The National Cancer Awareness Day was organised at the Dayanand Medical College and Hospital on Saturday. Noted oncologist and executive chairman of Cancer Council of India, Dr Devinder Singh Sandhu, delivered a talk on various aspects of the disease. Dr Sandhu said, “Cancer is preventable (to some extent) and treatable (to a large extent). 7.6 million people die of cancer worldwide each year. In India, there are approximately 3 million cancer patients, with 0.3 million cancer related deaths reported every year. The cure rate varies according to the stage and type of cancer. It surpasses 90 per cent in early stage and pediatric cancers. But a majority of cancer patients in India reach the cancer specialist at an advanced stage. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment in a specialized setting is essential to achieve better results.”

Dr Sandhu explained the causes and risk factors of cancer. He said about 40 per cent cancers can be prevented by lifestyle modifications. In the rest, deaths can be significantly reduced by screening. “Tobacco use alone accounts for 5.4 million deaths per year globally, out of which 1.5 million are cancer deaths .

High fat diet, sedentary life style, lack of exercise, obesity, less intake of fruits and vegetables, increased use of pesticides, water pollution, smoking, alcohol intake, pollution, infections, are the common risk factors for cancer. The protective food items include onions, garlic, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, soy, green leafy vegetables, potatoes, berries, citrus fruits, apples, whole grains and nuts, beans and other legumes and cherries.”

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