PUNE: At a time when cancer is growing at an alarming rate in India, medical experts highlighted the need to address key issues related to cancer to reduce the mortality rate.
World Cancer Day is observed worldwide on February 4 and this year’s theme is ‘I am and I will’, which means everyone can contribute to reduce the burden of cancer.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Shona Nag, Medical Oncologist and Director, Department of Oncology, Sahyadri Hospitals said the key issues related to cancer which need to be addressed include increasing awareness, reducing risk factors, equity in access to cancer services and quality cancer care taking into account physical, mental and emotional impact.
“We have improved outcomes, survival rates with increased availability of advanced technologies and onco-care experts. With targeted therapies, immunotherapies and newer treatments, we have moved from group to personalised treatment. But there is a huge challenge of disparity between cities and rural areas in terms of availability of healthcare and related finances,” said Dr Nag.
Medical Oncologist at Sahyadri Hospitals Dr Sanjay MH said that public awareness and education are crucial to make a stage shift of advanced stage of presentation to early stage of presentation to reduce rate of mortality. “Since cancer has a well-defined tumour progression model and goes through various stages before one gets full blown cancer, presentation in early stage is possible with increased awareness. Therefore the theme ‘I am and I will’ urges everybody to participate in creating awareness and make a difference,” said Dr Sanjay MH.
Dr Nag said while striving to make cancer care equitable to all, it is necessary to deliver the best possible treatment and innovate to reduce the side effects of some of the treatment methods with new techniques.
“Apart from providing holistic treatment, working with empathy, compassion, work ethics and providing rehabilitation and support services will ensure patient satisfaction,” said Dr Nag.
Dr Vishal Sehgal, Medical Director, Portea Medical said that people diagnosed with cancer need more than just treatment - they need to come to terms with their disease and requisite emotional and physical support.
“This is known as palliative care. When given in a timely manner, it can help in improving the patient’s quality of life and of their families. Palliative care in some cancer patients, when used as a supportive form of therapy in early stages along with other treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, is also known to prolong life. A diagnosis of cancer is accompanied with associated problems such as depression, anxiety, and fear. In palliative care, experts counsel and support patients and make referrals to mental health professionals. There are also other things that a patient’s family may need to address including financial and legal issues. This is also an area where palliative care specialists assist and help in coordinating with relevant professionals. Through palliative care, cancer patients are guided to come to terms with their condition and are able to make better sense of their thoughts and fears,” said Dr Sehgal.
Dr KK Jadhav, Consulting Laparoscopic and Oncosurgeon, Apollo Spectra Hospital, Pune said that along with creating awareness regarding cancer, treatment and prevention are also equally important. “The treatment of the cancer will depend on the type of cancer, location and the stage of it. Surgery, and various therapies like chemotherapy, radiation and targeted drug therapy can help patients get back on track. Likewise, preventive measures such as cutting down on tobacco, staying physically fit and maintaining a healthy weight, getting immunised and limiting alcohol consumption can be helpful,” said Dr Jadhav.
WORLD CANCER DAY
This year’s theme for World Cancer Day is ‘I am and I will’, which means everyone can contribute to reduce the burden of cancer.