Early intervention, greater awareness key to reducing the burden of cancer, say experts

Experts at an oncology awareness workshop in the city on Wednesday emphasised the need for early detection, timely referral, and better utilisation of existing diagnostic and treatment systems to reduce the cancer burden.

Premkumar Devdoss, head of Medical Oncology at Omandurar Super Speciality Medical College, highlighted that family doctors and general physicians played a crucial role as the first responders of cancer. “Prompt reference is essential because early intervention assures recovery, as cancer cells replicate rapidly,” he said.

While less toxic treatment options are now available, he pointed out that information about them was not reaching all. 

Call for mass campaign

Anitha Ramesh, medical oncologist, Apollo Hospitals, said that oral cancers often remained the least noticed. She called for mass education campaigns, and stressed the role of the medical community in creating awareness.

She said there was lack of information on the treatment facilities in government hospitals, where most therapies are free if initiated in the early stages. As an example, the experts cited the faecal immunochemical diagnostic (FID) test for colorectal cancer, which can be done in any lab, but remains underutilised. The workshop was supported by knowledge partner Merck.