The best treatment for cancer is early detection

One leading oncologist recently claimed that due to globalization, lifestyle changes and an aging population, India is set to face a "tsunami of chronic diseases" such as cancer. This claim, while staggering, is backed by decades of experience, evidence, and scientific data. In fact, a study published by ICMR indicates that almost 1 in 9 Indians are at risk of cancer. From personal experience, I can confirm that 30-50% of the cases I see annually are caused by preventable risk factors such as smoking, diet, sun exposure, alcohol, environmental pollutants, infections, stress, and lack of physical activity among others.

While scientists and researchers are scaling up cancer treatment with extensive studies and trials, some of which have resulted in cancer vaccines, liquid biopsies, genotyping, gene editing and so on, cancer, even today, has only one treatment – prevention. And at the population level, this is the only way to reduce the incidence and mortality rate associated with the disease. But where does prevention really begin? It begins with an understanding of risk factors. It starts with acknowledging that only 5-10% of cancers ever diagnosed are genetics related and starts by accepting the fact that our health is not separate or isolated from our actions but is vitally linked to each other.In India, the most common cancers among males include cancer of the lungs, mouth, stomach and esophagus while breast and cervical cancers are the most common among females. While the symptoms of cancer are often very nonspecific, depending on the type of cancer, it may manifest as a change in bowel / bladder habits, indigestion or difficulty swallowing, a wound that does not heal, thickening or lump in the breast or other areas, a change in the wart / mole, unusual bleeding or discharge and unexplained hoarseness or an unpleasant cough. Since symptoms often mimic other conditions, they should not be ruled out or treated as related to fatigue or as part of aging. It is important to remain alert for any such changes and should consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible

Preventive measures

Environmental and lifestyle factors play a major role in increasing cancer risk such as

1.tobacco use/exposure (> 27% of all cancers in India attributed to this cause)

2.Lifestyle factors (e.g. alcohol consumption, inappropriate diet, lack of physical activity, high BMI, presence of diabetes)

3.Infection [e.g. human papillomavirus (HPV) causes cervical cancer]

4.Certain chemicals (e.g. asbestos) 5.Radiation (e.g. overexposure to radiation Sun)

Here's what you can do to reduce your risk of cancer:

1.Avoid using tobacco in all its forms (chewing tobacco, cigarettes, bides, cigars, pipes, etc.) and stay away from secondhand smoke as well.

2.Avoid or reduce alcohol consumption

3.Eat a healthy diet low in sugar, salt and fat and rich in fresh leafy vegetables and fruits

4.Maintain a healthy weight

5.Develop a routine of adequate physical activity

6.Keep up with all necessary vaccines (e.g. hepatitis B and HPV)

7.Reduce exposure to indoor and outdoor air pollution

8.Prevent excessive sun exposure with sunscreen and protective clothing

Regular screening for cancers can help detect the disease early. For example, breast, cervical, and mouth/lip cancers account for more than 33% of cases in India. Cervical cancer can be prevented by the HPV vaccine and is most effective in younger age groups (from 9 years onwards). Breast cancer can also be detected by regular self-examination. Some changes in the breast that you should pay attention to are:

1.Pitting or curling of the skin (such as the surface of an orange)

2.Pain in the breast or armpit

3.Thick areas or lumps 4.Nipple-related changes such as a change in shape or position, the presence of a rash on or around the nipple, discharge from one or both nipples

Regular screening by healthcare professionals helps detect these cancers early and improve survival outcomes. According to national guidelines, for individuals over 30 years of age, screening for breast, cervix and oral/lip cancer can be done once every 5 years by

1.Oral Visual Examination for Oral Cancer

2.Pap Test and HPV Test for Cancer Screening

3.Clinical Breast Examination

Screening may need to be more frequent in people at increased risk. If any abnormalities are detected during the examination, additional tests with a referral to a specialist can help to immediately start treatment. The reasons for delays in diagnosis in India range from patients ignoring symptoms, delays of up to 3 months in seeking professional help, lack of access to specialized facilities, cancer associated stigma and financial constraints. Hence, in addition to preventive measures, it is necessary to have a regular cancer examination and contact a specialist when unusual changes are detected to minimize the subsequent physical, emotional and financial consequences. These small steps can go a long way toward making a difference in cancer care.

The best treatment for cancer is early detection