Health Dept vows to protect youth from deleterious effects of ‘modern’ lifestyles
The medical fraternity has vowed to sensitise the masses about causes and consequences of the spread of various types of cancers with special focus on the need for protecting children and youth from falling prey to effects of carcinogens and the incessant westernisation of lifestyles.
An oath was taken in response to calls made by the authorities at the Health Department led by Ahmedgarh SMO Dr Jyoti Kapoor during events held in the region to observe World Cancer Day.
Appreciating the enthusiasts’ and healthcare personnel concern at government and private organisations, besides office-bearers of social organisations towards transformation of the theme of the World Cancer Day ‘United by Unique’ into reality, Dr Jyoti said several outfits had come forward to associate with a crusade launched by the administration against cancer.
“We have roped in volunteers from various sections of society to avail the free facilities at the Government Health and Wellness Centres to get target groups screened for oral, breast and cervical cancer, three of the most prevalent types of malignancies,” Dr Jyoti said, maintaining that the state was working on minimising cases of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs).
Dr Jyoti said the Health Department had organised meetings, workshops and seminars to spread awareness about the causes and consequences of the late detection of symptoms of various kinds of cancer among sensitive groups.Office-bearers and activists of various social, educational and medical institutes were roped in to involve the maximum number of residents in the movement launched to take proactive measures to minimise spread of the dreaded disease.
Speakers, including Social Welfare Organisation president Dr Sunit Hind, dental surgeon Dr Girish Singla, Dr Rajiv Sood, Rotary Club president Bipan Sethi and RC Dynamic president Munish Dhand, said that this time around the occasion was being used to highlight symptoms that should not be neglected.Consistent cough or blood in saliva, unexplained anaemia, unexplained weight loss, breast lumps, urination change, change in bowel habits including continuous diarrhoea and blood in stool were cited as some symptoms to watch out for.
Medical experts advocated for the necessity of frequent appropriate screening for early detection as there was a lack of highly specific symptoms for the condition. Speakers claimed that many cancer cases were preventable by following the universal code on cancer control and prevention protocol. Healthy weight, a balanced diet, regular physical activity, protection from UV radiation, abstinence from narcotics and regular check-ups were cited as the main preventive measures against the menace of malignancy.
