Women’s Oncology - Cervical Cancer

 

A board-certified radiation oncologist, Dr. Marta Dahiya cares for women with radiation oncologist, Dr. Marta Dahiyaat a Fort Worth, Texas, cancer center. Before establishing herself in cancer care, Dr. Marta Dahiya underwent her radiation oncology residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center.

Cervical cancer is a condition in which a woman's cervical cells begin to behave abnormally by multiplying out of control. If left untreated, these cancer cells can spread to other organs and ultimately result in loss of life.

One aspect that distinguishes cervical cancer from many other types of cancer is its primary cause. Researchers have demonstrated that infection by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a common sexually transmitted illness, gives rise to the vast majority of cervical cancers.

Fortunately, doctors have developed a vaccine that prevents HPV infections. Official guidelines say that young men can get the vaccine between the ages of 11 and 21 and young women can get the vaccine between the ages of 11 and 26.

Lung Cancer and Risk Factors

 

An experienced radiation oncologist, Dr. Marta Dahiya treats patients with lung and other cancers through John Peter Smith Cancer Center in Fort Worth, Texas. A provider active in her broader professional community, Dr. Marta Dahiya belongs to the American Society of Radiation Oncology and the American Board of Radiology.

When patients develop lung cancer, it means that the cells that make up one or more lung tissues have begun to divide without check, growing ultimately into tumors that can impede lung function and spread to other organ systems. In the United States, lung cancer ranks as the top killer among all cancers, and it is second only to breast cancer in terms of frequency.

People who smoke have a much higher risk of developing lung cancer than non-smokers. In fact, cigarettes are so potent a carcinogen, that even smoking lightly or intermittently raises cancer risk. Other environmental factors that can lead to lung cancer include exposure to radon, an invisible and odorless radioactive gas naturally emitted by the Earth.

Obstacles to Paying for Cancer Treatment and Resources for Help

Dr. Marta Dahiya treats people who have cancer in the United States and abroad. A radiation oncologist at John Peter Smith Center for Cancer Care in Fort Worth, Texas, she focuses on the types of cancers that impact women and often treats patients in underserved communities. Dr. Marta Dahiya works to ensure that uninsured patients receive treatment and frequently offers free care to people who would not be able to afford it otherwise.

New cancer drugs and treatments are being developed frequently, providing much-needed solutions for cancer patients worldwide. Unfortunately, many of these life-saving drugs cost upwards of $10,000 every month. This can be disastrous for uninsured patients, but even people with insurance often end up paying as much as 40 percent out of pocket.

Cancer patients are more than twice as likely to file for bankruptcy as are other Americans, even when they have insurance. Fortunately, help is available for many people who need assistance paying for their cancer treatments.

Patients from low-income families often qualify for assistance through Supplemental Security Income benefits and the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families programs. The American Cancer Society has an extensive directory of support available, including help with housing, airfare, and food costs during treatment. Additionally, many doctors and hospitals provide free or reduced treatment options for people in need.