In the developed world, due to greater awareness on cancer, patients come in for treatment during early stages, ensuring a longer quality life post treatment. In India, most patients come in for treatment during late or terminal stages, says surgical oncologist Vallam Karthik Chandra.
Addressing employees of BHEL-Heavy Plates and Vessels Plant at a ‘Cancer awareness talk’ organised by The Hindu , in association with the Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital and Research Institute, here on Tuesday on the occasion of World No Tobacco Day, he urged everyone to spread the message — ‘Cancer is curable and not a death sentence’.
Cancer can be avoided by following a healthy lifestyle and avoiding consumption of cancer-causing substances like tobacco and alcohol. He also advised vaccinations like Hepatitis B and HPV.
Advocating regular check-up and monitoring of health for any symptoms of cancer, he said detection during early stages would totally treat the disease.
Typically patients ignore early warnings and go to the doctor only when situation worsens, he said, citing the example of a doctor who did not heed to early symptoms as he felt he was leading a healthy lifestyle and, when he finally went for a check-up, he was diagnosed with near terminal stage of cancer.
‘The treatment today is not very expensive,” he said, dispelling another myth associated with the disease.
With advances in technology, it is possible to resume normal life after treatment.
For example, if a patient has bone cancer, it is not necessary for the limb to be amputated. A bone replacement can help salvage the limb and ensure quality of life after treatment.
“There is medication available to reduce the side effects of chemotherapy,” he pointed out.
“There is a need for more palliative care facilities in the city,” he said, pointing out that there was only one hospice in the city.
Earlier, BHEL Deputy General Manager (HR) K Sujana welcomed the gathering and underscored the importance of awareness on cancer.
She, along with the oncologist, unveiled a poster on the hazards of smoking.
A large number of employees were present.
Published - June 01, 2016 12:00 am IST
