Anirbaan Hritiq

The Government of India launched 'National Cancer Awareness Day', on the 7th of November 2014, as a flagship initiative to make people aware of the cancer screening process, eradication of stigmas related to cancer as a non-curable disease, and spread message against the cancer-causing lifestyle.

Cancer is undoubtedly one of the most dreadful diseases which not only causes irreparable damage physically to those who use it but also breaks people morally, psychologically and financially. Even those who are associated with the patients go through a very painful phase, seeing their loved ones suffer enormous misery caused by the disease itself and the treatment procedure.

Tobacco As The Primary Cause Of Cancer:

There are several types of cancer and it can develop in any part of the body. And among all, 'Oral' cancer is probably the most fatal and painful and can develop due to multiple reasons; the primary reason remains the same - Tobacco consumption. 

According to a report of the World Health Organisation (WHO), tobacco kills more than 8 million people annually, out of which around 1.2 million deaths are caused due to non-smokers being victims of passive smoking. In layman's terms, even being partially exposed to tobacco can lead to cancer and other dreadful health hazards.

In an interview with Odishatv.in, Dr Saroj Kumar Das, Senior Radiation Oncologist, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Berhampur, highlighted the primary causes of cancer in Odisha and said, “Oral cavity cancer is the most common form of cancer in Odisha which is equally present in both urban and rural regions, and occurs mostly due to consumption of tobacco related products such as pan masala, khaini, smoking cigarettes, hookah, bidi, etc.”

Dr. Saroj Kumar Das, M.D.Radiation Oncology, Clinical and Radiation OncologistDr. Saroj Kumar Das, M.D.Radiation Oncology, Clinical and Radiation Oncologist, MKCG Medical College and Hospital, Brahmapur, Odisha

He further added, “Another primary reason behind the growth of oral cancer is due to lack of awareness amongst the tobacco consumers regarding the hazards associated with it. People should unite and work together with the government and NGOs to promote cancer awareness and tobacco consumption by organising plays, door-to-door campaigns, awareness drives in educational institutions, etc. And, a chronic smoker needs to go for a screening process once a year, especially those who belong to the age group of 35-40 years.”

Glamorisation of Tobacco Consumption:

Today, youths have almost glamourised the consumption of tobacco and term it as a symbol of elites while their families go through traumatic experiences after the users get trapped in the claws of this dreadful disease.

Dr Chira Ranjan Khadanga, Head of the Department and Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, SUM Ultimate Medicare, said, “Products containing tobacco give no pleasure, and there are no reasons to glamourise the same. Tobacco contains more than 2000 harmful components such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons chronic consumption of which can cause great damage to our delicate tissues and develop into cancer.”

Dr Chira Ranjan Khadanga
Dr Chira Ranjan Khadanga, Head of the Department & Senior Consultant, Radiation Oncology, SUM Ultimate Medicare, Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Sharing a brief history of tobacco, Dr Khadanga said, “Tobacco consumption gained prominence after the foreign colonisation took place, immigrants from Portugal and Britain glorified tobacco smoking which was subsequently adopted by Indians who thought they will gain respect by doing so.”

Importance Of Support:

Meanwhile, both Dr Das and Dr Khadanga gave similar views when asked about the importance of showing compassion towards patients. 

Dr Das said, “A cancer patient needs care and support from family as well as the physicians who are treating them. It is extremely important to go for a counselling session for both a patient and his/her family members. The patient should be given both assurance and reassurance during the treatment procedure. The assurance should be in the form of support for the patient. They should also be reassured that everything will be alright after the treatment procedure.”

Meanwhile, Dr Khadanga said, “Having an empathetic approach towards a patient as well as understanding his/her limitations is extremely important. As a physician, I always try to ascertain the problems faced by the patients whether it is in terms of financial, psychological or societal aspects and give my best to resolve those.”

National Cancer Awareness Day Message by Doctors:

“It is highly important to control tobacco addictions, and have a healthy lifestyle while keeping your BMI (Body Mass Index) under control.”

Meanwhile, Dr Khadanga gave a slogan of 'Choose Life, Not Tobacco' and thanked media houses for not promoting tobacco products.

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