Experts opines on how adequate attention and rehabilitation is imperative to ensure quality life for cancer patients
Every year, cancer claims the lives of 8 million people worldwide, including 4 million people who die prematurely, between the ages of 30 and 70. This burden is particularly significant where access to proper treatment and care is limited. It is estimated that, by 2030, over two thirds of all cancer-related deaths will occur in developing countries. In India, over 7 lakh people get diagnosed with cancer. Presently, it is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Many cancers are preventable by controlling the modifiable risk factors such as tobacco use, alcohol use, unhealthy diet and physical inactivity, amongst others. In addition, a significant proportion of cancers can be cured, by surgery, radiotherapy or chemotherapy, especially if they are detected early.’
– Dr Satish Nair, Senior ENT Consultant and Surgeon at Apollo Hospitals
The number of cancer survival cases in India and globally has been increasing over the years thanks to increased awareness, early detection, and timely treatment. This brings focus on life post cancer treatment. Adequate attention and rehabilitation is imperative to ensure quality life for cancer surviving patients.
A common quality of life issue that comes up post cancer treatment is the ability to start a family. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy involve certain drugs and exposure to radiations, which can effectively kill cancer cells and prevent relapses, but may also cause damage to the gametes i.e. eggs and sperms, causing difficulties in conceiving later. Cancer patients have the option to freeze their eggs, sperms, or embryos prior to cancer treatment, so that if infertility unfortunately occurs, they can still conceive through fertility treatment when they are cured. Thanks to greater awareness and advancements in the assisted reproductive techniques, preserving fertility is no more a dream and can be helpful in various cases. Fertility preservation especially for cancer survivors becomes important for a successful beginning to parenthood.’
– Manish Banker, Director, Nova IVI Fertility
India is showing significant increase in incidence rates of oral, prostate and renal cancer among male population while the female population is showing increased rates of uterine, breast and thyroid cancers.Chemotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery comprise mainstream treatment modality for various cancers. However, despite advances in these therapies, cure from cancer remains an elusive goal.
Immune surveillance by multiple cell types is responsible for recognizing and eliminating damaged/ abnormal cells from the body thereby protecting the host.
– Dr Pradeep Mahajan, Regenerative Medicine Researcher, StemRx Bioscience Solutions
Treatment of oral cancer is a multidisciplinary approach, involving the efforts of dental practitioners, surgeons, medical and radiation oncologists and researchers
– Dr Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, Founder & Managing Trustee, Biocon Foundation and Convenor of the Oral Cancer Task Force
Mortality and morbidity of oral cancer is very high in view of presentation at an advanced stage but this is largely a preventable disease. National Cancer Institute India has been created for this purpose as a centre of national importance which will conduct research into all aspects including prevention, early diagnosis and management. This is the largest single healthcare project of India.
– Dr GK Rath, Head, National Cancer Institute, AIIMS
Oral cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death among Indian men. It is not only an unnecessary human loss but also a huge loss of productivity for India. It is time to wipe out the stigma of India being the oral cancer capital of the world
– Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, Professor and Head & Neck Cancer Surgeon, Tata Memorial Hospital
Oral cancer is primarily related to the use of tobacco which is very common in India. The best way to prevent oral cancer is to stop tobacco use completely.
– Dr Kumar Prabhash, Medical Oncologist, Tata Memorial Hospital
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