Tobacco, pan masala, alcohol cause cancer, awareness key to prevention

“Tobacco alone causes more than 14 types of cancers while areca nut and pan masala are major contributors to oral cancer. Alcohol consumption increases the risk of seven different cancers,” said Dr Amit Rana, DM (Medical Oncology), from Dr Rajendra Prasad Government Medical College, Tanda in Kangra, during a cancer awareness seminar organised by The Rotary Club, Palampur, at the Rotary Bhawan today.

Dr Rana, while addressing the seminar as chief guest, shared expert insights into the rising burden of cancer in India and the crucial role awareness played in the prevention of the dreaded disease. He said, “Cancer has become a major public health challenge all over the world due to fast-changing lifestyles, unhealthy habits and limited awareness.” He added that early detection, timely diagnosis and the adoption of a healthy lifestyle could prevent a large number of cancer cases.

He said, “India reports nearly eight lakh new cases and 5.5 lakh deaths each year, and nearly 20 per cent of the total deaths in the country are related to cancer. Over 70 per cent to 80 per cent of cancer cases in India are detected at a late stage, mainly because of the lack of treatment and patients often ignoring early symptoms.”

Dr Rana blamed the consumption of tobacco, pan masala and alcohol as the major risk factors responsible for increasing cancer cases. He also listed obesity, fried and high-fat foods, junk food and the lack of physical activities as reasons for the rise in cancer cases. Genetic and family history also played an important role in cancer.

Dr Rana emphasised the importance of timely diagnosis and said, “If cancer is detected at an early stage, the chances of successful treatment increase significantly.” He recommended regular health check-up, awareness about early symptoms, breast and cervical screening for women, prostate evaluation for men, and lung assessment for smokers. He also demonstrated an eight-step oral cancer self-examination, particularly beneficial for tobacco users.