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Delay Is Cancer's Killer: Screen Early!
24 Jul
Summary
- Many Indian cancer patients seek help late.
- Head and neck cancers form 30% of Indian cancers.
- Screening campaigns urge early symptom detection.
Seven out of 10 head and neck cancer patients in India are diagnosed at advanced stages, prompting urgent calls for early detection and screening. Experts are stressing the importance of routine screening, particularly for oral cancer, ahead of World Head and Neck Cancer Day on July 27. An awareness campaign, titled 'In Cancer, Delay Is the Real Killer,' has been launched to encourage prompt medical consultation upon symptom onset.
Head and neck cancers account for approximately 30% of all cancer cases in India, with tobacco use identified as the leading cause. While the BMC has initiated screening programs for oral, cervical, and breast cancer, broader public awareness is deemed necessary. Last year, the BMC screened nearly 300,000 individuals for oral cancer, identifying 3,000 potential cases and diagnosing 24 patients with the disease following biopsies.
Doctors emphasize that despite significant advancements in cancer treatment, timely diagnosis remains crucial for effective outcomes. Persistent symptoms such as mouth ulcers, neck lumps, swallowing difficulties, or voice changes should not be ignored as they may indicate early signs of head and neck cancers. The core message is to seek immediate medical attention if anything feels abnormal, as delaying diagnosis and treatment significantly worsens prognosis.
