“North-eastern states are less polluted compared to other metropolitan cities and regions of the country. Yet, it baffles the oncologists that most number of cancer cases is registered here. Every year, 40,000 new cases of cancer come up. In Assam, 130 cancer cases per 1 lakh population are reported, while in Cachar, it is 125 per 1 lakh. According to the NCRP data, tobacco alone accounts for cancer in 40% in men and 20% in women. It is most unfortunate that cancer in 70% cases is detected in the final stages and thus it becomes impossible to cure the patient,” said Dr Rajeev Kumar, oncologist, scientist, Dr S Krishnamurti Centre for Research and Education in Cancer, Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, who is addressing the audience as guest speaker at Gurucharan College auditorium on the occasion of National Science Day today.
Dr Kumar delineated the impact of biomarker in translational cancer research and enlightened the audiences on the various aspects of the deadly disease. “In males, lung cancer is the commonest while in females breast cancer. It is apprehended by researchers and oncologists that by 2025, 2 crore cancer cases will be reported in the country. The basic cause of cancer is imbalance between cell division and cell death. It is pity that our won tissue, organ, cell becomes our enemy. We die within, not from without,” he added to say.
On an advisory note Dr Kumar said, “We should abstain from consuming alcohol, tobacco, areca nuts, smoked meat and red meat. However, correct reason behind the origin of the disease is not known, yet, persons consuming such products have been often diagnosed with cancer. Cancer can be genetic, hereditary and familial in nature. Even normal cells may become cancer cells. Unless detected at an early stage, it usually leads to death.” Dr Kumar further said in addition to early detection, patients should also comply with and take medicines on time so that they can be cured.
“There are various modes of diagnosis of cancer, endoscopy, biopsy and the like. There are four options for treating the disease, surgery, immunotherapy, radiation and chemotherapy. Certain guidelines have been set by the National Cancer Care Network which is religiously followed by all oncologists all over the world. Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Silchar, is a proud active member of the National Cancer Grid which is based in India,” added Dr Rajeev Kumar. He also said that the best cure in case of advanced cancer is supportive cure. “To make the departing a dignified and enhance the quality of life, this cure is best, though the patient cannot cure from advanced stage,” said Dr Kumar.
Dr Rajeev Kumar said, “Any lump in the mammary glands, any discharge, unexplained weight loss and change in bowel pattern should be reported to the doctors.” Speaking as the chief-guest on the occasion, Dr Sourindra Kumar Bhattacharjee, president, students’ governing body said, “It is essential to organize such seminars and observe such important days in order to develop scientific temperament among the students. Cancer discriminates none. It will not leave anybody once it affects the body.” Among others present on the occasion included, Dr Bibash Deb, principal, Dr Shankar Prasad Bhattacharjee, former principal and head, Department of Zoology, Dr Baby Singha, head, Department of Zoology of Gurucharan College and Dr Raj Pradeep Chakraborty, AGM, BSNL, engineer, citizen scientist and an authority on the peopling of South Asia.