and experienced cancer surgeons has even attracted international patients for surgical treatment. 

Here’s a list of leading hospitals in India that provide bone cancer treatment:

• Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai: It is the pioneer of cancer research in India and provides free care to about 70 percent of its cancer patients.
• Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Banglore: It is the regional center for affordable cancer treatment in the country. Moreover, it offers cancer drugs at about 40 to 60% cheaper than other markets.
• Apollo Hospital, Chennai: It specializes in bone cancer and offers effective and affordable cancer treatment.

Although bone cancer is a life threatening disease, India has a high success rate for bone cancer treatment. More than 85 percent of bone cancer surgeries have been successful in India. However, the success rate significantly decreases when it is detected at a later stage. The survival rate is about 70-75 percent when bone cancer is diagnosed in the first stage. Therefore, an early diagnosis is highly important for better chances of survival.

Source:  http://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/bone-cancer-types-causes-symptoms-and-treatment/