Penned By Board Member, Alo Pal
When Dr. Sangavi asked the women, gathered at the Sharana Social Centre on Friday 20th, if they knew the causes of cancer, most women included passive smoking, which was a welcome sign of awareness apart from the known factors of alcohol and smoking/tobacco. This Cancer Awareness workshop was conducted by the Puducherry Cancer Hospital and Research Centre. The doctors present were Dr. Sangavi and Dr. Bharathi Ram.
Dr. Sangavi giving the awareness
Most knew of the amount of food coloring and additives used in cooking, but the fact that many of these agents were carcinogenic was telling. Sedentary lifestyles and obesity (252 million in India) were also included among the causes – crucial as, since economic liberalization in the 1990s and the general increase in income, India has drastically reduced communicable diseases but has seen a sharp rise in non-communicable diseases, essentially induced by bad lifestyle choices. Metabolic syndrome figured as a risk factor for almost all the types discussed.
Genetics and hereditary factors were also discussed, and the main focus was breast, cervical, endometrial, and ovarian cancers. The women understood that cervical cancer, caused by the HPV virus, is carried and transmitted by men and could result in cervical cancer in women. Thus, a tacit cautionary advice on promiscuous sexual activity was conveyed, including that of men. HPV vaccine availability and eligibility were also conveyed. Signs and symptoms for the other types were also conveyed.
Age and increasing risk factors, screening, self-examination, mammograms, vigilance, symptom description, and timely consultation and intervention were stressed upon. Lastly, an idea was given of the treatments available and the extent used depending on stage and type. They included surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunology.
After the presentation, conducted in a participative Q&A format, all 131 participants underwent self-examination and a general check-up of routine BP and blood sugar. Of these, 6 candidates were asked to go for further testing. One of the ladies who was screened and diagnosed with cancer and is under treatment from an earlier screening was also examined. A five-year-old boy, whose sister is currently being treated for cancer, was recommended further testing.
Blood Sugar testing
BP testing
The participants received a lot of information; an assessment of comprehension and retention will be conducted in a women’s meeting shortly. This Cancer Awareness workshop is an annual event at Sharana.
Much stress, fear, suffering, and expense can be prevented with knowledge, vigilance, and healthy lifestyle alterations.
