Cancerhas become one of the leading causes of death in India. A report ofthe National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) 2020, releasedby ICMR and National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research,Bengaluru estimated that 13.9 lakh cancer cases by the end of 2020which are likely to increase to 15.7 lakhs by 2025.
Data also indicates that the leading sites of cancerare oral cavity, lungs, oesophagus and stomach amongst men and cervix, breastand oral cavity amongst women. Tobacco is the most important identified causeof cancer and is responsible for about 40 to 50% of cancers in men and about20% of cancers in women. India has the added burden of tobacco chewing which ismore prevalent than smoking in many areas. World Cancer Day is anInternational day marked on 4th of February every year to raise awarenessof cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
A Webinar was organised by Pushpa Gujral Science Cityon World Cancer Day.
At this occasion, Dr. Narayanan Ganesh, Head andsenior scientist, Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bhopal,delivered a lecture on Cancer and Anti cancer diet: myths to facts inwhich he familiarized the audience with the signs, symptoms and modalities todetect cancer. Emphasizing on the phenomenal role of diet in prevention andmanagement of various cancerous disorders, he said, “The link between cancerand diet is just as mysterious as the disease itself. Certain foods andnutrients may help prevent—or, conversely, contribute to—certain types ofcancer. With proper nutrition, active lifestyle, good quality sleep, balancedemotional health and the right choice of foods it is possible to overcomecancer and lead a long life”.
Also present at the occasion, Sh. Kulwant SinghDhaliwal, Global Ambassador, World Cancer Care said, “Nearly 70% of the Indianpopulation lives in rural India, whilst 95% of cancer care facilities aresituated in urban areas – out of reach for many in need of treatment due todistance and travel expense. Due to this, in rural India, mortality rates forcancer are much higher than urban India”. He added that that women from therural belt of the region ignore symptoms, and rely on ancient medicine andoccultists. World Cancer Care provides cancer tests for early detection ofBreast, Cervical, Prostate, Oral Cavity, and Oesophageal Cancer. Theseearly-detection tests are vital, since many rural areas of India have little tono awareness or education about cancer, and so often only ask for treatmentduring advanced stages of the disease.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Neelima Jerath,Director General, Pushpa Gujral Science City stressed on the importance ofcancer awareness.
She said that increased awareness andaccurate information and knowledge can empower all of us to recognize earlywarning signs, make informed choices about our health and counter our own fearsand misconceptions about cancer. She also pointed out that cancer not onlyaffects the patient but the entire family. She further added that Science Citywould be happy to partner with agencies to undertake field awareness on thesubject through interactive exhibits in Mobile Science Exhibition.
At this occasion Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director, ScienceCity said, “Natural food may reduce your risk of cancer. Fruits and vegetablesare high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. Theantioxidants and phytochemicals in certain fruits and vegetables are showingpromising results towards preventing free radicals or cancer-causing agentsfrom damaging cells. Alcohol consumption is considered to be a majormodifiable risk factor for cancer.”