Understanding Cancer with FAQs Answered by a Doctor: Get Detailed Information on Cancer, Its Diagnosis, and Treatment

Cancer is a major health challenge in India, but early detection and personalized treatment have improved outcomes for many patients, highlighting the importance of awareness.

Cancer has become one of the most significant health challenges in India. Every year, millions of new cases are reported, and several lives are lost to this fatal disease. Aging populations, lifestyle changes, tobacco use, pollution, and infections like HPV are all contributing factors. Despite these numbers, early detection, advanced diagnostics, and personalized treatment have dramatically improved survival outcomes for many patients. Awareness, prevention, and accurate diagnosis are more critical than ever.

In this blog, we answer some of the most commonly asked questions about cancer. From cancer types and early warning signs to diagnostics, treatment options, and prevention strategies, this guide is for patients, families, and healthcare professionals alike.

1. What is cancer?

Cancer occurs when the body's cells begin to grow uncontrollably. Unlike normal cells, which grow, divide, and die in an organized way, cancer cells continue dividing, often forming masses called tumors.

• Benign tumors: Usually harmless, do not spread to other parts of the body.
• Malignant tumors: Cancerous, invade nearby tissues, and can spread (metastasize) to distant organs.

Accurate diagnosis is crucial to determine whether a growth is truly cancerous and to guide treatment decisions effectively.

2. How common is cancer in India?

Cancer is rising in India. Around 1.5 million new cases are reported annually, with nearly 900,000 deaths: aging populations, lifestyle changes, tobacco use, pollution, and infections like HPV fuel this burden. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to improving survival rates.

3. What are the main types of cancer in India?

According to the National Cancer Registry Program and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), the most common cancers in India include:

• Breast cancer: Most common among women, accounting for ~26–28% of female cancers (~192,000 new cases in 2022). Medical experts suggest that early detection through mammography and self-examination significantly improves survival rates.
• Oral and lip cancer: Predominantly affects men (~10% of all cases), often linked to tobacco and betel nut chewing. Early-stage detection allows simpler treatment and better prognosis.
• Cervical cancer: This is a type of cancer that represents ~9% of all cancers in women. However, it is preventable with HPV vaccination and routine Pap smear screening. 
• Lung cancer: Did you know? Lung cancer accounts for 5–8% of cases, the leading cause of cancer deaths in men. Major risk factors include smoking and air pollution. Early diagnosis remains challenging but critical.
• Colorectal cancer: Colorectal cancer accounts for about 4–5% of cancer cases, increasing in urban areas due to diet and lifestyle. Colonoscopy and early intervention improve outcomes.

Key takeaway: Lifestyle changes, vaccinations, screenings, and awareness can help reduce cancer risk and improve early detection.

4. Who is at risk of developing cancer?

Anyone can develop cancer, but certain factors increase risk due to addiction and unhealthy lifestyle habits that include:

• Tobacco and alcohol use
• Poor diet and higher consumption of packaged food and BPA-inclusive containers
• Sedentary lifestyle
• Environmental pollution and chemical exposure
• Viral infections like HPV or Hepatitis B
• Strong family history of cancer

Knowing your personal risk can guide preventive strategies, and early screenings can help mitigate it.

5. What are the early warning signs of cancer?

Common warning signs include:

• Unexplained lumps or swelling
• Persistent fatigue
• Unintentional weight loss
• Non-healing sores
• Unusual bleeding
• Changes in bowel or bladder habits

Early symptoms may be subtle, so any persistent change warrants evaluation.

Diagnosis starts with imaging such as CT, MRI, or PET scans, but confirming cancer requires tissue analysis through biopsy, which guides treatment choices.

Diagnosis begins with imaging such as CT, MRI, or PET scans, but confirmation is made through tissue analysis (biopsy). A pathologist examines the cells under a microscope to determine malignancy, tumor type, and aggressiveness, guiding treatment decisions.

6. How is cancer diagnosed?

Diagnosis for different types of cancer might require different procedures. However, a cancer diagnosis typically begins with imaging. It typically includes CT, MRI, and PET scans to detect abnormal growths or suspicious lesions. However, imaging alone cannot confirm a cancer diagnosis. Generally, a biopsy, in which a pathologist examines a tissue sample, is the gold standard. 

The biopsy helps determine:

• Whether a tumor is benign or malignant
• Tumor type and origin
• Aggressiveness and growth rate

Pathology tests, along with radiology, are important for preventing misdiagnosis and ensuring treatment is targeted and appropriate to achieve the best patient outcomes.

7. What is histopathology,y and why is it the gold standard for diagnosis of cancer?

Histopathology is the microscopic examination of biopsy tissue. It is useful in confirmation if:

• An unusual growth is cancerous
• Identifies the type of tumor
• Determines how aggressive the tumor is and how early it can spread

This test is critical to avoid unnecessary treatments. For example, a recent study at Redcliffe Labs unveiled a rare benign lung tumor in a 42-year-old woman that mimicked metastatic cancer on imaging. Histopathology confirmed it was non-aggressive, preventing unnecessary chemotherapy or surgery.

