By Dr. Vinay Samuel Gaikwad
Director – Surgical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Manesar
“Early detection saves lives” is a common refrain with cancer. And while that diagnosis is also part of the fight, early detection alone does not ensure a cure. What really matters is what is done after it is detected — and the sooner, the better, especially if surgery is part of a patient’s treatment.
As a cancer surgeon specialized in GI and HPB cancers for over 20+ years, I have seen too many patients who, after being diagnosed early, postponed the next steps. And in cancer treatment, time is of the essence.
“Detection is just the beginning,” Dr. Vinay Samuel Gaikwad says. “The benefit is really when treatment — particularly surgery — is not delayed. But so many can lose that benefit by procrastinating.”
Early Detection Doesn’t Stop the Disease
Cancer is relentless. It keeps growing even after being diagnosed — often silently. For some patients, the fear, confusion or possibility of exposure to alternative therapies might even lead them to delay surgery. Others drag their feet as they put out second opinions or logistics. Such spaces, no matter how inadvertent, are the cracks in which disease can gain a foothold.
One such patient with pT1N0-1M0 pancreatic cancer presented to us with an open surgical window. But indecision delayed the treatment by a couple of months. By that point, the tumor had invaded neighboring blood vessels, rendering surgery much trickier — and the odds of a full cure much slimmer.
“When it comes to some cancers, every week counts,” Dr. Gaikwad stresses. “The difference between a curable one and an inoperable one can be weeks,” he said.
Surgical Treatment Is Still The Gold Standard
For a lot of cancers of the solid organs — the colon, pancreas, stomach and liver — surgery is ideal and provides the best chance at a cure. When detected early and the whole growth is removed, the 5-year survival rate is quite high.
New techniques, most recently with the use of laparoscopy and robotics, have continued to revolutionize cancer care. These procedures are minimally invasive which means smaller incisions, faster recovery and less time in the hospital.
“Patients recover fast, they get back to their normal life quickly,” Dr. Gaikwad said. “But an option that is only on the table when the tumor hasn’t advanced too much.”
Don’t Wait. Act.
The most important message for patients and families comes through loud and clear : Don’t delay waiting, after you’ve been diagnosed with cancer. “You want to consult with an expert, know what your options are and then act swiftly. The best time for surgery is frequently now— not weeks or months down the road.
“We always advise patients to take time to comprehend the diagnosis—but not waste time in taking a decision based on treatment,” adds Dr Gaikwad. “Early detection is only effective when it’s followed by timely action.”