One in eight women has risk of developing cancer
Dr V. Shanta, chairperson of Cancer Institute, addresses Cancer Survivors Conclave in the city on Saturday. Dean Dr T.G. Sagar is also seen. (Photo: DC)
Chennai: Cancer affects more women than men. While the incidence of cancer in Tamil Nadu is 136 women per one lakh population, it’s 100 for men, said Dr V. Shanta, chairperson of Cancer Institute (WIA).
Speaking at the Cancer Survivors Conclave, held at Cancer Institute on Saturday, Dr Shanta said more number of women were affected because of an increase in breast and cervical cancers. One in eight women have the cumulative risk of developing cancer and in case of men, it's one in nine.
“In 1981, the incidence was 60 or 70 per 1 lakh population and is now annually growing by about 1 per cent. Smoking among men has increased, thus pushing lung cancer from No. 5 in the top list of cancers in men to the No. 1 place. Almost 40 per cent of cancer in men are tobacco-related and the government should stop giving incentives to farmers who are growing tobacco,” said the chairperson.
She added that a recent study showed that chewing tobacco has reduced among women. From early detection, the focus is now on cancer prevention.
“There’s normal life after cancer and who said cancer is not curable? The conclave sees survivors get together along with their dear ones who have gone through the journey with cancer, those who are diagnosed or undergoing treatment for cancer. The major challenge we face is the stigma that cancer carries and we have to dispel myths associated with it,” she said.
( Source : dc correspondent )
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