Kerala - Kochi

Experts stress on early detection of cancer

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: Early detection of cancer is the best preventive step to fight the disease. Removal of a cancerous growth in the breast and analysis of the cells in the lymphatic system give an idea about the patient's chances of surviving, said V.P. Gangadharan, Oncologist at Lakeshore Hospital.

In fact, the slogan of early detection is making an impact, as there have been an increase in the number of women coming for checkups at an early stage, he said.

It will be reflected in an analysis done later on, he added.

Oncologists and oncology surgeons in the State deliberated on the topic `Cancer in Women — Quality beyond Cure,' a seminar organised by Lakeshore Hospital on Sunday.

Mammogram should be practised as a routine screening test for women above the age of 45 years for early dectection of cancer, said radiologist Alex Itteyavirah of Uthradam Tirunal Hospital, Thiruvananthapuram. The test should be done annually. Early detection of breast cancer can be treated without removing the whole breast, said surgeons Jojo V. of Carithas Hospital, Kottayam and Thomas Varghese of Lakeshore Hospital.

There is an increase in the incidence of breast cancers reported in the country, said oncologist T.K. Padmanabhan of the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences.

He said it was the most common cancer reported in developed countries.

It is likely that urbanisation is responsible for the increasing incidence of breast cancer in the State.

Chemotherapy and hormonal treatment form a major combination of treatment modalities for breast cancer, said oncologists Raghunatha Rao of Nizam's Hospital, S.G. Ramanan of Adayar Cancer Institute, P.S. Sreedharan and Narayanankutty of Calicut Medical College Hospital.

There are methods that can help preserve the unaffected part of the breast.

This is one of the methods practised to improve the quality of life of women with cancer. Bones can get affected by breast cancer cells too. In fact, it can cause severe bone pain.

Radiation treatment and drugs are given to lessen the pain, said Anil Kumar of Amala Cancer Institute.

Anaemia can also affect the quality of life and hence needs attention, Dr. Anil Kumar added

Chitra Thara of the Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences said that radical surgery is the first and foremost treatment for cancer in ovaries.

It has to be performed by a cancer surgeon well versed in oncology, she added.

Sreejith Nair from Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram, said that targeted chemotherapy was available to selectively kill the cancer cells.

It was also emphasised at the seminar that nurses have a vital role to play in caring for cancer patients.

Patients and family members have to be mentally prepared for the treatment procedures.

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