The incidence of cancer in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh is ever increasing. In 2001, the number of fresh cancer cases detected in united A.P. was around 63,735. In 2006, the number of cases went up to 73,692 and in 2011, the number of cases reported was 84,701. It is being projected that in 2016, the number of such cases in Telangana and Andhra Pradesh combined will be 97,000.
CancerCare experts on Wednesday said that the exponential rise in the number of cancer cases needed a massive response from caregivers in terms of identifying patients and providing treatment. >The ideal way to handle such a large number of cancer patients is to identify them early and focus on the preventive aspects.
Issues such as rising number of cancer cases, response of heath care workers, cancer treatment guidelines, recent advances in cancer research and other aspects surrounding the ailment will be discussed in the Global Cancer Conference and Medicare Summit, to be held between September 15 and 17 in Hyderabad.
ADVERTISEMENT
Can cancer treatment ever be affordable? “In the last seven years, we have seen the cost of cancer drugs coming down. We have to make the best use of the available resources to keep the costs from escalating. In the end, screening early is very important and we also predict that in future, costs will come down,” says A.V.S. Suresh, Haematologist, Omega Hospitals.
Senior doctors also stressed the need for screening programmes. “It is clear that patients definitely can’t afford prolonged cancer treatment. There is a need to screen them early and provide treatment in the nick of time. Delay in diagnosis will make matters worse for everyone. Advocacy on awareness and timely diagnosis is the key,” said founder, Continental Hospitals, Guru N. Reddy.