Early detection of cancer among patients important

Pune: Early detection of cancer among patients is important as is the need to create awareness about the disease by educating people, according to President Pratibha Patil.

"Cancer is regarded as the sixth major reason for death in our country. Two-thirds of cancer patients suffer complications because of late detection of the disease," she said at the inauguration of a cancer research centre at Wagholi near here Sunday night.

Patil said tobacco consumption in the country was high and should be discouraged as it was found linked with incidences of cancer.

She said the option of an integrated therapy should be explored by experts in different branches of medicine to find cure and offer relief to the patients, lessening their suffering.

A support structure should be formed to inculcate positive thinking among the cancer patients, she added.