Every year 4 February is observed as World Cancer Day this is an initiative of Union of International Cancer Control (UICC). In order to sensitize the public about the causes, symptoms and treatment of the various forms of cancer, city-based hospital, Kovai Medical Center and Hospital (KMCH) today hosted a signature awareness campaign at the Coimbatore Railway Junction this morning.
Deputy Commissioner of Police - Traffic, Coimbatore S. Saravanan initiated this campaign, which urges on ‘We can certainly fight against cancer'. This campaign organised by KMCH is a part of the on-going Coimbatore Vizha. Dr. Arun N Palaniswami, Director of KMCH along with senior consultants of oncology department of that hospital were also present during the initiation.
Speaking to SimpliCity on the sidelines of this campaign, DC (Traffic) Saravanan stated “The number of deaths due to cancer is increasing year after year. It is because of the change in lifestyle and eating habits. Parents must act responsibly and set an example to their children. Follow the basics like quit smoking, eat healthy and exercise regularly.”
Several people from different walks of life participated in this signature campaign by signing on the huge flex boards that are placed at the entrance of the Coimbatore Junction.
'Cancer when diagnosed at an early stage can be cured' shares Dr. R Subramaniam, Consultant, Radiation Oncologist, KMCH. “While men are prone to throat and neck cancer, women in the rural areas are prone to cervical cancer and women in the urban areas are at a risk of suffering from breast cancer. In India 12-lakh people die of this killer disease. There is a 15 to 20 per cent increase in the number of people suffering from cancer. People who are 40 to 60 years old are more prone to this disease.” Dr. R Subramaniam says.
On World Cancer Day, this doctor advises the public to see a specialist in case they experience symptoms like weight loss, unhealthy white discharge (for women), difficulty in swallowing, frequent urination, blood in urine, appetite loss, ulcers in the mouth or formation of lumps in any part of the body. He reiterates “Cancer when diagnosed at an early stage can be cured.”