Regular exercise, cutting down on food intake can lower chances of cancer

Hyderabad:Prof. Patrick Tan, executive director of Singapore-based Precision Health Research, said changing our lifestyle is the least expensive way to minimise the risk of getting cancer.

His work in integrating genomics with clinical care has helped in making healthcare more predictive, personalised, and precise. His research has led to discoveries in cancer biology, especially in gastrointestinal cancers, and the identification of novel biomarkers for targeted therapies.

Prof. Tan, who was presented with the Genome Valley Excellence Award this year for his contributions to precision medicine, cancer genomics, and population health research at BioAsia, spoke with Deccan Chronicle about the prevention of cancer, early diagnosis and treatment.

Excerpts:

Q. What is the future of cancer treatment?

More artificial intelligence will be used to enhance efficiency. In days to come, there will be a need-to-tailor treatment according to the genetic makeup of the tumour. Cancer treatment is not just about the cancer cells that have to be dealt with. There are other types of cells like immune cells, whose role is complex as they can prevent or promote cancer. Focus is not on just attacking the cancer cells. We want to use genetics as a starting point to tailor cancer therapy.

Q. How wide is cancer prevalence?

Cancer prevalence is a worldwide phenomenon. Now we see a lot of emphasis on strategies for early cancer detection. People should go for screening early. If not avoiding cancer, at least the impact can be minimised by doing certain things. Yes, smoking, drinking are the common culprits. The treatment chances improve with early detection. There is a need for a wider public education on health.

Q. How can we control the spread of cancer?

Change in lifestyle is key. It is the least expensive, which is in our control. Everybody should include exercise in their routine. Cutting down on the food intake is an important step. This is the simplest thing to do but is also the hardest one to do.

Q. Are wearables helpful in healthcare?

The wearables give a snapshot view of various health parameters over a long period. Use of technology will give insights that sometimes miss even a trained eye. You will be able to know more about personal health. Based on that, you may even see a new doctor. So, I think some of the new digital technologies may be used. The wearables give vital insights about health. They should be addressed. Being fit is important for family as well. If you are sick you cannot go to work, you cannot bring an income for your family. Also, there will be a need to eat healthy food and it is important that the prices are kept affordable. It takes some government support.

Q. What role AI could play in cancer treatment?

AI could make healthcare delivery more efficient. The AI’s insights can go into a medical record and the doctor will be in a position to spend more time giving the treatment and not understanding the conditions. At the company level, AI will aid in developing new drugs faster or more effectively. This will make healthcare delivery more efficient. The costs of new technology for treatment are higher in the initial days but will come down as the technology matures.