New Delhi: Men in the national capital are
more likely to suffer from cancer than women, according to a
survey conducted by the National Cancer Registry Programme.
While Delhi is at the third spot in reporting all kinds
of cancer in men, it remains at the fourth spot in reporting
all kinds of cancer in females, the study said.
"There is huge potential for prevention, early diagnosis
and treatment of cancer but still majority of the cases are
reported to us late," Dr Bhawna Sirohi, Head of the Department
of Medical and Haemato-Oncology, Artemis Cancer Centre, said.
Quoting from the survey conducted by NCPR, she said,
"Cancer incidence is higher in urban cities and north east
regions. Delhi ranks third to report all kinds of cancer in
men and is fourth to report all kinds of cancer in women."
Dr Sirohi blamed erratic lifestyle and lack of awareness
for the reason in rise of cancer cases in the city.
Citing the reason for the rise in incidence of breast
cancer, she said, "Most women are unaware of the symptoms of
breast cancer. If this goes unchecked, by the year 2015, the
expected population to suffer from the disease will grow to
1.5 million per year."
Cancer can occur in all living cells in the body. It can
be due to environmental reasons, lifestyle-related factors,
dietary practices, reproductive and sexual practices. Tobacco
consumption too account for cancer.
"Appropriate changes in lifestyle can reduce mortality
and morbidity from several forms of cancer," advised another
expert from the Department of Oncology, AIIMS.
PTI
