Ishtayaq Rasool
In life , humankind have an enormous challenges, one among is the dreadful so called Cancer, which is a leading cause of mortality and morbidity in the world, even an increasing issue which always remains spotlight to the news every time. Alas! It takes thousands of loved ones from their families every year.
In an alarming scenario where world is facing an epidemic of cancer constantly and it is believed to get worse for next generation.
“Cancer is defined as; a group of diseases involving abnormal cell growth with the potential to invade or spread to other parts of the body. These contrast with benign tumours, which do not spread to other parts of the body. Possible signs and symptoms include a lump, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss and a change in while these symptoms may indicate cancer, they may have other causes.”
Tobacco is one of the major risk factor for majority of cancers and is probably leading to increase in the number of patients. Poor personal hygiene, unsanitary living conditions and low immunity are related with few cancers like cancer of cervix. “The consumption of adulterated food, fruits and vegetables laden with pesticides and environmental pollutions are also a major risk factor also various cancers like breast and colon are increasing due to change in lifestyle, late age at first child birth, obesity, fatty diet lower in fiber, increase consumption of red meat and sedentary contribution to it,”
In India, cancer is the second most fatal disease, causes about 0.3 million deaths a year: here, 806000 cases existed at the end of the last century. According to International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) 2018 report, “India has total number of new cancer cases at 11,57,294 — a 15.7 per cent increase in all cancer cases between 2012 and 2018. However, breast cancer remained the most prevalent form of cancer in India — with a 10 per cent increase — while cases of the second-most prevalent form, the lip and oral cavity, saw an alarming rise of 114.2 per cent in the six-year period.” But unfortunately the latest technologies towards cancer treatment, lack of access remains a challenge.
Moreover, Kashmir has been traditionally considered to be an endemic cancer zone with peculiar cancer profile. However has witnessed an average of 87% rise in cancer cases during the last 7 years. Astonishingly valley oncologists caution that cancer has become the number one killer disease and that there’s a need for more, and better, cancer awareness, and latest treatment facilities to ease the suffering of rising cancer patients in the valley. Cancer is a life-threatening disease which is difficult to treat and cure. Patients with advanced cancers suffer a lot not just due to cancer progression but also because they may have poor health due to co-existing diseases, and side effects of cancer treatment, which are physical (often pain), psychosocial and emotional.
Also, money is the main problem with most of the people who suffer from cancer. In terms of money, the average cost of treatment is about Rs. 3-5 lakh, however, the government’s Ayushman Bharat Scheme is a game changer where cancer patients can get up to Rs. 5 lack of free treatment per year, provided they meet the criteria with availability of several treatments such as Pet scan , surgery, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy a new approach to treatment.
Today is the World Cancer day an International day observed on 4 Feb all over the world! This year, the Union for International Cancer Control has organised a new 3-year campaign with the theme ‘I Am and I Will.’ to support the goals of the World Cancer declaration to raise awareness about cancer and educate, inform the people by various ways to fight against it like as; early screening, detection, treatment, precautions , healthy diet, physical activities are some of initiatives which are taking via media, festivals, seminars, walks and various campaigns in ground level and taking globally as well. Thus, a day observed by collective effort towards making more and more people aware of the disease that could happen to anyone.
But still disparities are such as lack of awareness, expensive medicines, no financial support and proper counselling are surely road block that need to be crossed so that we can look towards minimizing cancer.
Therefore, we should emphasise on the importance of healthy and balanced food, sports and recreation to de-stress mind and body and live a healthy life.
Nevertheless, Healthy lifestyle, balanced diet, weight management along with avoidance from smoking and alcohol can definitely reduce the risk of the occurrence of the cancer globally.
Author is pursuing B.A Journalism degree from Kashmir University.