Cancer
has become one of the leading causes of death in India. A report of
the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) 2020, released
by ICMR and National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research,
Bengaluru estimated that 13.9 lakh cancer cases by the end of 2020
which are likely to increase to 15.7 lakhs by 2025.
Data also indicates that the leading sites of cancer
are oral cavity, lungs, oesophagus and stomach amongst men and cervix, breast
and oral cavity amongst women. Tobacco is the most important identified cause
of cancer and is responsible for about 40 to 50% of cancers in men and about
20% of cancers in women. India has the added burden of tobacco chewing which is
more prevalent than smoking in many areas. World Cancer Day is an
International day marked on 4th of February every year to raise awareness
of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment.
A Webinar was organised by Pushpa Gujral Science City
on World Cancer Day.
At this occasion, Dr. Narayanan Ganesh, Head and
senior scientist, Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bhopal,
delivered a lecture on Cancer and Anti cancer diet: myths to facts in
which he familiarized the audience with the signs, symptoms and modalities to
detect cancer. Emphasizing on the phenomenal role of diet in prevention and
management of various cancerous disorders, he said, “The link between cancer
and diet is just as mysterious as the disease itself. Certain foods and
nutrients may help prevent—or, conversely, contribute to—certain types of
cancer. With proper nutrition, active lifestyle, good quality sleep, balanced
emotional health and the right choice of foods it is possible to overcome
cancer and lead a long life”.
Also present at the occasion, Sh. Kulwant Singh
Dhaliwal, Global Ambassador, World Cancer Care said, “Nearly 70% of the Indian
population lives in rural India, whilst 95% of cancer care facilities are
situated in urban areas – out of reach for many in need of treatment due to
distance and travel expense. Due to this, in rural India, mortality rates for
cancer are much higher than urban India”. He added that that women from the
rural belt of the region ignore symptoms, and rely on ancient medicine and
occultists. World Cancer Care provides cancer tests for early detection of
Breast, Cervical, Prostate, Oral Cavity, and Oesophageal Cancer. These
early-detection tests are vital, since many rural areas of India have little to
no awareness or education about cancer, and so often only ask for treatment
during advanced stages of the disease.
Welcoming the participants, Dr. Neelima Jerath,
Director General, Pushpa Gujral Science City stressed on the importance of
cancer awareness.
She said that increased awareness and
accurate information and knowledge can empower all of us to recognize early
warning signs, make informed choices about our health and counter our own fears
and misconceptions about cancer. She also pointed out that cancer not only
affects the patient but the entire family. She further added that Science City
would be happy to partner with agencies to undertake field awareness on the
subject through interactive exhibits in Mobile Science Exhibition.
At this occasion Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director, Science
City said, “Natural food may reduce your risk of cancer. Fruits and vegetables
are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. The
antioxidants and phytochemicals in certain fruits and vegetables are showing
promising results towards preventing free radicals or cancer-causing agents
from damaging cells. Alcohol consumption is considered to be a major
modifiable risk factor for cancer.”