New Delhi:
Cancer is one of the most curable diseases if it is diagnosed early and proper treatment is taken. More than half of the cancers can be prevented through screening. This was stated by Dr Rajeev Kumar and Dr Sandeep Jain, two senior consultants from Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC) New Delhi who were in Karnal to hold an interaction with local doctors in a programme organized by Indian Medical Association (IMA) Karnal.
“In women, more than half of the cancers are cancers of the cervix and breast cancer. Both these cancers can be easily detected by screening in the early stages through mammography and PAP Smear tests. If detected early 90% of these cancers can be cured. Similarly, in case of men, most common cancers are lung cancer and oral cancers. More than 50% of these cancers are due to tobacco intake so these can be easily prevented by shunning tobacco in all forms”, said Dr Rajeev Kumar, Sr. Consultant & Chief of Breast Surgical Oncology RGCIRC.
Regarding hereditary breast cancer, Dr Rajeev said, 5-10% of breast cancer cases are hereditary. These can be detected easily by undertaking BRCA gene test. If one is BRCA positive, the chances of developing breast cancer is high so surveillance must start from an early age. BRCA positive women also have a high chance of developing ovarian cancer. In such cases ovaries should be removed after a woman has completed the family since ovarian cancer is more fatal than breast cancer.
Further he stated that there was a misconception that only mothers carry BRCA genes which are transmitted to children. Fathers can also carry these genes.
Speaking about cancer in children, Dr Sandeep Jain, Sr. Consultant – Pediatric Hematology Oncology RGCIRC stated, “Cancer in children is a rare disease. About 50000 new cases of cancers are diagnosed every year in India in children of less than 15 years of age. Blood cancer or leukemia is the most common cancer in children. However it is highly curable if it is detected early and treated appropriately. Role of pediatricians in early diagnosis and referring to specialized centers is vital. Unfortunately only 10-15% of cases are able to take appropriate treatment. So there is urgent need to create awareness about diagnosis and early treatment.
Regarding diagnosis Dr Jain said, blood cancer can be easily diagnosed with simple tests such as complete blood count (CBC). Treatment in specialized centres is a must for good results since specialized centres adopt a multi-disciplinary approach.
Dr Iqbal Singh and Dr Tejinder Khanna, President and General Secretary respectively of IMA Karnal presided over the programme
