Cancer doesn’t spare anyone; awareness, lifestyle changes, early detection can help: World Cancer Day observed at SKIMS

Srinagar: Sher-e-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) on Thursday observed World Cancer Day at the auditorium of the institute.

On the occasion, a program was organized in which experts deliberated on various topics of importance about prevalence, detection, awareness and treatment of various types of cancers.

While giving a comprehensive overview of various cancers prevalent in Jammu and Kashmir, the experts advocated various preventives measures including early screening, lifestyle modifications, healthy dietary habits, etc to contain the disease which is spreading at an alarming rate and is the leading cause of death.

They also emphasized upon wider community participation to raise awareness and to encourage prevention, detection and treatment of the disease. The experts also discussed treatment modalities available for patients at SKIMS, which is the main centre in J&K for providing specialized treatment to cancer patients. The experts included Prof. Nazir A Khan, Dr Mir Hussain, Dr Shah Naveed and Dr Reshma Roshan.

Director SKIMS Dr A G Ahangar, while appreciating the services by all the cancer specialists and the supportive services staff involved in the combat of cancer at SKIMS, emphasised the role of both preventive and curative strategies adopted by the institute in the combat against cancer.

He expressed his strong belief that one day cancer will be conquered the way other pandemics like COVID-19 have been dealt with.

He said cancer does not spare anyone irrespective of age, gender, status, etc and stressed on the fact that the human beings have gone beyond a simple physically active lifestyle and good dietary habits to a lifestyle which is rapidly changing in an atmosphere of industrial and machinery-driven physically less active lifestyle in a polluted environment that has increased the tendency for developing cancers of various types over a period of time.

He stressed the need for changing lifestyles, early detection and diagnosis of cancers the same way as has been done for diabetes, hypertension, coronary artery diseases and other such major illnesses.

He also emphasised upon the need for increasing awareness and preventive strategies for the combat against cancer including cessation of smoking, alcohol consumption, chewing of tobacco substances and lifestyle modifications.

Moreover, he said, self-examination, attention to any early signs like detection of a lump or a swelling anywhere in the body, unexplained bleeding or unusual discharge from any site in the body, loss of appetite or loss of weight, difficulty in swallowing or a recent change in bowel habits or change in voice.

“Regular screening tests of self and family members and consultations of the experts in the field could prevent, detect, treat and cure the cancers exactly in the same way as we have fought various metabolic disorders, pandemics of viral pathologies and of late Corona pandemic,” Dr Ahangar said, concluding that “We Can and I Can defeat Cancer” — the theme of this World Cancer Day.

On the occasion, a panel discussion on “Improving Cancer [treatment] at SKIMS”, moderated by Dr Syed Nisar, Assistant Prof. Medical Oncology, was also held in which various experts from SKIMS participated. Painting & quiz competition for pediatric warriors was also conducted in which children suffering from cancer participated who were later felicitated.

Prof. Gul Mohammad, HOD Medical Oncology, while inaugurating the program gave a detailed account of cancer treatment and management facilities available at SKIMS. Some cancer survivors also shared their experiences on the occasion. Later, Dr Faisal Guru, Pediatric Oncologist at SKIMS, concluded the program with a vote of thanks. (KNO)