Can Cancer be Cured?

Table of Contents

• What is Cancer?
• What Do Survival Statistics Mean?
• Cure vs Cured vs Remission
• Types of Treatment for Cancer
• Latest Advancements in Cancer Treatments
• Which Cancers are Curable?
• Why Do Some Cancers Come Back?
• Role of Early Detection in Cancer Treatment
• How to Reduce Cancer Risk?
• Why Choose HCG Oncology for Cancer Treatment?
• Conclusion
• Frequently Asked Questions

“Can cancer be cured?”

It is a million-dollar question with an ambiguous answer.

However, there is no single answer to this question because each cancer is different, and so is each case and each patient.

The health outcomes for cancer depend on multiple factors: the type of cancer, its stage, and the individual's response to treatment.

This article discusses various aspects of cancer, such as the importance of early detection, differences between treatment goals, various treatment approaches available for cancer, factors that control the treatment outcomes, and more.

What is Cancer?

It is a group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, which occurs when there is an undesirable mutation in a cell’s DNA structure.

If not controlled, it can invade nearby tissues and organs, leading to severe health complications, including death.

There are more than 100 types of cancer, such as breast, lung, colon, and blood cancers, that can develop in any part of the body.

What Do Survival Statistics Mean?

The survival statistics give a rough idea of the chance that someone will survive a specific type of cancer for a certain period.

It should be noted that these figures are only an average estimate from studying many cases and may not reflect an individual’s prognosis.

• Relative Survival Rate : It compares the survival of cancer patients with those who do not have cancer.
• Overall Survival Rate : This is the number of individuals who are alive after a specified period
• Progression-Free Survival : It refers to the period when a patient receives medication and the condition does not deteriorate.

Survival rates vary depending on the cancer diagnosis, the type of cancer, its stage, grade, and how well it responds to treatment.

Cure vs Cured vs Remission

• Cure : The term “cure” or “cancer cure” is used when there is a total elimination of cancer with zero possibility of recurrence. This term is rarely used when cancer prognosis is discussed due to the unpredictability associated with this disease.
• Cured : If a patient survives without having cancer for a long time, usually five years or longer, the term “cured” is used. Again, this is also a rarely used term.
• Remission : When a patient enters remission, there are fewer or no signs and symptoms of cancer. However, remission may be either partial (cancer cells are still present in the body, but the disease is under control) or complete (there is no presence of cancer cells in the body), but it is not a guarantee that the person is healed of cancer. “Remission” is a commonly used term when cancer prognosis is discussed.

Types of Treatment for Cancer

1. Surgery

Surgery involves removing the tumor, often as a first-line treatment for localized cancers. It may also involve the partial or complete removal of the affected organ, which may or may not be followed by reconstruction surgery.

2. Radiation Therapy

Powerful radiation is applied to kill cancer cells or reduce tumors. Radiation therapy may be administered independently or in combination with other therapies for better outcomes.

3. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy refers to the administration of powerful anti-cancer drugs to destroy cancerous cells. Doctors recommend chemotherapy to patients before an operation so that their tumors become smaller, after an operation to destroy any cancer cells left behind, or when surgery cannot be done.

4. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy enhances the body’s natural defense against cancer. It involves the use of checkpoint inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies to strengthen the immune system so that it can fight against cancer cells.

5. Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy concentrates on particular genes or proteins in cancerous cells that facilitate their multiplication. Its approach to targeting cancer cells is more precise than chemotherapy.

6. Hormone Therapy

Some types of cancer, including breast and prostate cancers, depend on hormones for their growth. To retard the development of cancer, hormone therapy obstructs or decreases hormone secretion.

Latest Advancements in Cancer Treatments

1. Robotic Surgery

Robotic surgery is a novel cancer surgery approach wherein a surgical robot performs the surgery with tiny incisions. The robotic arms attached to this platform carry various surgical instruments and a camera source, which helps the surgeon precisely target the tumor and operate on it.

