Coping with Cancer
INDIA TODAY’S story on cancer came as a bone-chilling wake-up call (“Cancer Country”, February 10). It is indeed scary that a disease, whose cause remains largely unknown, could become India’s deadliest ailment by 2020. However, being a cancer survivor myself, there are certain things I would like to emphasise upon. Early detection can save many lives; so one can’t overemphasise the need for closely monitoring any physical symptom. Secondly, once malignancy is detected, one must not delay surgery and/or treatment. Finally, there is absolutely no need to panic; Indian hospitals have the finest surgeons and oncologists as well as A-grade detection equipment. There are also several voluntary societies working on dissemination of information.
KRISHAN KALRA, via email According to a World Health Organization report, cancer mortality is shockingly growing in India by 11 per cent annually and the illness has become synonymous with death today. This is apparently because in most cases, cancer happens insidiously with its symptoms being not so pronounced in the early stages when complete cure could be possible with the right treatment. Being a silent killer, it invariably claims its victims because afflicted patients seek treatment when it is too late. As cancer has struck deep roots in India, oncology should be developed in a big way in the country and cancer centres should be set up to curb further proliferation of the disease.
NALINI VIJAYARAGHAVAN,
Thiruvananthapuram The cover story on cancer is both timely and relevant for our country which has a young population and a growing economy. The majority of the causes cited by the magazine, like smoking and diet, can be controlled through awareness and education. On the other hand, more affordable cancer hospitals need
to be set up with public-private partnership. The country can ill-afford to let our young population of today die a painful death tomorrow. The beginning has to be made today and I congratulate INDIA TODAY for spreading awareness.
KANAK NAMBIAR, Navi Mumbai