Ms. Marcette Buttigieg
Hearing the word “cancer” from the doctor brings a deep sense of fear: it sounds like a death sentence. And indeed, cancer is the second highest cause of death worldwide – 1 in 6 deaths is due to cancer. But, it need not be so. In the UK, half of cancer patients survive for 10 years and more after diagnosis. The key to defeating cancer lies in prevention and early detection.
In India, there are 13.9 lakh new registered cases of cancer every year. The actual number of cases is surely higher since the majority of cancer patients do not go to a qualified doctor and the disease remains undetected, leading to premature deaths.
The most common cancer among men in India is oral cancer, caused by chewing tobacco: this accounts for 50% of cancers in men[1]. Other leading cancers in men are lung cancer (often caused by tobacco smoking) and cancer of the stomach. Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting Indian women (27% of all cancers), followed by cancer of the cervix (23%) and oral cancer (about 20%).
One major problem in India is that patients are diagnosed at a late stage – over 75% of cases present in advanced stages when treatment options are limited. This is due to very limited awareness about cancer, especially among rural populations. There is also delay in going to qualified doctors: villagers depend on the ‘advice’ of their neighbours and prefer treatment by the local compounder – ’Jhola chap doctor’ – who goes to their doorstep. Hence, they will try out a number of treatments before approaching a doctor. Financial constraints are an additional factor; and villagers are reluctant to go to Government facilities even though free cancer treatment is available and of a good standard.
Many of these cancers can be prevented: eliminating the use of tobacco – smoked and chewed, would bring down the overall incidence of cancer in this country. Sexual behaviour and hygiene are the major factors contributing to cancer in women: cancer of the cervix is often caused by a virus (Human papilloma virus – HPV) that is sexually transmitted; other causes are genital infections and weak immune system.
An important saving factor is that one goes to a doctor as soon as one becomes aware of any changes in one’s body. Oral cancer and breast cancer start with a small lump or node. Regular self-examination would lead to early detection and the cancer can be successfully treated. Changes in discharge from sexual organs are also a warning sign. It is important to go to a qualified doctor so that proper investigations can be carried out and treatment started at the earliest once cancer is detected.
Much can be done to lower the burden of cancer in India and prevent unnecessary deaths. It is up to each one of us to spread the message and increase cancer awareness among the general population.
(Marcette Buttigieg is a qualified nurse with years of dedicated medical service)
[1]Cancer Prevention and Control in India – Cherian Varghese