8. What is immunohistochemistry (IHC)?

IHC uses specific stains to detect proteins in tumor cells. It helps classify cancers, determine tumor origin, and distinguish lookalike tumors. For example, IHC can differentiate a rare lung tumor from metastatic breast cancer, preventing overtreatment.

9. What is the Ki‑67 index?

Ki‑67 shows how many tumor cells are actively dividing. High Ki‑67 indicates fast-growing tumors requiring aggressive therapy; low Ki‑67 often supports careful monitoring or less aggressive treatment.

10. What is molecular testing and Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS)?

Molecular testing identifies genetic mutations in tumors. NGS enables doctors to select targeted therapies tailored to a patient's specific genetic profile, improving efficacy while reducing side effects.

11. What is FISH testing?

FISH (Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization) detects gene rearrangements or amplifications in tumors. It's useful for cancers like leukemia, lymphoma, and certain breast cancers, influencing prognosis and therapy.

12. What is liquid biopsy (ctDNA)?

A liquid biopsy is a blood test that detects tumor DNA fragments. It allows non-invasive monitoring of cancer progression or recurrence and reduces the need for repeated tissue biopsies.

Tumor marker tests detect substances released by cancer cells into the blood or tissues, such as PSA or CA-125, to aid diagnosis and monitor treatment response.

Tumor markers are substances released by cancer cells into the blood or tissues. Examples include PSA (prostate cancer) and CA-125 (ovarian cancer). They support diagnosis, guide treatment, and help track response or recurrence.

14. Why is a second-opinion pathology review important?

A second opinion is crucial for rare or complex cases. It ensures accurate diagnosis, reduces misclassification, and can prevent unnecessary chemotherapy or surgery, protecting patients from harm.

15. What is overdiagnosis, and why is it a concern?

Overdiagnosis occurs when tumors that would never cause harm are treated unnecessarily. For instance, up to 90% of suspicious lung nodules may be benign, yet without proper biopsy, patients may undergo unnecessary surgery or systemic therapy. Accurate testing prevents this.

16. Can cancer be prevented?

Yes. Key measures include:

• Avoiding tobacco and limiting alcohol
• Maintaining a healthy weight and diet
• Regular exercise
• HPV and Hepatitis B vaccination
• Routine screenings for breast, cervical, oral, and colorectal cancers

17. How are cancer treatment decisions made?

Treatment decisions are personalized based on tumor type, stage, genetic profile, and patient preferences, ensuring care that respects individual needs.

18. Do all cancer patients need chemotherapy?

No. Not all cancers require chemotherapy. Some patients may be treated with surgery alone, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or active surveillance, depending on tumor biology and stage.

19. What is targeted therapy?

Targeted therapy attacks cancer cells based on specific genetic changes, sparing normal cells. It is precise, often more effective, and has fewer side effects compared to traditional chemotherapy.

20. What is immunotherapy?

Immunotherapy boosts the body's immune system to recognize and fight cancer. It is effective for cancers such as melanoma, lung cancer, and certain blood cancers.

21. How does lifestyle affect cancer outcomes?

Healthy habits include a balanced diet, exercise, quitting tobacco, reducing alcohol, reducing risk, improving treatment tolerance, and supporting long-term survivorship.

22. What follow-up is needed after cancer treatment?

Follow-up includes periodic exams, imaging, and lab tests to monitor for recurrence, manage side effects, and support overall health. Frequency depends on cancer type and treatment received.

23. Is cancer hereditary? Should family members be tested?

Some cancers, like certain breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancers, have hereditary links. Genetic counseling and testing are recommended for families with a strong family history to guide early screening and prevention.

24. How do I choose the right cancer diagnostic center?

Look for:

• Accredited pathology and molecular labs
• Experienced pathologists
• Multidisciplinary tumor boards
• Comprehensive testing (biopsy, IHC, molecular testing)

Accurate diagnosis forms the foundation of effective treatment.

25. What questions should I ask if cancer is suspected?

Ask your doctor:

• "Has a biopsy confirmed this?"
• "Do we need molecular or genetic tests?"
• "Are there options besides chemotherapy?"
• "Would a second pathology opinion be helpful?"

Being proactive ensures clarity and better treatment planning.

Conclusion

Cancer can be overwhelming, but knowledge is empowering. Modern diagnostics, from biopsy and histopathology to molecular testing and liquid biopsies, allow doctors to accurately identify tumors, avoid unnecessary treatment, and choose the most effective therapies.

Not every suspicious scan is cancer. Not every tumor demands aggressive therapy. Patients deserve clarity, safety, and evidence-based care.

On February 4, World Cancer Day, awareness is raised globally to emphasize early detection, accurate diagnosis, and timely treatment, all vital to reducing the burden of cancer in India and improving survival outcomes for patients and families.