Overview
Sarcomas– Begins in the tissues like fat, muscles, nerves, tendons, joints, blood vessels, lymph vessels, cartilage, or bone that support and connect the body.
Leukemias– Cancer of the blood caused due to uncontrollable growth of healthy blood cells. The main types of leukemia are acute lymphocytic leukemia, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and chronic myeloid leukemia.
Lymphomas– A type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system like the Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
The treatment for cancer depends on the type and stage of cancer. Diagnosis and treatment for cancer can be done at the same time if the cancer is entirely surgically removed at the time of biopsy. Treatment for cancer in some cases may be of one kind, but in most cases it’s a combination of multiple treatments. For understanding the treatment for cancer one must learn and think about it thoroughly. It may be overwhelming and confusing but talking with your doctor can help you feel more in control. The options of treatment for cancer in India include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, palliative care, participating in a clinical trial and active surveillance, also called watchful waiting.
What to do next
A cancer diagnosis in an older parent brings a flood of decisions. These steps help families stay organised.
- Ask for the exact diagnosis and stage, and what the treatment is meant to achieve: cure, control or comfort.
- Get everything in one folder: reports, scans, prescriptions and the oncologist's contact.
- Appoint one family member to talk to the team, and others to cover meals, travel and company.
- Ask about side effects before treatment starts, and which ones need a call the same day, such as fever.
- Plan nutrition and hydration, with a dietician, because appetite often falls.
- Prepare the home for fatigue and weakness: a firm chair, a nearby toilet, a bed that is easy to get in and out of, and good lighting.
Looking after someone during treatment
Fever, chills, bleeding, uncontrolled vomiting, severe pain or sudden breathlessness during chemotherapy need urgent medical help. Hand washing, clean food and avoiding sick visitors lower infection risk when blood counts are low. See cancer care at home for older adults for daily care and infection control for home caregivers.
Comfort and dignity
Pressure-relieving mattresses and cushions protect skin when someone spends long hours in bed or in a chair; see seat cushions. Palliative care is not only for the last days. It can start with diagnosis to relieve pain, nausea and anxiety alongside treatment; see palliative care at home.
Supporting the carer
Caring for someone with cancer is tiring. Share tasks, accept help and watch for burnout; see caregiver burnout signs and prevention.
When to ask a professional
The oncologist directs treatment. A nurse can manage ports, injections and symptom checks at home, a dietician can adjust food, and a counsellor can support the family. Our care advisors can arrange home nursing and equipment.
About our care services
If you wish to know more about our cancer care plans or have queries regarding treatment for cancer, feel free to reach out to us on 1800-123-445555.
Equipment mentioned in this guide
Frequently asked questions
What are the main types of cancer?
Carcinomas, sarcomas, leukaemias and lymphomas, depending on the tissue where the cancer begins.
Can older adults have chemotherapy?
Many can, with doses and plans adjusted to their general health. The oncologist decides after assessing fitness and goals.
What home equipment helps during treatment?
A comfortable bed or mattress, firm chairs, a commode for nights, non-slip bathroom aids and a thermometer to check for fever.
When should we call the doctor right away?
For fever, bleeding, severe pain, repeated vomiting, breathlessness, confusion or anything the oncology team has listed as urgent.
Sources and further reading
- World Health Organization, Cancer fact sheet
- National Cancer Institute (US), patient information on types of cancer and treatment
- Indian Council of Medical Research, National Cancer Registry Programme reports
Tags: Cancer Care #Health #Knowledgecancer carechemotherapypalliative careoncologyConditions and devicesAdjustable hospital bedPressure-relief air mattressBeds, mattresses and restIncontinence and hygiene
This article is for general education and is not medical advice. Speak to your doctor before changing your exercise, diet or medicines.
