Cancer in women-early detection and prevention should be the policy

Cancer in women-early detection and prevention should be the policy. Cancer cases as well  as deaths  due  to  cancer are increasing  rapidly  among Indian  women, primarily  because of low  awareness and late  detection. India  accounts  for  the  third  highest number  of cancer cases among  women. In India, the  word  cancer is extremely stigmatized. Women in India fear that their reputation and that  of their families would suffer if people knew of their cancer diagnosis and shame increases when cancer involves  the reproductive system. Other  factors include  ignorance, fear, poverty, poor  accessibility, gender  discrimination and sometimes apathy of health professionals and policy makers.

vydehi-cancerBreast cancer is currently the most  common cancer among Indian  women,  both  in terms  of incidence  as well as mortality.  More  than  50% of breast cancer patients  in India are suffering from  stage 3 and 4,  where  the  chances of survival are extremely  low. Awareness is the key here. Women  need to  be educated  about  risk factors  and   breast  cancer symptoms.  A large number  of factors  are identified as risk factors  for breast cancer. Late age at  first  pregnancy (greater  than  30  years), single  child  or  no  child,  early  age at menarche  and  late  age  at menopause, obesity  are some of the  risk factors.

One cannot  prevent  breast  cancer but  can increase the survival rates by early detection and choosing the right treatment at the right time. Mammographic screening for breast cancer may  not be cost effective  in India  at present, but regular  breast  self·examination and  clinical  breast  examination need  to  be  promoted. The screening guidelines can be adopted based on the age and the risk.

Cervical Cancer is the second most common  form  of cancer in Indian Women. Cervical cancer is preventable  and curable if detected early. Now it is a known  fact that cervical cancer is caused by a human papilloma  virus (HPV) infection. So vaccines are available to prevent  HPV infection and thereby  cancer. Multiple sexual partners,  early age at marriage  and poor genital hygiene are  some  of  the  risk  factors  for  cervical  cancer.  Cervical  cytology   (pap  smear}  screening programs were found to be successful in reducing cervical cancer  incidence.

vydehi-cancer-Recently HPV testing  has been introduced for  screening. Again given  the  limitations in large scale population based screening programs; India can consider  primary  prevention of cervical cancer by promoting genital hygiene and vaccination.  Low resource based methods  like visual inspection with acetic acid (VIA) has been accepted as a screening method.

By implementing resource-appropriate strategies on prevention, early detection and treatment, millions  of lives can be saved every  year. Through  raising  the  public  and political awareness about  cancer, we can reduce  fear, increase understanding, dispel myths  and misconceptions, and change behaviours  and attitudes towards  cancer.

As a part  of this program, Vydehi Cancer center will be organizing multiple free cancer screening camps in and around Bengaluru. To mark World Cancer Day, Vydehi Cancer Center organized  an event at their  Institute on February 4th. Dr Shailesh Shrikhande ,Deputy Director  of Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai presided over the event  as chief  guest.  Dr Uma Nambiar,  a senior  neurosurgeon and International healthcare consultant was guest of honour.

Dr-Geetha-Narayanan

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dr. Geeta S.Narayanan

Vydehi Cancer Center,DKA Oncology block

Vydehi Hospital, Bengaluru-66

www.vydehicancercenter.com

 Ph:080-41663864, 080-28413381-85

Share this:

shugreek diabetes tablets-medifield

 

 

Share this:

Jodarin-pain-cream

 

 

Share this:

Magazines

SUBSCRIBE MAGAZINE

Click Here

error: Content is protected !!