Karnataka - Mangalore   

Poor cancer awareness a matter of concern

MANGALORE: In Mangalore, 90 per cent of cancer cases are detected in the third or fourth stage.

Only 10 per cent of the cases are in the first or second stage, according to oncologists.

Although Mangalore has good healthcare facilities, poor awareness level remains a matter of concern.

There appears to be misconceptions in the minds of the people.

The moment a person is diagnosed of having cancer, both the doctor and the patient give up hope, regrets a city doctor.

Many do not seem to know that cancer is curable when detected early and both the patient and the doctor have to maintain a positive outlook.

With progress in the field of medicine, cancer should not be dreaded any more.

In most cases, patients have a better chance of survival if detected early, doctors say.

Father Muller Hospital gets around 600 cases of cancer annually.

Of them, 90 per cent are in the third or fourth stage.

Only 10 per cent are in the first or second stage.

Suresh Rao, head of the Father Muller Oncology Centre, said 35 to 40 per cent could be prevented with a change in lifestyle and another 30 per cent could be cured if detected early.

Only 5 to 10 per cent of the cases were due to genetic predisposition, he added.

Krishna Prasad, medical oncologist at KMC, said that 90 per cent of the patients visited hospitals at an advanced stage.

The KMC OPD received three to five new cases every week, he added.

Most of the cases in men are related to head and neck cancer (upper digestive tract, oral cavity, nasal cavity, pharynx, and larynx). Of them, 75 per cent of men smoke tobacco, consume “gutkha” or “paan”.

Some of the patients (names changed), who have survived cancer, said they were leading a normal life. Sanny Mathew (65) was detected with breast cancer when she was 50.

She underwent a surgery and is leading a normal life now.

Though Yogesh Hegde's mother lived only for three years after a surgery for breast cancer, Rebbeca Thomas took medication for a year after she was diagnosed of having cancer 12 years ago.

She is now leading a normal life.

Those who have braved cancer need to come out in open and share their experiences to dispel the myths.

People must discuss with relatives and friends as it would help them financially, socially and emotionally, Dr. Prasad said.

Making people aware and timely access to medical help can make all the difference.

MAUSUMI SUCHARITA

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