The incidence of cancer worldwide is increasing owing to ageing populations, lifestyle changes and environmental factors. However, 40% cancers can be prevented with lifestyle modifications, avoiding risk factors and vaccination, and early detection can cure 50% of the cases, said Murali Krishna Voonna, MD of Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital (MGCHRI).
The World Cancer Day, instituted by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), is observed on February 4 and serves as a unifying global initiative to spread awareness and inspire positive action from governments and individuals around the world in the fight against cancer.
Dr. Murali Krishna said that modifiable factors such as quitting smoking, abstaining from alcohol, having a good diet, avoiding junk food and HPV vaccination (for cervical cancer) can prevent the disease from developing. “The target in these cases should be ‘prevention’. In other cases, the onus should be on early detection, which can help cure 50% of the cases,” he added.
The Government of India spent ₹1 lakh crore a year in the form of subsidies for cancer treatment. The revenue from tobacco was a mere ₹18,000 crore. Even if tobacco farmers and all other stakeholders were rehabilitated to other sectors, the savings would be much more than the revenue through tobacco sales, he said.
“Though there are laws such as the Control of Tobacco Products Act [COTPA] to minimise the use of tobacco products, they are hardly implemented. If a person starts smoking in adolescence, he/she would lose 15 years of his/her life. About 95% cancers can be cured, if they are detected in the first stage. Regular screening can go a long way in early detection,” he said and underlined the need for government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and Aarogyasri to cover diagnosis as well.
He said that budget allocation for health in India was much lesser than that in smaller nations such as Nepal and Thailand. Private hospitals in India were investing heavily on import of expensive medical equipment. They were being forced to shell out an additional 30% towards payment of GST. These hospitals were seeking GST exemption on import of medical equipment.
“As high as 70% of cancer deaths are occurring in low and middle-income countries while 30% are occurring in advanced nations. To reduce inequities, prevention, early detection, availability of infrastructure, manpower and palliative care facilities are required,” says Dr. Murali Krishna.
The MGCHRI on Sunday (February 2) organised a walkathon on the Beach Road to spread awareness on cancer among the general public, ahead of the World Cancer Day.
Published – February 02, 2025 07:08 pm IST