Visakhapatnam: The number of cancer cases is increasing with every passing year in the two Telugu states. Mortality rates are also high with about 50 per cent cancer patients succumbing to the disease.
As per data provided by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), in 2015, about 48,000 patients (20,235 in Telangana and 28,082 in Andhra Pradesh) died from various types of cancer.
Sedentary lifestyle, rising obesity and pollution levels, smoking and consumption of tobacco and alcohol and changing dietary habits are some of the reasons for higher incidence.
As per the Consolidated Report on Hospital Based Cancer Registry: 2012-14, approximately 17 per cent patients approach hospitals only after the cancer has metastasized to other parts of the body from its origin.
Managing director and renowned surgical oncologist at Mahatma Gandhi Cancer Hospital & Research Institute, Dr Murali Krishna Voonam, said, “The increase in cancer cases might be due to higher detection. The government should concentrate on creating awareness among people about preventive measures as well as early detection. Society and the government play a crucial role. Cervical cancer forms a major share. Effective mass vaccination programme would help,” Dr Voonam added.
“Non-healing ulcers, change in voice or trouble swallowing, haemoptysis (coughing up of blood), unusual bleeding or foul smelling discharge from any orifice, nagging cough, pigmented moles or warts, change in bowel habits or bladder function, anae-mia, lumps in the breast and unexplained weight loss are some of the signs of cancer,” he said.
Among all cancers, breast cancer occupies the top position. followed by lung cancer. Cervical cancer, which was once prevalent among women, has now been relegated to third position in Andhra Pradesh.
Dr P. Ramana Rao, an integrated practitioner at Varam’s Multispeciality Hospital, commented that foods grown with pesticides, chronic consumption of repeatedly heated cooking oils, higher pollution levels and changing lifestyle and dietary habits are leading to increased cases of cancer.
