ALLAHABAD:
Cancer is fast emerging as a major health concern and as per the Geneva Cancer Report 2003, the global cancer rates could increase by 50% to 15 million by 2020. These views were expressed by oncologist Dr
Radha Rani Ghosh.
She was speaking at a seminar 'Evolving trends in cancer treatment', organised by the
Allahabad Medical Association (AMA), on Sunday to mark the the World Cancer Day. The meeting was inaugurated by
AMA president Dr Anil Shukla while the chief guest was
Padma Shri Dr B Paul Thaliath.
In the year 2000, cancer was responsible for 12% of the nearly 56 million deaths worldwide from all causes. In year 2000, 5.3 million men and 4.7 million women developed a malignant tumour and 6.2 million died from the disease, she said.
In India, seven-nine lakhs new cancer cases are diagnosed (per year) of which 4.4 lakhs would die due to the disease. At any point of time, there are about 25 lakhs prevalent cancer cases in India.
The expert oncologist talked about the modern treatment facilities that are available in Allahabad for cancer patients. "Today cancer treatment has come a long way due to improved diagnostic facility, both pathological and radiological. Screening techniques have improved immensely leading to early diagnosis," she said.
