Rare Cancers in India – Symptoms and Management
Verified by Dr. Jyoti Bajpai – Lead Medical & Precision Oncology (Mumbai & Maharashtra region) at Apollo Cancer Centers.
While common cancers like breast or lung cancer receive significant attention, a lesser-known threat lurks – rare cancers. In India, with its vast population, these uncommon malignancies pose a unique challenge due to limited awareness, diagnosis hurdles, and restricted treatment options. Let’s delve into the world of rare cancers in India, exploring their symptoms and management strategies.
What are rare cancers?
The definition of a rare cancer can vary, but generally, it refers to cancers with a low incidence rate, typically affecting fewer than 6 per 100,000 individuals annually or possibly 3 per 100,000 population in countries like India with low relative incidence of cancers. There are over 200 identified types of rare cancers, affecting various organs and tissues throughout the body. Notably, despite being rare individually, together rare tumours constitute ~20% of total cancer burden -equivalent to any common cancer and demands attention. Some examples in India include:
- Bone and soft tissue Sarcomas
- Pregnancy associated cancers
- Cancers in sexual minority population (LGBTQ+ cancers)
- Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GISTs): These originate in the digestive system and often present with abdominal pain, bleeding, or weight loss.
- Desmoid tumors: These aggressive tumors develop in connective tissues, causing pain and swelling in locations like the abdomen or arms.
- Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs): These arise from hormone-producing cells and can manifest with diverse symptoms depending on the location, like flushing, diarrhea, or wheezing.
- Rare variety of breast cancers-secretary, tubular, mucinous, metaplastic, male breast cancer
- Rare gynecological cancers
Diagnosis
Diagnosing rare cancers in India presents several hurdles.Limited awareness among healthcare professionals can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Additionally, access to specialized diagnostic tests like advanced imaging or genetic profiling might be restricted in certain regions.
What are the probable symptoms of rare cancers?
Due to their rarity, symptoms of rare cancers can be vague and mimic those of more common conditions. This makes early detection difficult. However, some general warning signs to be aware of include:
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Persistent fatigue & mobility restriction
- Lumps or bumps under the skin
- Unusual bleeding or discharge
- Chronic pain
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
Early diagnosis and management
Raising awareness about rare cancers is crucial. Awareness through education and regular health checkups promotes early diagnosis and prompt treatment. There are certain strategies to manage rare cancers in India. Here’s a glimpse:
- Multidisciplinary Teams: Collaboration between medical & radiation oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists ensures a comprehensive treatment plan.
- Precision medicine: individualistic therapy based on specific somatic &/or genetic abnormalities (mutations) are identified, and specifically targeted drugs and immunotherapy may be considered as a more personalized approach.
- Supportive Care: Managing symptoms inclusive of pain, fatigue, lack of appetite and other side effects plays a crucial role in improving patients’ quality of life.
Rare cancers pose a significant challenge in India. However, with improved awareness, better diagnostic tools, and access to advanced therapies like targeted drugs and CAR T-cell therapy (where applicable), the future holds promise for improved outcomes. Remember, early diagnosis and appropriate management with experts remains key.
Dr. Jyoti Bajpai – Lead Medical & Precision Oncology (Mumbai & Maharashtra region) at Apollo Cancer CentersCall 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.