In today’s world, everyone will be touched by cancer as a person living with cancer, a family member, a friend or a treating team. If you would agree with me then, together we should create the right kind of awareness about cancer. Cancer is the generic term for a large group of diseases in which cells grow out of control and can spread to other parts of the body. It involves a series of changes in the genes of a cell, causing it to look and function differently from normal cells.
Globally 10 million people are affected, 2 lakh deaths occur every year, and it is expected to double by 2020, in India 7-9 lakh people are affected every year, in 2020, 50 % of cancer patients will be from India. These alarming statistical facts are not to scare you but to make you aware of the current scenario.
We can site various reasons for the rise in the number of cancer patients. Majorly, it is because of the increased use of Tobacco, unhealthy food habits, less physical activity, environmental pollution, infections and to a lesser percent heredity.
The most common cancers in India are oral, lung and stomach cancers for men and cervix and breast cancer for women.
All forms of tobacco can cause cancer, and it is well proven for decades, that 30% of cancers are caused by tobacco. It contains 40 substances that are potent carcinogens. So, knowing the major causes, we can very well prevent cancer by adapting a healthy life. About cancer it is very important to acquire the right kind of information as lots of misconceptions and myths are doing its rounds among us. Cancer is completely curable if detected in its early stages and even advanced stages are controllable. It is definitely not contagious. The symptoms are
painless lump or bump anywhere in the body,
non-healing ulcer,
abnormal bleeding,
abnormal bowel / urinary habit
prolonged cough
change in voice,
Difficulty in swallowing and change in size, color of a mole.
Our society has its own stigma attached to cancer. Denial, fear and suppression happen once a person is detected with cancer. This phobia can be removed only by spreading right information about this disease.
Going to the physician with right qualification, taking proper treatment and a regular post treatment follow-up will definitely bring in good results. For the treatment of cancer, the best outcome can be obtained when the first treatment is received from proper hands.
Foremost importance in creating an positive attitude towards cancer in the society, would be the responsibility of the patients who are cured of cancer. They should come forward to spread the right message and act as an inspiration for the suffering patients.
This initiative in a massive level would boost up the morale of the patients and only then would all the steps taken by the government, health sectors and doctors be more fruitful.
Dr.M.Ramesh M.S.,M.Ch(Onco)
Surgical Oncologist
Vadamalayan Hospitals
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