This approach benefits patients with reduced blood loss and pain, fewer treatment-related complications, faster recovery, and a better quality of life.

2. Adaptive Radiotherapy

Adaptive radiotherapy is a modern approach to radiation therapy in which advanced imaging and artificial intelligence (AI) are brought together to continuously adapt the radiation delivery to changes in tumor position caused by breathing, tumor shrinking, weight loss, tissue swelling, and organ reduction.

Adaptive radiotherapy plays a significant role in precise tumor targeting and reducing damage to healthy tissues.

3. CAR T-Cell Therapy

CAR T-cell therapy is an innovative way of treating cancer. During this treatment, the patient’s T-cells are engineered to identify and destroy cancer cells more effectively. This cancer treatment is found to be highly effective in patients suffering from hematological malignancies such as leukemia and lymphoma, especially those that are recurrent or refractory (not responding to conventional treatments).

4. Artificial Intelligence

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are being extensively used in the healthcare sector.

Lately, researchers have exclusively studied the role of AI in cancer screening, diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction, and it has been found that AI helps in more accurate diagnostics and better decision-making while planning the treatment.

Which Cancers are Curable?

Some cancers have better outcomes than others, and this is because treatment outcomes are decided by a myriad of factors.

• With early detection and timely treatment, breast cancer patients can achieve excellent health outcomes.
• Early-stage lung cancer is often treatable with surgery, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy.
• While surgical oncology approaches are more common, in some cases, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy can be alternatives.
• For stage 4 cancers, treatments focus on extending life expectancy and improving quality of life.

Factors Affecting Cancer Treatment Outcomes

• Early Detection : If cancer is diagnosed early, it can be treated successfully.
• Type of Cancer : Certain types of cancer have a faster growth rate and aggressiveness when compared to others, which are slow-growing in nature. Slow-growing cancers have relatively better outcomes than aggressive cancers.
• Stage of Cancer : All cancers are categorized into different stages depending on the extent of the disease’s spread, with stages 1 and 2 considered early stages and stages 3 and 4 considered advanced stages.
• Response to Treatment : No two cancer patients are the same. Depending on the patient’s age, overall health, and other factors, the treatment response by each patient will vary.
• Access to Advanced Treatment : Advanced cancer treatments like CAR T-cell therapy increase the chances of living.

Why Do Some Cancers Come Back?

Even after successful cancer treatment, some cancers return or recur. Follow-up care and surveillance play a pivotal role in early detection and effective management if a recurrence should occur.

After Surgery

Even if the visible tumor is removed, microscopic cancer cells may remain and cause tumor growth later (micrometastasis). Rarely, the surgery itself may cause the cancer cells to dislodge, which can later travel to different parts of the body and form tumors.

If the cancer is operated on in advanced stages, there are chances of cancer remaining in the body, which can spread to other parts of the body.

After Radiotherapy

In some cases, radiation therapy may not kill all cancer cells, and these cells multiply later to form tumors. In rare cases, when the disease metastasizes to other body parts during or after the treatment, cancer may come back after radiation therapy.

Role of Early Detection in Cancer Treatment

Early cancer diagnosis is crucial for effective cancer management. For some cancers, there are standard screening protocols that aid in their early detection.

A few commonly recommended screening tests include mammograms for breast cancer, Pap smears for cervical cancer, colonoscopies for colon cancer, and PSA tests for prostate cancer.

Regular health checkups and cancer screening can aid in early detection, which prompts timely treatment. On-time treatments are in turn important for better survival rates and improved quality of life during and after the treatment.

How to Reduce Cancer Risk?

• Healthy Diet : Consuming natural foods like vegetables, fruits, and cereals, and not junk food.
• Regular Exercise : Staying fit helps reduce cancer risk.
• Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol : Taking too much alcohol and smoking are dangerous, as they can cause cancer.
• Sun Protection : The application of sunscreen prevents the development of skin cancer.
• Regular screenings : Timely cancer diagnosis is important for survival.

