‘Early’ diagnosis helps cancer treatment

Dr Suresh Chandra Dutt, a prominent oncologist from Kerala, will speak in a cancer awareness meeting today at Hamza bin Muthalib Independent School, Bin Mahmoud, at 6.30pm. The event is organised by South Kerala Islamic Association (SKIA Qatar).

Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Dr Dutt said eating out daily and consuming water from plastic bottles exposed to extreme heat or cold could cause serious health problems, some of which can lead to cancers. The former director of Malabar Cancer Centre in Thalassery said atmospheric pollution, extensive use of pesticides and smoking are among the factors causing a steady rise in the number of cancer patients in Kerala.

About 55% to 60% of patients realise the gravity of the situation only in the final stages of the dreaded disease. “Even if the best treatment is provided, the chance of survival of such patients is very limited,” he said. The oncologist said it would be good for women over 35 to undergo screening for uterine and breast cancer and men above 45 for prostate specific antigen blood test every year.

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Mohamed Qutab Babu, the chief patron of the forum’s cancer awareness campaign, said between 1991 and 2006, out of the 5,300-odd patients treated for cancer at the Hamad Medical Corporation, more than 64% were expatriates. Among them 56.7% were males.

While most male patients were diagnosed with lung cancer, the majority of the women patients were treated for breast cancer. SKIA Qatar patron Abdul Salam, campaign organisers P N Baburajan and K P Noorudheen and general convenor Abdul Jaleel also spoke.

source: Gulf Times