Do not dread cancer: Dr Ravi Kannan

Our Correspondent

Silchar: Cancer is 100 per cent curable. It is not a dreadful disease. The secret of treatment of cancer lies in its early detection.

This was pointed out by Dr Ravi Kannan, director, Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Meherpur, at the annual general meeting of United Bank of India Employees’ Thrift and Medicare Cooperative Society Ltd. Deliberating on ‘cancer awareness and prevention technique’ organized by the society, at a marriage hall in Silchar. He said that lifestyle, daily habits, food habits, diet and physical exercises are some the of the important factors which should be focused upon to avoid cancer. He advised not to take alcohol, tobacco, betel nuts, fatty food items and spicy dishes.

“Alcohol, betel nuts and tobacco are carcinogenic in nature and thus should be avoided at any cost. A little bit of physical exercise daily is enough. Walking and cycling are the best medicines. Good food habits can prevent a number of diseases. Red meat, fast food and junk food should be avoided. Obesity i.e. overweight is dangerous and indicates ill health. The alarming rise in cases of breast cancer is threatening to life. The onus of keeping our self fit and fine lies on us only. It is good that organizations, NGOs and societies are coming forward to fight cancer,” Dr Ravi Kannan added to say.

Dr Ritesh Tapkire, oncologist, CCHRC, also stressed on the importance of early detection of cancer. “Every infection has a symptom which should not be overlooked. Cancer is highly curable at the first one or two stages. Any sort of irregularity in the normal mechanism of the body should be consulted with a doctor. Cancer has three modes of treatment - chemotherapy, radiation and operation. There is a myth entertained by the people that biopsy results in cancer. It is utterly disgusting. Biopsy helps us to detect and determine the gravity of the disease in the body. The cost of treatment is also not that much as people have said. There are schemes and societies which are helping us a lot financially,” said Dr Tapkire.

Later, a cheque of Rs.50,000 was handed over to Dr Ravi Kannan towards the Hospital by the members of United Bank of India Employees’ Thrift and Medicare Cooperative Society Ltd. Among others present on the occasion included Kalyan Bhattacharjee, chairman of the Society.