India specialist apearheads A to Z cancer camp
Twenty per cent of all cancers are caused by smoking, says Surgical Oncologist Dr Senthil Kumar Ravichander.
Dr Kumar, the Lead Surgical Oncologist from MIOT International, India, is here in Fiji to spearhead the A to Z Cancer Camp which started on November 15 and will end on November 27.
If you think you have symptoms of cancer, or are anxious about getting a second opinion, or currently undergoing cancer treatment, you can benefit from this camp.
Who is he?
Dr Kumar is a well-qualified and immensely trained surgical oncologist. He has more than 10 years of experience with more than 2000 major cancer surgeries done successfully.
He is well trained in the management of all types of cancers like breast, gynaec, gastrointestinal, head and neck, bone, soft tissue tumors, urological and thoracic cancers.
“I urge those who smoke to quit as soon as possible and it has been proven beyond doubt that alcohol consumed in excess is also a reason for cancer so I would advise you to have it in moderation,” Dr Senthil said.
“Obesity which is excess weight, is also a preventable cause for cancer, especially in female’s breast cancer, uterus which is baby bag cancer, these things are commonly associated with obesity.
“If you are able to quit smoking, alcohol and can control your weight you are already safe from any of the cancer.
“The baby bag cancer is different from the cancer which arises from the mouth of the baby bag which is called the cervix. Cervix cancer and breast cancer are common in Fijian women.
“Any lump in the breast which you can feel for more than a month and more than 40-years-old you must go and meet your physician and get it checked.
“Women over 40 years must get their mammogram and pap smear done regularly. Pap smear is done once every three years.”
Alternative medicine
“People tend to fall into alternate medicine because they think it’s the cure but it is not true. Alternative medicine be it herbal medicine, Chinese herbs or whatever it may be, it will not work in cancer,” he said.
“People diagnosed with stage one cancer tend to take alternative medicines and they come back to us in stage three or four and it is too late to do anything.
“They miss the period of time where they can be cured of cancer by either surgery, chemotherapy or radiation.”
Booking
“Patients can call MIOT Pacific Medical on 9928692 or 8924812 for appointment which is located at 98 Amy Street, Suva, beside the Ministry of Health - Namosi House,” Dr Senthil said.
“The clinic opens from 8am to 4pm from Monday to Saturday and we expect to see more than 100 patients.
“We at MIOT International have the right combination of both as we have the expertise (35 member organ specific tumour board) and also the latest technology (to provide surgical, medical and radiation therapy) which is available across the globe. We have it so almost all the patients we are able to offer some or the other form of treatment.”
MIOT Pacific Medical is having Specialist Camps every month on various specialties such as Neuro, Oncology, Cardiology, Gynac, ENT and more.