Screening is effective in prevention and early detection of cancer: Vijay Dhawangale

Mumbai (Maharashtra) : Every year, on February 4th, people all over the world come together for World Cancer Day to celebrate the ongoing struggle against cancer and to call for more action. Breast cancer, cervix cancer, and lip/oral cavity cancer are the top three most common cancers in India. They are a major public health concern because they are responsible for about 35% of all cancer cases in India. During a virtual conference held the day before World Cancer Day, Global Healthcare Advisor Vijay Dhawangale discussed the importance of screening for the early detection and prevention of breast, cervical, and oral cancers.

40% of the cancers in India can be prevented by avoiding tobacco use, 20% can be prevented by avoiding infections, and 10% can be prevented by avoiding other causes, according to a paper published by the National Library of Medicine. In India, alcohol consumption ranks as the second highest risk factor for gastrointestinal cancers. Vaccines exist for both human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B virus, the former of which is responsible for cervical cancer and the latter for liver cancer. On average, dietary factors and obesity may each account for about 20% of all cancers. Despite this, over 80% of patients with cancer who seek treatment at specialised centres are already in advanced stages when they arrive. As a result, according to Dhawangale, cancer prevention efforts need to be rapidly expanded to primary healthcare services and facilities.According to Vijay Dhawangale, there is a need to generate awareness among the general population and train healthcare professionals in diagnosing cancers at an earlier stage. This can only be achieved by integrating cancer care services in the primary healthcare system as it is usually the first point of contact of the diseased individual with the health system. Our experience with COVID-19 has shown us what we can do when we all unite against a common threat.

While addressing the members of the Global Association of Government Service Providers, he explained the common diagnosis for cancer such as

Physical Examination: Your doctor may feel areas of your body for lumps that may indicate cancer. During a physical exam, your doctor may look for abnormalities, such as changes in skin color or enlargement of an organ, that may indicate the presence of cancer.

Laboratory Tests: Laboratory tests, such as urine and blood tests, may help your doctor identify abnormalities that can be caused by cancer. For instance, in people with leukemia, a common blood test called complete blood count may reveal an unusual number or type of white blood cells.

Imaging Tests: Imaging tests allow your doctor to examine your bones and internal organs in a non-invasive way. Imaging tests used in diagnosing cancer may include a computerized tomography (CT) scan, bone scan, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), positron emission tomography (PET) scan, ultrasound, and X-ray, among others.

Biopsy: During a biopsy, your doctor collects a sample of cells for testing in the laboratory. There are several ways of collecting a sample. Which biopsy procedure is right for you depends on your type of cancer and its location. In most situations, a biopsy is the only way to definitively diagnose cancer.

Chronic infections commonly caused by viruses are estimated to cause approximately 16% of all cancers globally. Some of the most common forms of cancers such as liver, cervical and stomach cancers are associated with infections with the hepatitis B virus (HBV), the human papillomavirus (HPV), and the bacterium Helicobacter pylori virus (H, pylori), respectively. Today, there are safe and effective vaccines against HBV and HPV, which can help to protect against infection-related cancers of liver and cervical cancers.

Most of India’s population lives in rural areas, for effective cancer prevention, integration of cancer care services in the primary healthcare system is the most appropriate strategy in the Indian context. Not every type of cancer is preventable, but we do know we can prevent many cancers through lifestyle choices alone. According to the World Health Organization, at least one-third of common cancers are preventable through a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and being physically active. said, Vijay.

Who is Vijay Dhawangale

Vijay Dhawangale is a philanthropist, mentor, successful entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and global healthcare advisor. Passionate about giving back to his community and the world, he is active in many local and global organizations. His model of Preventive Diagnostics Programs around the world involves deeper strategies for local and state-level implementation. The initiative provides a package of essential diagnostic services free of cost across all public health facilities using innovative, low-cost technology. He is particularly vocal about access to quality healthcare for all.