To spread awareness about stomach and oesophageal cancers promote healthy lifestyles, make a call for early diagnosis and above all, spread the message that cancer is preventable and not a death sentence, Eso India, an organisation dedicated to serving people with these diseases, is organising a run.
Speaking to the press on Monday, S. M. Chandramohan, Eso India president, said the ‘Run to Save Stomach and Esophagus’ would be held on November 26. Anyone interested can register. Stomach and food pipe cancer survivors too would be participating.
Speaking about stomach cancer, Dr. Chandramohan said that while in India the incidence per lakh population was 4.6, which was relatively low, there was a huge variation in the country. Mizoram has an incidence of 64.2 per lakh population. In Tamil Nadu, it is between 11.9 and 12.2 per lakh population, he said. While many countries are reporting a decrease in stomach and food pipe cancers, in India these cancers are projected to rise.
Survival rates
Lifestyle factors, he said, played a major role. Beedi and hookah, reused oil and a high salt intake were all contributing factors, Dr. Chandramohan said, adding that survival rates in India were lower than abroad.
The run and the interaction seek to create awareness as well as clear myths about stomach and food pipe cancer, and other life-threatening diseases.
Those interested in participating, can log on to www.esoindia.org or www.esorun.org or call 7299966666.
