Bhubaneswar: Cancer, the second leading cause of death with an estimated 18 million cases around the world, continues to stalk mankind. However, it is possible to keep the dreaded ailment at bay by avoiding risk factors and regular screening, said SUM Hospital Gastroenterology HOD, Dr Manoj Kumar Sahu on Wednesday.
“Usually, when cancer is detected, it is very late and very little can be done. But cancer development is not a very sudden process as it requires conversion of normal to abnormal tissues and takes months and years to advance,” Sahu said at a programme organised by the hospital in partnership with the World Gastroenterology Organisation to mark the ‘World Digestive Health Day’.
“Modifying or avoiding key risk factors, early detection, screenings and treatment can reduce the number of deaths caused by cancer,” he added.
As per the National Cancer Registry, more than 1300 people die every day due to cancer in India, he said adding that four of the top seven common cancers are related to the digestive system.
Gastric cancers are most commonly found in southern and eastern India and cancer of the gastrointestinal tract, gall bladder and pancreas are commonly found in Odisha, Dr Sahu said.
The theme for the World Digestive Health Day this year is ‘Early Diagnosis and Treatment of Gastrointestinal Cancer’.
Medical Superintendent of IMS and SUM Hospital, Dr Pushparaj Samantasinhar, Gastroenterologist Dr Jimmy Narayan, Oncologists Dr Sunil Agarwal, Dr Amitabh Jena and Dr Sourav Mishra were present among others.
