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Early detection key for fighting cancer: Experts

Experts said that cancers like colorectal cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer are increasingly affecting younger people, making awareness and screening more critical than ever

Hyderabad: Early detection is key to saving lives from cancer, but stigma and lack of awareness often stand in the way — that was the core message at a cancer awareness event organised by the Centre for DNA Fingerprinting and Diagnostics (CDFD) here, marking the 26th World Cancer Day on Tuesday. Experts, survivors and health workers came together to discuss the worrying rise of cancer cases, particularly among adults under 50 and stressed the need for regular screening.

The event, jointly organised by CDFD and Swastava Cancer Care, included a seminar followed by a cancer awareness walk. ASHA workers, students, scientists, doctors and state health officials participated in the discussions. Experts said that cancers like colorectal cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer are increasingly affecting younger people, making awareness and screening more critical than ever.

One of the most powerful moments of the event came when cancer survivor Dr V. Chaturvedi, CEO and founder of Swastava Cancer Care, who battled colorectal cancer, spoke. “Cancer is not the end of life, but a fight that makes you stronger,” he told the audience, urging people to focus on early detection and timely treatment.

Another survivor, Lalitha Dhara, who overcame bilateral breast cancer, made an emotional appeal to ASHA workers to encourage women to conduct self-examinations. “Early detection is everything,” she said.

Dr Raghunadharao Digumarti, professor of medical oncology at MNJ Institute of Oncology, spoke about the importance of catching cancer in its early stages. “Screening is the most effective tool we have. The later cancer is diagnosed, the harder it is to treat,” he explained.

His wife, Dr Leela Digumarti, a consultant gynaecological oncologist, shared her experiences working with cancer patients and emphasised the need to look out for early warning signs.

CDFD director Prof. Ullas Kolthur-Seetharam and Dr Ramesh Yelagandula, a staff scientist at CDFD, stressed the scientific work being done in cancer research, particularly on early-onset colorectal cancer. The Laboratory of Molecular Oncology at CDFD completed 25 years this year—coinciding with the 25th anniversary of World Cancer Day, which was established by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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