TLI Staff
New Delhi: Youngsters in India are largely unaware of the most common types of cancer that affect cervix and breasts. On the occasion of World Cancer Day, a survey report by Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital shows that although the youngsters are well-aware of oral cancer and general cancers, they know little about breast cancer and cervical cancers which mainly affect women.
Cancers of the breast and cervix kill more women than any other forms of cancer in all parts of the developing world.
The causes of breast and cervical cancer are related to a woman’s sexual and reproductive choices and other exposures in early life – i.e. history of infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), age at first pregnancy and number of pregnancies, breastfeeding history, diet and physical activity. However, the same reproductive factors that protect against one form of cancer increase the risk of the other form.
Women who have early and frequent pregnancies and who breastfeed their children have a lower risk of getting breast cancer but are at increased risk of developing cervical cancer.
Despite almost half the participants being women, 58% in Mumbai and 60% in Delhi said they are not aware about cervical cancer. 58% of students in Mumbai and 71% in Delhi did not know enough about Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which as per World Health Organisation (WHO) causes 70% of cervical cancers and pre-cancerous cervical lesions.
However, the youngsters were well informed about the oral cancer and general cancers, most likely due to the intensified anti-tobacco campaigns run by state and central governments, said experts.
Over 80% participants across the two cities were aware about the direct co-relation of tobacco and alcohol with that of oral cancer.
“We always say prevention is better than cure and this is true for cancer. Now since we know efforts to intensify knowledge about HPV, its mean of transmission & vaccination, pap-smear test, SBE and Clinical Breast Examination are necessary, we will focus on these areas while dealing with society at large. Let’s take an oath this World Cancer Day to live a healthy lifestyle with good balanced and nutritious diet, good physical activity, yoga meditation and avoid tobacco, alcohol, adulterated food,” said Dr Sanjay Dudhat, Head of Oncosurgery at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital discussing the survey.
Dr.Surender Dabas, Director – Surgical Oncology & Chief of Robotic Surgery, BLK Cancer Centre, citing the data, requested the need to create awareness about advantages of early diagnosis.
“Lack of awareness often delays the diagnosis and as a result, about 50% cancer patients discover their ailments only in the 3rd or 4th stage, which severely restricts their survival chances. Due to rising incidence of cancer, youngsters in our country need to be made aware of advanced facilities for early diagnosis, treatment, and care,” said Dr. Dabas.