The incidence of cancer is on the rise in animals, too. While the dreaded disease surfaces in humans much early, animals do not have symptoms and hence lesser chance of early intervention.
The department of veterinary surgery and radiology at Sri Venkateswara Veterinary University (SVVU) on Thursday organised a national seminar on ‘Interdisciplinary approach on cancer research’, coinciding with World Cancer Day, where the focus is on integrating various disciplines to achieve synergy in cancer research.
SVIMS Director and Vice-Chancellor V. Sivakumar, participating as the distinguished guest, pointed to the principle, ‘man is an advanced animal’, and its replication in research on animals. “While any test is first done on animals, veterinarians have an advantage, as drugs are tested on animals, which makes scientific methodology more robust and meaningful,” Dr. Sivakumar observed.
SVVU Dean (Veterinary Sciences) T.S. Chandrasekhara Rao spoke about non-availability of radiation equipment and diagnostic tools. He noted that extrapolation of knowledge based on areas such as pharmacology, genetics, biotechnology, microbiology and Ayurveda would help a veterinarian further cancer research. Chairman P. Eswara Prasad delivered the welcome address, while organising secretary R.V. Suresh Kumar proposed vote of thanks.
Delegates from across the country later visited a photo exhibition where pictures of wild and domesticated animals affected by oral, ocular and bone tumours, genital and reproductive tract tumours, cutaneous and mammary tumours.
Cure lies in early detection
Staff Reporter from Nellore writes: Doctors at Apollo Speciality Hospitals here on Thursday stressed the need for early detection of cancer for a lasting cure.
Addressing an awareness meet, laparoscopic surgeon Ramesh Maturi said food habits, smoking, pollution and lifestyle changes were impacting people’s health. “If cancers are detected in advanced stages, it is difficult to offer satisfactory treatment,” he added.
Early detection of cancer could be possible through regular screening and tests, the specialist said.
