Cigarette and tobacco major cause of cancer death 

Kapurthala: Cancer has become one of the leading causes of death in India. A report of The National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) 2020, released by ICMR and National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, Bengaluru estimated 13.9 lakh cancer cases by the end of 2020 which are likely to increase to 15.7 lakhs by 2025. Data also indicates that the leading sites of cancer are oral cavity, lungs, oesophagus and stomach amongst men and cervix, breast and oral cavity amongst women. Tobacco is the most important identified cause of cancer and is responsible for about 40 to 50% of cancers in men and about 20% of cancers in women. India has the added burden of tobacco chewing which is more prevalent than smoking in many areas. World Cancer Day is an International day marked on 4th of February every year to raise awareness of cancer and to encourage its prevention, detection and treatment. A webinar was organized by Pushpa Gujral Science City on World Cancer Day.

At this occasion, Dr. Narayanan Ganesh, Head and senior scientist, Jawaharlal Nehru Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bhopal, delivered a lecture on Cancer and Anti cancer diet: myths to facts in which he familiarized the audience with the signs, symptoms and modalities to detect cancer. Emphasizing on the phenomenal role of diet in prevention and management of various cancerous disorders, he said ,“The link between cancer and diet is just as mysterious as the disease itself. Certain foods and nutrients may help prevent—or, conversely, contribute to—certain types of cancer. With proper nutrition, active lifestyle, good quality sleep, balanced emotional health and the right choice of foods it is possible to overcome cancer and lead a long life”.

Also present at the occasion, Sh. Kulwant Singh Dhaliwal, Global Ambassador, World Cancer Care said, “Nearly 70% of the Indian population lives in rural India, whilst 95% of cancer care facilities are situated in urban areas – out of reach for many in need of treatment due to distance and travel expense. Due to this, in rural India, mortality rates for cancer are much higher than urban India”. He added that that women from the rural belt of the region ignore symptoms, and rely on ancient medicine and occultists. World Cancer Care provides cancer tests for early detection of Breast, Cervical, Prostate, Oral Cavity, and Oesophageal Cancer. These early-detection tests are vital, since many rural areas of India have little to no awareness or education about cancer, and so often only ask for treatment during advanced stages of the disease.

Welcoming the participants, Dr. Neelima Jerath, Director General, Pushpa Gujral Science City stressed on the importance of cancer awareness. She said that increased awareness and accurate information and knowledge can empower all of us to recognize early warning signs, make informed choices about our health and counter our own fears and misconceptions about cancer. She also pointed out that cancer not only affects the patient but the entire family. She further added that Science City would be happy to partner with agencies to undertake field awareness on the subject through interactive exhibits in Mobile Science Exhibition.

At this occasion Dr. Rajesh Grover, Director, Science City said, “Natural food may reduce your risk of cancer. Fruits and vegetables are high in vitamins, minerals, fiber, antioxidants, and phytochemicals. The antioxidants and phytochemicals in certain fruits and vegetables are showing promising results towards preventing free radicals or cancer-causing agents from damaging cells. Alcohol consumption is considered to be a major modifiable risk factor for cancer.”