Topic Introduction: Cancer is a name given to a collection of different diseases. In all types of cancer, some of the body cells begin to divide rapidly and attack the surrounding tissue. 10 million people die from cancer each year. The common five leading sites are breast, lung, uterine, cervix, and tongue. Medicircle is conducting an exclusive cancer series showcasing the opinions of eminent oncologists over a discussion about cancer, symptoms, and myths related to it. 

Dr.Sachin Marda is a Gold medalist and senior leading oncologist from Hyderabad. In the last 14 years of his medical career, he has treated  11000+ cancer patients. He believes in complete comprehensive compassionate, holistic cancer care. He is very passionate about social awareness and cancer care. Currently, he is a social health reformer and happiness evangelist who has touched millions of lives through his various social health awareness programs. He is a perfect combination of fantastic skills, cutting-edge knowledge, and empathetic patient care. 

High Cancer Prevalence

Dr. Marda emphasized, “In males, the most common cancer is oral cancer and lung cancer while in females the most common cancer in the breast, cervix, and uterine cancer. The incidence of breast and uterine cancer is almost very high across the world. In males, oral cancer is increasing due to bad habits like tobacco chewing and smoking. Many other cancers are common like colorectal cancer, stomach cancer, brain cancer, pediatric cancer but the numbers are lesser of these. 

By 2030 Cancer could be the Highest Prevalent Disease

Dr. Marda quoted a study and pointed that “as of now the cardiac disease has a higher morbidity and mortality rate than cancer. Cancer is the second largest cause of death as per 2021 reports. But in 2030, cancer will be the number one cause of morbidity and mortality as its magnitude is increasing.”

The reasons behind this as brought forward by Dr. Marda are:

“Population - Population of India at the time of Independence was 30 crores and now the population is more than 100 crores. Also, the life span during independence was 36 - 46 years whereas now the life span is 60- 70 years. 

Lifestyle - We are leading sedentary life with no time to exercise.

Diet - “You are what you eat”. “Younger population are eating more junk food, bakery items, nonveg food  instead of making healthy food choices

Addictions -Tobacco smoking, drug abuse, alcohol should be avoided. Bad habits have led to 70% of cancers. Alcohol affects the entire body

Shying away from doctors - Female patients are shy and they are always on the backfoot when their health is concerned. There are few cancer signs as dangerous symptoms. So get it to check after the age of 40, you should be careful about health. Many patients don’t take initiative at the correct time. 

Regular Health check up-There are few cancer signs as dangerous symptoms. So get it to check after the age of 40, you should be careful about health. Many patients don’t take initiative at the correct time. When you do other tests like CBC, diagnostic tests such as Mammography for women after the age of 45should also be included in their routine screening. 

Reducing deep-fried foods, junk food can help. Also. Research has proved that eating vegetables and fruits along with exercise can reduce the risk of breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Difference Between “Genetic” and “Hereditary”

“Family history of cancer and Hereditary cancer are two different things. Hereditary cancer is passed from one generation to the next generation relating to a familial abnormality in which one gene called “oncogene” or “tumor suppressor gene” gets mutated and carries from generation to generation “

Preventive Measures

Dr.Marda spoke about the UICC (Union of International Cancer Control) theme of Cancer of this year, “I can and I will” and laid down a guideline for the audience to avoid cancer in their lives by advising the following:

“Maintain a healthy lifestyle  Build Awareness About Cancer Share knowledge about cancer with people who are in need of it  Help cancer patients in whatever ways you can either monetarily or simply be there for them.”

Dr. Marda also gave an important message that “we will fight cancer with new resilience and bring goodness and hope to the new generation to come.”

(edited by Dr.Rati Parwani)