Staff Reporter

Margao

A surgical oncologist, associated with the Victor Hospital, Dr. Avinash Anand, on Wednesday, said the cancer cases are increasing on an average of 200 a year in the state of Goa, and most of them are gastrointestinal (GI) in nature. And, therefore, the Victor Hospital at Malbhatt-Margao decided to launch a cancer care centre, to provide specialised and timely intervention to help revolutionise cancer treatment in the State.

Addressing the media, on the occasion of the launching of the cancer care centre of Victor Hospital, a team of doctors, specialised in specific type of cancers – including Dr. Arshad Shah, Dr. Rajesh Jevherani, Dr. Robert D. Costa, and Dr. Avinash Anand said the Victor Hospital provides state-of-the-art diagnostic with multidisciplinary approach and added that the cancer care centre is committed to delivering exceptional care and support to the patients, rich and poor.

“In Goa, we have seen more GI cancer cases. Every year, on an average 200 cancer cases increase in Goa. Last year, the number was 1200,” informed Dr. Anand and further added that most of the time people do not go to the doctor at the right time.

“I feel cancer cases are increasing mainly because of the western lifestyle practices in Goa. Lot of people eat outside, which is mostly contaminated. The meat that we eat contains a lot of preservatives and that often contributes to obesity. Cholesterol is the major factor for cancer. In one line, it all depends on your lifestyle. Change your lifestyle to prevent cancer,’’ he added.

Victor Hospital is an empanelled health care provider under the DDSSY.

Dr. Anand also said that the biopsy can also help in clearing the cancer doubt of many people.