Interview with Dr. Kartikeya Jain

Dr.Kartikeya Jain is a consultant Medical Oncologist based in Vadodara. Dr Kartikeya Jain's educational qualifications include MBBS, DNB (Medicine), DNB ( Medical Oncology). Dr Kartikeya Jain  is a member of European Society of Medical Oncology (ESMO). Dr.Kartikeya Jain's areas of interest include Haemato Oncology, and Leukemia.

Dr.Kartikeya Jain has an overall experience of 4 years as a Medical Oncologist.

Can you please tell us what Cancer is?

Cancer is uncontrolled division of cells. The cells mutate themselves and damage the body cells. It’s treatment is reachable. The patients should avoid tobacco in any form. They should have good eating habits and consume more fruits and vegetables. 

What about the different types of Cancer? 

There is blood cancer in bone marrow. Bleeding and infections are the common symptoms of blood cancer. 

Overall there are two types of cancer which include solid and liquid. Solid cancer includes breast, kidney cancer, etc while liquid cancer includes blood, bone marrow cancer, etc. 

Are there any factors which cause Cancer? 

Cancer is not due to an injury. Modifiable factors include tobacco, alcohol, etc. Tobacco usually causes cancer and alcohol usage should be in control. We are not exercising much actually. We should have 30 minutes of moderate exercise for at least 5 days a week to prevent obesity.  Junk food can be had once a month. We should also consume a good amount of water. 

Chronic sunlight also causes skin cancer. There are various chemicals in food too that can cause cancer so we should obtain more organic foods. Radiation from electronic gadgets have also increased recently which can cause cancer. Various bacteria can also cause cancer. 

Non-modifiable factors include age. Age is really important. Cancer also occurs due to improper environment. Genetics also plays a major role in cancer. 

How is a patient checked for diagnosis of Cancer? 

We take a proper history and symptoms of cancer from the cancer patients. The symptoms and history differ from cancer to cancer. 

The malignancy is usually painless at the start. Its intensity also increases. We also do needle tests like we take liquid using a syringe to find the efficacy. Biopsies help to confirm the type of cancer. The origin of the cancer is also tested. Different types of x-rays are also help in the diagnosis of cancer.

What are the different stages of Cancer, and its treatments? 

Stage 0 starts from the basement. In stage 1 cancer starts spreading to other cells. The other stages begin when cancer starts spreading to other organs. 

Treatments include surgery, chemotherapy and radiation. We reduce the size of the tumour in Stage 3 of Cancer. 

What are the therapies for patients, other than Chemotherapy and Radiation? 

Immunotherapy and Hormonal therapy can also be effective; especially in breast cancer. Immunotherapy helps in improving the immune system. Targeted therapy helps in systematic spread. 

What else is necessary while examining the patient for Chemotherapy?

The weight and the height of the patient is also taken for deciding chemotherapy. There are various modes, and frequencies. There are tests done before Chemotherapy.   

What can be the side effects caused by Chemotherapy?

Side effects include nausea, oral ulcer, diarrhoea, infertility, internal bleeding and it also affects the skin. 

Chemotherapy also kills the normal cells; hence, it has more side effects. However, Targeted therapy has lesser side effects. 

There is a myth about Chemotherapy, that it is only used in the last stages. Nevertheless, this is completely untrue! 

What are the major motivating factors for patients to recover from cancer? 

We just allow the patients to talk. Patience is necessary. Empathy too! Various advancements have also come with lesser side effects. Just be positive and take the treatment. 

How has COVID impacted cancer patients and their treatments? 

We work towards improving the quality of treatment. And usually offer one day chemotherapy. We follow all the COVID protocols. We also take the family history of patients with fever. COVID vaccine should be taken regardless of any type of cancer.