Why Choose HCG Oncology for Cancer Treatment?

HCG is a leading cancer treatment hospital in India, and we are known for modern diagnostic and treatment facilities, along with novel treatment approaches:

• Advanced Treatment Modalities : Our cancer hospital allows patients to access high-end cancer treatment technologies and facilities like robotic surgery, adaptive radiotherapy, CAR-T cell therapy, targeted therapy, and cutting-edge cancer treatment.
• Genomics and Molecular Diagnostics for Precise Cancer Care : Genetic counseling and testing are used to identify specific genetic mutations that contribute to increased cancer risk or development in patients. Molecular diagnostics play a crucial role in creating drugs for targeted therapy and other precision medicine strategies.
• Multidisciplinary Approach : Cancer care at HCG is the result of the collaboration of surgical oncology specialists, radiation oncologists, medical oncologists, nuclear medicine specialists, radiologists, pain management specialists, and more.
• Personalized and Patient-Centred Care : At HCG, our specialists devise cancer treatment plans that are personalized and patient-focused, and this plays a pivotal role in achieving positive health outcomes.
• Comprehensive Rehabilitation Support : At HCG, we offer comprehensive rehabilitation support comprising nutritional counseling, physiotherapy, speech and swallowing therapy, psycho-oncology counseling, and more. This way, we want to help our patients return to their normal lives with fewer challenges.

Conclusion

To address the question, "Can cancer be cured?" it is important to note that many types of cancer are highly treatable. Advancements in early cancer diagnosis, personalized medicine, and new cancer treatments have greatly increased the chances of survival for different types of cancer in recent times. For better health outcomes, everyone needs to be aware of different cancer symptoms and the importance of timely detection and seek medical attention as and when required.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can cancer be permanently cured?

Certain types of cancer can be treated successfully, especially if they are caught in the early stages. However, their type, stage, grade, and how well the treatment works impact the long-term survival and recurrence risk.

How long can someone live with cancer?

The type of cancer, stage, and treatment determine how long a person may live. A few people can survive for many years with proper medical care and monitoring.

How to avoid cancer in the body?

To stay healthy, eat good food, exercise regularly, don't smoke or drink, shield yourself from the sun, and have checkups.

Can breast cancer be cured?

Yes, breast cancer can be treated successfully if caught in the early stages. Surgery, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy are some of the treatments that increase the chances of survival.

Can lung cancer be cured?

Lung cancer can be treated with surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or targeted therapy. However, if it is at an advanced stage, then it may require lifelong management.

Which cancer is 100% curable?

While discussing cancer prognosis, doctors prefer using the term “remission” over “cancer cure.”

Certain types of cancers, such as breast cancer, prostate cancer, head and neck cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and some forms of leukemia, can be easily treated when they are in early stages, and the patient can enter complete remission.

To reduce the risk of recurrence, these patients should keep their regular follow-up appointments, during which the doctors look for signs of recurrences and recommend necessary interventions.

Can stage 4 cancer be cured?

Stage 4 cancer is often managed using various treatments, and they aim at prolonging survival, delaying disease progression, managing disease-related symptoms, and improving the quality of life.

Can colon cancer be cured without surgery?

Although surgery is the usual cancer treatment, there are occasions when chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy work effectively even without an operation.

For more information on how colon cancer is treated without surgery, you should speak to your attending doctor.

Is cancer genetic?

Some cancers have a genetic component, which is passed from parents to their offspring. That said, only a small percentage of cancers are caused by inherited genetic factors.

How long is cancer treatment?

The time taken to treat cancer is not the same for all kinds and levels of cancer. It can take a few weeks for radiation treatment and several months or even years for chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or targeted therapy.

What cancer cannot be cured?

Most cancers that are in advanced stages, inoperable states, and metastatic states can be effectively controlled but rarely cured.

In such cases, treatments administered aim at delaying the disease progression, prolonging survival for patients, and improving the quality of life.