Awareness and Early Detection Can Prevent Cancer

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Guwahati: On World Cancer Day, Dr Amal Ch Kataki, former Director of BBCI, spoke about the importance of cancer prevention and early detection. He stressed that public awareness and screening can help save lives.

Every year, doctors detect nearly 14 lakh new cancer patients in India. Tobacco is a major cause of cancer. In Assam, 48.2% of people consume tobacco. In Urban Kamrup district, 51% of cancer cases in men and 24% in women are linked to tobacco use. Tobacco contains harmful chemicals like acetone, arsenic, and cadmium, which can cause cancer.

Tobacco-related diseases, including cancer, stroke, and heart attack, kill about 13.5 lakh people in India every year. Many people also suffer due to second-hand smoke. In India, 52% of adults breathe second-hand smoke at home, 26.7% at work, and 34.4% in public places. Sadly, 46.5% of children below 15 years, nearly 17 crore kids, face exposure to this dangerous smoke.

Despite these health risks, the government earns about ₹53,750 crore annually from tobacco product sales. Dr Kataki also warned that betel nut contains aflatoxin, a strong cancer-causing substance. Other causes of cancer include pollution, fertilizers, and pesticides.

Dr Kataki highlighted the importance of palliative care for cancer patients. He said that the PM-JAY scheme has helped many people get timely treatment. He also noted that new cancer hospitals in Assam have made treatment more accessible and affordable.

He urged people to learn about the nine warning signs of cancer and to go for early screening. He said that awareness and early action can prevent many deaths from cancer.

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