There is no cancer register in Uttarakhand to keep a watch on the number of patients but it is certain that the incidence of gall bladder cancer in the State is more than the normal prevalence.
The Consultant Surgical oncology Max hospital, Dr Akash N Gaind made this disclosure while interacting with the media persons on eve of World Cancer day on Wednesday.
He said that the Uttarakhand is fast experiencing the burden of Cancer and Dehradun is experiencing high incidence of ovarian, cervical, colon, breast, lung cancers and Gynecological cancers like cervix, ovary and endometrium.
“On the World cancer day (February 04) the volunteers of Max Hospital will meet people on the city roads and request them to take an oath against smoking and uses of tobacco products. Also about 10000 students in 15 educational institutes would be approached for the mass pledge against smoking, in their morning assembly’’, he said.
The Consultant - Medical Oncology, Dr Vimal Pandita said, “Surviving cancer and living with it, is a fight in itself. Since the inception of the Department of Oncology at Max Hospital, there is exponential rise of number of patients with cancer, each month. Currently the department is catering to around 200 patients a month including new cases and follow up of cancer survivors.”
He added that most of these patients approach doctors at a very critical stage which further toughens the treatment and cure process and the chances of surviving a cancer is much higher if patient presents in early stages I and II.