Awareness, Prevention, Early Detection is the key to Conquer Cancer
Dr S. Rajasundaram, Director, Gleneagles Cancer Institute, Head – Surgical Oncology and Director – Robotic Programme, Gleneagles Hospital Chennai
World Cancer Day is observed on 4th February every year to create awareness about cancer regarding the myths and facts about cancer. It is strongly believed that only awareness among people can prevent cancer, detect early and get cured completely. This year World Cancer Day theme is “United by Unique” for 2025 – 27 meaning that every cancer is unique, and each cancer patient is unique, and all are united by uniqueness. This theme highlights the importance of personalized care for cancer patients and people centered approach to cancer care, emphasizing the individuality of each patient’s journey.
The global cancer incidence is 20 million and 9.7 million died of cancer. There are 14,13,316 new cancer cases in India and of which 9,16,827 cases have died of cancer. This is in the increasing trend which is alarming to the community. The cancer incidence in Tamil Nadu is around 88,750 in 2022 and it is in increasing trend.
The common cancer in Indian women are breast cancer (26.6%), cervix (17.7%), ovary ( 6.6%),lip, oral cavity (5%) and colorectum (3.7%). In men it is lip, oral cavity (15.6%) lung (8.5 %), oesophagus (6.6%), colorectum (6.3%) and stomach (6.2%). This alarming increase is due to population growth, aging and exposure to risk factors mainly tobacco, alcohol, obesity, physical inactivity with poor intake of fruits and vegetables. Air pollution is another key environmental factor that contributes to the increasing incidence of cancer.
30–50% of all cancer cases are preventable by avoiding tobacco and alcohol, regular physical activity and by taking healthy diet which includes fruits and vegetables. Vaccination against HPV and HBV can bring down cervical cancer and liver cancer.
No one should ignore any early symptoms of cancer like non healing ulcers, irregular bowel habits, unusual bleeding or discharge, indigestion, lump in the breast or anywhere in the body, unusual weight loss and nagging cough. They should consult the doctors immediately. Earlier the diagnosis, easier the treatment and better the outcome. Screening of normal population is very important for detecting cancers early especially annual screening mammogram for breast cancer for women above 40 years, pap smear for cervical cancer, fecal occult blood and sigmoidoscopy for colorectal cancer and serum PSA test for prostate cancer. Regular health checkups can detect early cancers like kidney cancer, liver tumour and lung cancer.
There are lots of improvements in cancer treatment with new technologies like robotic surgeries, nanotechnology and CAR-T cell therapy. Precision oncology and Artificial intelligence in medicine can revolutionize cancer treatment in future. Creating awareness of Prevention and Early Detection among public is essential to conquer cancer.
