Cancer Awarness
A greater level of awareness is needed among women on cervical and breast cancer and especially the need for early detection of these, Head of the Department of Gynaecology, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology and Research, Bangalore, U.D. Bafna, said here recently.Delivering the Sri R. Muthuswamy Naidu Memorial Oration organised by Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology and Research (SRIOR), Dr. Bafna stressed the need for screening as an effective method of early detection.This could provide for effective treatment, especially enabling patients avoid radiation therapy.For instance, a simple pap smear test could help detect cancer of the cervix. If detected at such an asymptomatic stage, the entire treatment could be done with just the removal of the uterus. But, only screening camps and good public response to these could enable effective treatment, even surgical removal, at an early stage.
Dr. Bafna also spoke on the recent advances made in screening for the detection of human papilloma virus and also combining chemotherapy and radiation therapy (called concurrent chemo-radio therapy).Director of the SRIOR P. Guhan said that according to the Cancer Registry of India, cancer of the cervix accounted for the highest number of cancer cases in rural areas and breast cancer in the urban areas. Poor vaginal hygiene was among the reasons for cervical cancer. Awareness on personal hygiene should be generated.
Out of 84,000 women screened at camps conducted by the institute from September 2005 till now, about 10 per cent of them had dyplasia – a pre-cancerous condition. Apart from repeated pap smear tests or surveillance to monitor their condition or hysterectomy (removal of uterus) could be done to remove the cancer-affected area and thereby help the patients avoid radiation therapy.
