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Kannada superstar Shivarajkumar has shared a positive medical update regarding his health that he is now cancer-free. This announcement comes after a successful surgery to remove a cancerous bladder. In a touching New Year message, posted on social media, he reflected on his emotional journey.
The 62-year-old actor spoke candidly about his fears before the surgery and how he found strength through the love and encouragement of those around him. His wife, Geetha Shivarajkumar, confirmed that all pathology reports returned negative, officially declaring him cancer-free. As he celebrates this milestone, it's important to understand the difference between being ‘cancer-free’ and being in ‘remission’.
Shivanna is officially cancer-free. He thanks fans for their best wishes and sends back his love ❤️#Shivanna #ShivaRajkumar #DrShivaRajkumar #ಶಿವಣ್ಣ pic.twitter.com/dlijdj1vN8
— ಎಸ್ ಶ್ಯಾಮ್ ಪ್ರಸಾದ್ | S Shyam Prasad (@ShyamSPrasad) January 1, 2025
Difference Between Remission and Cancer-Free
Dr. Harshit Shah, Associate Surgical Oncologist at Fortis Hospital in Kalyan, explains that cancer remission means a patient has successfully completed treatment, and tests show no evidence of cancer in their body. This can happen even while the patient is on maintenance treatments like oral chemotherapy or targeted therapy.
Here are some key differences between remission and being cancer-free:
- Remission: Refers to the absence of cancer signs and symptoms. It can be partial, where some signs remain, or complete, where all signs are gone.
- Cancer-Free: Indicates that there is no detectable cancer left in the body. It suggests a lower probability of recurrence.
Symptomatic remission occurs in advanced cases where treatment provides relief from symptoms but does not guarantee the absence of cancer. When someone is declared cancer-free after treatment, it means there is a strong belief that the same cancer will not return. Typically, after 10 years without evidence of cancer, a person may be declared cancer-free, although this timeframe can vary based on the type and location of the cancer. Understanding these terms is crucial for patients navigating their health journeys.
How do doctors determine if someone is cancer-free
Doctors determine if someone is cancer-free through a combination of assessments and tests. Here are some of the methods used.
- Physical Examination: Doctors perform thorough physical exams to check for any lumps, changes in skin colour, or other abnormalities that could indicate the presence of cancer.
- Imaging Studies: Tests such as CT scans, MRIs, and PET scans are conducted to visualize internal organs and detect any signs of cancer. These imaging tests help identify tumours or other abnormalities.
- Blood Tests: Blood work may include tests for tumour markers, which are substances produced by cancer cells. Abnormal levels can indicate active disease. A complete blood count (CBC) can also help assess overall health.
- Biopsies: If any suspicious areas are found, a biopsy may be performed to collect tissue samples for laboratory analysis. This is often the definitive way to confirm the absence of cancer.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Doctors monitor any symptoms the patient may have and evaluate overall well-being to assess if there are any signs of recurrence.
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Takeaway
As Shivarajkumar looks forward to resuming his career in cinema, he reassured fans that he would return stronger than ever. His journey serves as an inspiration to many facing similar battles with health issues. The actor's experience underscores the significance of early detection and treatment while also highlighting the power of love and support from family and friends during challenging times.