AWARENESS at a click

“Diagnosis of cancer doesn’t mean a death sentence,” says oncologist Dr P Guhan. Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology & Research (SRIOR), of which he is a director has launched an exclusive channel on YouTube called Cancer Awareness SRIOR. The channel offers information not just on early detection of the disease but also about the scope of prevention. “When detected early, the success rate of treatment is better. When the number of survivors increases, it boosts the morale of the common man and reassures him that ‘cancer is incurable’ is a myth and that it is indeed curable. It is possible to get rid of the disease and live with an excellent quality of life,” he says confidently.

The bilingual channel (English and Tamil) features awareness videos, motivational films on survivors, and talks by experts. “Awareness is the key. Every year, the number of cases in India are rising. According to a WHO prediction, cancer will be a leading cause of death in 2020. We need to tell people that certain cancers can be prevented by changing one’s lifestyle. Take tobacco, for example. More than 14-15 types of cancers are caused by it. Every year 10 lakh men and women in India are detected with cancer; 25 to 30 lakh live with cancer, of which five lakh die. About 50 per cent of such deaths can easily be prevented with an early detection.”

Dr Guhan says that YouTube is an easy way to reach out to youth who are hooked on to their mobile phones. “When they see visually for themselves what happens to their lungs when they consume tobacco, it makes them more aware. Even school students take to smoking and consuming tobacco products due to peer pressure. Smoking is a major factor that leads to infertility in men.”

The aim is to reduce incidence of cancer through an active social media presence. The channel has information on over 14 types of cancer that affects organs like the lungs, breasts, cervix, head and neck, prostrate glands, brain, stomach, colon, and pancreas. The videos talk about causes, signs, symptoms, early detection and screening and also the diagnostic tests, treatment options, and prevention. The section on motivational videos feature short films. For example, Penn highlights success stories of breast cancer and cervical cancer survivors, while Pugai discusses tobacco-related cancer survivors. Hope features personalities like Lance Armstrong (diagnosed with testicular cancer) and Lisa Ray (who suffers from multiple myeloma) talking about their stories. “If someone has a doubt on the side-effects of radiation or chemotherapy, they can refer to the videos where our surgical oncologists talk about it in detail. People can access the information on the move, stay aware and share it with family members and friends.”

Through the videos, Dr Guhan also requests the public not to give into fears and believe myths and instead come forward to an early screening. For example, breast cancer when detected early is completely curable. “In Coimbatore, 26 women in every 100,000 population are being diagnosed with breast cancer. An annual mammogram for women above 40 can help detect breast cancer early. When detected early, they need only surgery and no radiation or chemotherapy. They can easily get their life back on track.”

Lifestyle modifications, he says, has led to to an increase in the number of breast cancer cases. Late marriage and first child after 30 years, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, accumulation of body fat, and use of oral contraceptives, and family history are some of the common factors. Similarly, cases of cervical cancer can be diagnosed with a simple pap smear.

A healthy lifestyle is important, he stresses. “In our childhood, we grew up on south Indian food that packs a lot of fibre, whole grains and balanced nutrition. Now, there is craze for junk that looks attractive but has zero health. Food that is healthy need not always look attractive.”

Question of lifestyle

A nutritious, well-balanced diet can help. Go in for high-fibre diet that is low on fat and salt

Include green leafy vegetables, whole grains, fresh fruits and vegetables

Consume freshly cooked food rather than preserved or tinned foods

Reduce tobacco consumption. It remains the most important avoidable cancer risk

A physically active lifestyle makes a lot of difference. Make time for moderate exercises

Limit alcohol consumption

Early detection through screening, particularly for cervical and breast cancers, allow for prevention and successful cure

Useful links

To access the channel, visit srior on cancer awareness on YouTube

For E-books on cancer (English & Tamil) visit

https://play.google.com/books/reader?id=uvQADgAAQBAJ

https://play.google.com/books reader?id=uvQADgAAQBAJ&pg=GBS.PP1

To get exclusive information on breast cancer, go to www.bluetoothbreastcancer.com

Cancer helpline number : 95007-22889