Eat fruits and veggies to minimise cancer risk: Doctors
Kolkata: To support the objective of World Cancer Day, which is observed on February 4, city-based doctors raised concerns on creating awareness on the risk factors, which are leading to the rise in the number of cancer patients across the world. According to doctors, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers have the highest incidence and are the second leading cause of death after lung cancer. In such cancers, certain cells within the gastrointestinal tract grow in an uncontrolled and abnormal manner. The gastrointestinal tract consists of three organs — the liver, gallbladder and pancreas. GI cancers can occur anywhere along the tube that includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum and anus.
A city doctor said some of the complications in cancer could be life-threatening. If a person is suffering from weight loss, appetite loss followed by jaundice then necessary steps need to be taken immediately as many patients mistake such symptoms as medical jaundice and try to self-treat themselves with over-the-counter drugs, he said. Doctors have suggested a balanced diet to avoid the risk of cancers. A diet rich in fruits and vegetables, low in animal fats, with a low sodium intake, may reduce risks of some types of gastrointestinal cancer. A well-balanced diet can reduce obesity, a common risk factor for many types of cancers.
Dr Sumit Gulati, consulting doctor of the department of gastroenterology sciences of a city hospital, said: "Lack of awareness about gastrointestinal cancers in India often leads to late detection. Generally, cancer is diagnosed when the patient is in the late stage of the disease therefore reducing the chances of survival. Dismissal of symptoms as trivial matters and unwillingness to consult a physician often turns fatal. Do not lose hope, now there is treatment for most cancers."
Gulati further said: "Acidity and stomach pain at regular intervals are key indicators of tumor. Ideally one should consult a physician immediately and go for a thorough check-up. Maintain a normal body-weight. Obesity indirectly may lead to cancer."
Dr Jyotirup Goswami, consultant radiation oncologist in the city, said: "Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer in females in India and also in Bengal. Unfortunately, there is no organised cancer screening programme in India and cervical cancer vaccination is not yet included in the universal immunisation schedule. Early detection is hampered by socio-economic factors."
