The spurt in cancer cases reported in the state has made the disease a major public health concern. About 50,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year in Kerala of which almost 15,000 new patients come to the Regional Cancer Centre.
Cancer weakens the patient’s mind as well as the body. It affects the patient’s family too. It is also a social and economic crisis. Any comprehensive cancer care programme has to address these aspects.
The most important measure to fight cancer is to adopt a lifestyle that can resist the disease. The probability of contracting cancer can be reduced drastically if we shun tobacco, alcohol and fatty food. Include organically produced fruits and vegetables and high-fibre food such as grains in your diet and the likelihood of cancer is reduced. Daily exercise is another must.
Most cancers can be cured if detected at an early stage. Breast cancer and cervical cancer can be detected early if women conduct self-examination and go for other routine checks periodically. Frequent visits to a dentist will help detect signs of oral cancer.
If the disease is detected, the patient has to seek treatment at a hospital equipped with comprehensive care facilities. Consultation among various departments will benefit the cancer patients.
Cancer care involves the physical fight against the disease and the counseling to allay the fears of the patient and the family.
A cure is not always possible when a patient seeks treatment after the disease has reached an advanced stage. However, palliative care centres have come up everywhere to support the patient and raise the quality of his life. There is a limit to cure but care is limitless. ‘Care beyond cure’ is the cornerstone of palliative care. This is effective in reducing pain and alleviating other difficulties.
The government has implemented many schemes to help cancer patients receive treatment. Poor patients can receive treatment free of cost in Kerala. Treatment is free for children below 18 years. Sukrutham, Karunya Benevolent Fund, Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme (CHIS) Plus, Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi, Medical Assistance to the Poor, the Prime Minister’s Relief Fund and the Chief Minister’s Relief Fund are some of the financial assistance schemes available for cancer patients. All hospitals have the details of these schemes.
We would need long-term studies to draw a definitive correlation between pesticides and cancer. RCC has not conducted such a study. But we know for a fact that chemicals-laden food is injurious to health. We should cultivate a culture of growing our own vegetables at home.
(The writer is the director of the Regional Cancer Centre, Thiruvananthapuram)