Cancer - 7 Tough Realities 5 Myths and Some Easy Solutions
I am being an aware and serious Indian citizen would like to ask you two extremely valid questions that are truly relevant during this COVID-19 situation.
The first question is - What do you think why governments across the globe as well as in India publishing COVID-19 related data and making sure through their best of the efforts to ensure every citizen of the country should be aware related to this pandemic statistics? A huge part of government expenditure is involved in these awareness programs; they are expending a lot on every mode of media for the same.
And the second question is – What do you think What is more important from the perspective of the healthcare industry, The Urgent healthcare issues are more important or Important healthcare issues are equally important as well like non-communicable diseases such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, diabetes, and chronic lung disease.
I am aware of the fact and highly appreciate as well that the entire health industry is doing a marvelous job when it comes to fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic and COVID-19 pandemic right now is the most urgent task for all the stakeholder of the health industry starting from the scientist and researchers those who are trying their level best to get the COVID-19 vaccine as soon as possible till the end level health workers those who are helping COVID-19 affected people to come out from this torching situation of all means.
Having said that due to the overloaded burden of COVID19 on the
healthcare industry attention from the equally important fight against
non-communicable diseases especially against cancer is deeply overlooked. And
these are not my words rather the statistic published by the WHO.
As per the WHO report which is known as “The Impact Of COVID-19 Pandemic
On Non-communicable Disease Recourses and Services – Results Of Rapid
Assessment. Though this report is quite elaborated I quote from their
conclusion part and I quote - “It revealed that three-quarters of
countries reported a considerable degree of disruption to NCD services – a
finding that has been consistent across all regions and income groups.“
It translates to me that during the COVID-19 lockdown period servicer
with a life-threatening disease like cancer and other non-communicable disease
have been deeply affected. 75% of the countries among those who participated in
the survey have a deep impact of these COVID-19 lockdown situations.
Further, that report also reveals and I quote “The disruption of
services has been particularly problematic for those living with NCDs who need
regular or long-term care.” This brings me more worry about the
patients suffering from a non-communicable disease like cancer which requires a
continuous effort of medical assistance and medicine. A slight delay in medical
attention can cause their life.
I was stunned to know that from the report that government fund
allocation against non-communicable disease fight in many countries especially
in the poor and developing countries drastically dropped down.
These are a serious concern.
We at Cancer Samiksha believe – Fight against cancer is a continuous process and we are committed to it. We can connect any cancer patients to the best of the oncologists online to have a second opinion on their cancer treatment irrespective of any stage they are in and doesn’t matter which geographical location they are within India.
Feel free to contact us on What's App
So In light of the above discussion, I would like to enlighten everyone with some data related to cancer as a disease.
- Cancer is the second leading
cause of death among non-communicable diseases globally and is responsible
for an estimated 9.6 million deaths in 2018. Globally, about 1 in 6 deaths
is due to cancer. Approximately 70% of deaths from cancer occur in low-
and middle-income countries.
- Around one-third of deaths
from cancer are due to the 5 leading behavioral and dietary risks: high
body mass index, low fruit and vegetable intake, lack of physical
activity, tobacco use, and alcohol use.
- Tobacco use is the most
important risk factor for cancer and is responsible for approximately 22%
of cancer deaths.
- Cancer-causing infections, such as hepatitis and human papillomavirus (HPV), are responsible for up to 25% of cancer cases in low- and middle-income countries.
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) released a report - The National Cancer Registry Programme Report 2020, estimates there will be 13.9 lakh new cases of cancer in India in 2020.
6. Out of every 10 Indians 1 will suffer from cancer in their lifetime.
5 Myths Related to Cancer
1.
Is cancer disease contagious? - The answer is Big no.
Cancer is not such a disease that can easily spread from person to person. You
cannot get cancer from a person simply because you are around.
2.
Biopsy or surgery will help cancer cells to spread. – All surgeon
oncologists are trained to follow a strict set of procedures and well
knowledgeable to prevent from happening it. The chances are too low. So it is
always recommended to have the biopsy done by surgeon oncologists.
3.
Consumption of Sugar may increase cancer – No research in the world says
that consumption of sugar may increase cancer. However little consumption of
the sweet substance is always recommended for cancer patients to avoid chances
of developing diabetes.
4.
Chemotherapy adverse effects in every case – Not necessarily. The
research and development done in medical science during the last few years have
been largely instrumental to lower down the risk of the harmful effect of
chemotherapy. The awful side effect of chemotherapy depends upon various
factors. However, in many cases most common type of side effect like hair loos
was not found.
5.
No family history of cancer so never gets it – Biggest Myth among all.
As per the earlier data discussed out of every 10 Indians 1 having chances of
developing cancer during his lifetime. The root cause of cancer is a genetic
mutation that takes place with the body cells. Studies say genetic mutations
can develop due to exposure to smoking, an unhealthy lifestyle, and any other
risk factor that reduces the immunity of the body. However, inheriting the gene
mutation from parents has a mild chance.
Some Simple Solutions to avoid chances of Cancer
- Avoid Use Of Tobacco – I
don’t have much to say on this. Everyone is educated enough to understand
the use of any form of tobacco not only have chances to develop cancer
rather many other life threatening diseases.
- Eat Healthy – Again nothing
much to explain to an aware individual. Boost your immunity.
- Remain physically active and
maintain recommended weight. Knowing your body mass index is always
helpful.
- Avoid risky conduct of sex
and practice safely.
- Immunization always helps –
Young women and parents of daughter are highly recommended to learn more
about HPV. Hepatitis vaccine is highly recommended to everyone.
- Regular Breast examination –
Women are recommended to learn the art of the self-breast examination
process and recommended to visit a personal physician for medical
examination.
- Pap smear test is
recommended for every woman to avoid chances of cervical cancer. Women can
start Pap smear test from age of 21. Women between ages 21 to 29 can
repeat the test every 3 years if their report is normal.
Note: Statistic says the threat of cancer in women is more than in a
man. The most common cancer is the Breast Cancer and Cervical Cancer in a
woman. So regular investigations are highly recommended against these two.
Conclusion
Cancer Samiksha is committed to fighting against cancer. We understand the fight against cancer is a continuous process. We are committed to connecting every cancer patient to the best of the oncologists in India. Cancer patients need not move from their place they can connect with recommended oncologists depending upon the cancer case they have. To connect to the perfect oncologists and to have a second opinion on cancer treatment you may connect to us via the following methods
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resonate with the information provided here connect with us on
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It was
great sharing my thoughts “Be safe, please don’t step out unless it is
extremely important and wash your hand regularly. Take special care of senior
citizens."
.
Best Wishes
Cancer Samiksha - Online Second Opinion On Cancer Treatment
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