What is Triple Negative Breast Cancer?
In our body, cell division is kept under very strict vigilance, both by the same
cell, as well as by those of the immune system. Since the signal for a cell to
divide (or stop dividing) begins from the DNA level, it is of no surprise that
gene mutations play a large role in the development of cancer. In some cancers,
the cells exhibit receptors on their surface which bind to external signals
and turn on cell proliferation. If the receptors for these growth promoting
signals are over-expressed due to genetic mutations, cells proliferate more.
An advantage of such types of cancer is, one can target these overexpressed
receptors and block them to prevent the increased signal from causing
uncontrolled cell growth. This is the basis of several protocols that are
used for treatment of cancer. However, some cancers may also develop
without expressing such receptors. Needless to say, the treatment of
such cancers is more challenging. One example of this type of cancers
is triple negative breast cancer.
Cancer is unique in the staggering numbers of variants it has. Cancer originates from the body's own cells- if a cell can divide, it has the capability of developing into a cancer. Being so different in characteristics from each other, different cancers of even the same organ can have different appearances, prognoses, behaviors, aggression, treatment response and even chance of recurrence. Two cancers, both originating in the breast for instance, may have different gene mutations and because of that, one may be survivable and the other may not.
What is Breast Cancer?
Breast cancers arise from the inner lining of milk ducts, or lobules (glands)
that supply the ducts with milk in the breast. Both these structures makeup
the glandular tissue in the breast, while fat and fibrous connective tissue
constitute stromal tissue.
Prostate cancer is the second most common cancer in men worldwide, and is often described as a disease of the elderly since its peak age of incidence is 80 years. In India, data regarding the incidence rate of prostate cancer is limited because this disease is not notifiable and the number of community based studies on this type of cancer are limited. However, due to environmental factors and lifestyle changes, the incidence of prostate cancer in India is expected to rise. One study carried out in the following cities of India: Ahmedabad, Bangalore, Chennai, Delhi, Mumbai, Karunagappalli, Nagpur, Pune, and Thiruvananthapuram, estimated that the age adjusted incidence rates of prostate cancer in India as a whole to be 3.7 per 1 lakh persons in the year 2008.
FULL DETAILS
Food, an essential need for every living creature existing on the earth. What if this source of energy becomes a reason for health issues?
What is food intolerance?
Our body may react to certain foodstuffs which otherwise have no
significant effect, this unusual reaction is attributed to food intolerance
and not to food allergy. Signs and symptoms of food intolerance resembles
the symptoms of food allergy, creating a confusing situation. For a clearer
picture, lets know the difference.
The ubiquitous nature of cancer and its widespread prevalence does little to detract from the fear that is associated with this disease. Despite being the subject of intense worldwide research, the complete cure to cancer continues to elude us in part due to the sheer number of different types of cancers that can afflict us. It spares neither the old nor the young, not the poor or the rich. While the Western world witnessed Angelina Jolie undergo a preventive mastectomy on discovering that she carries pathogenic cancer causing genes, we Indians had another story that hit closer to home when the doe-eyed Bollywood beauty of yesteryear, Mumtaz, announced in the early 2000s that she suffered from breast cancer. One may even choose to look at her story for inspiration, following a long course of chemotherapies and radiation treatments, she remains today, at the age of 72, cancer free.
FULL DETAILS
How is Cold, Flu, Covid-19 and seasonal allergies caused ?
Colds, flu and COVID-19 are respiratory diseases caused by different groups
of viruses. The common cold is caused by rhinoviruses virus. COVID-19 is caused by infection
with the coronavirus, and influenza is caused by infection with the influenza virus.
COVID-19 spreads faster than other flu and is more contagious.
Unlike the common cold, flu, and COVID-19, seasonal allergies are not caused by viruses. Seasonal allergy is a reaction of the immune system caused by exposure to allergens such as seasonal pollen from trees or grasses.
FULL DETAILS
As vaccines continue to be distributed nationally, it is important that the population understands that herd immunity cannot be confirmed by vaccination rates alone.
What is a COVID-19 antibody test?
An antibody test allows you to check if you have antibodies to fight the virus.
Clinical antibody testing can help a people know how protected they are and
what antibody levels they might have. They choose to do this now because of
the widespread virulent strains, some of which are thought to be significantly
eluding antibodies and are less effective, and they know they are just as well
protected after being vaccinated with COVID-19 vaccine.
How do vaccines work?
Vaccines contain inactive parts of the pathogen. When ingested, these inactive pathogen
residues act as a trigger and cause your immune system to produce protective antibodies
and T lymphocytes. Now your body recognizes the pathogen and is ready to fight for a strong
impulse if it come across the same virus in future.
A drop of water that wets our minds after a long period of summer, that is, monsoon season. This is a time of joy for young and old with water and fun game. Although rain after a hot, humid day may provide a relief from the scorching heat, There is no denying the fact that rain can bring with it a wave of infections, ranging from simple diseases to others that pose a serious threat to you and your family. These are primarily insect-borne diseases, that is, they occur when certain insects or mosquitoes bite people.
FULL DETAILS