By Dr. Chinnu Jomi, Consultant – Oncology, Manipal Hospitals, Siliguri
Every National Cancer Awareness Day reminds us of an important fact, cancer is not merely a disease but a community health problem that increasingly affects all age groups. While medical treatments have leaped forward, prevention and early detection is still our most formidable tool. With our country reporting more than 14 lakh new cancer cases every year, we stand at an important juncture where timely screening and conscious lifestyle choices can make a substantial difference in outcomes.
The Silence of Early-Stage Cancer
One of the reasons cancers becomes life-threatening is that early stages often present no noticeable symptoms. Diseases such as breast, cervical, oral, colorectal, and prostate cancers can develop silently. By the time discomfort or warning signals appear, the disease may have already progressed, making treatment more complex and less effective. This underscores the importance of regular screening. Simple tests, such as mammography, Pap smears, colonoscopies, or oral examinations, can detect abnormalities at an early stage when interventions are less invasive and far more successful. Despite growing awareness, many still undergo these checks only after symptoms appear, which significantly reduces the chance of early intervention.
Lifestyle: A Risk We Can Control
Cancer risk, to a certain extent can be modified by lifestyle changes. Though genetics and environmental exposures do explain some cancers, approximately 40% are due to behaviors we can modify. Tobacco and alcohol remain leading causes, especially in cancers of the oral cavity, lung, liver and large intestines. Tobacco or alcohol use, even in moderation, significantly increases risk. Other contributing factors are dietary habits, obesity, and physical inactivity, especially in cancers breast, colon, and pancreas. Consuming a balanced diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and regular physical activity can greatly help in reducing one’s cancer risk.
The Role of Vaccines and Preventive Care
Vaccination against certain cancers is now a reality. For instance, the HPV vaccine has been administered to prevent cervical cancer, which still kills thousands in India every year. Monthly self-breast examinations, annual mammograms (in women more than 40 years), screening colonoscopies, and low dose CT scan of chest in heavy smokers also enable people to make early detections and promptly seek professional advice.
Breaking the Stigma Around Cancer
Breaking the stigma associated with cancer is similarly important. Fear and misconceptions often get in the way of people’s seeking care. Many still consider the diagnosis of cancer to mean inevitable death, while early detection, modern treatments which involves Immunotherapies and targeted medicines and advanced surgical techniques have greatly improved survival rates. What really matters is acting on time and informed decision-making.
A Message for National Cancer Awareness Day
National Cancer Awareness Day reminds us that cancer is not inevitable but is preventable, treatable, and often curable provided one catches it in time. Screening must be included in the regular check-up routine, coupled with a healthy lifestyle and awareness of one’s body changes.
At Manipal Hospitals, Siliguri & Rangapani, our quest is not only to provide advanced cancer care but also to help the community embrace prevention strategies toward healthier lives for present and future generations.
