Cancer Says: Change Outlook, Don’t Look Out!
- Dr. Mukul S. Godbole
I work in the lab, day and night,
I attend meetings and listen to PowerPoints,
I discuss future plans and strategies,
Yet, none of them have benefited thee…
You and I spend sleepless nights,
Yours in agony, mine in melancholy,
Words of comfort will not work for long,
For you, every session is a speechless song…
Yet, you continue to smile,
With no complaints, regrets or sly,
My fellow mates consider it their victory,
Just, so plainly you hide your misery…
…No Son, I can’t look into your eyes,
They remind me of my futile tries…
Yes, this editorial has a sad, rather realistic, beginning. Cancer, by far, is the most difficult-to-study and elusive disease. I assume that all readers are aware that cancer arises due to mutiny of the body's own cells against the multitude of cell growth checkpoints. Cancer cells also surpass immune surveillance (immune escape) and establish at distant locations (metastasis). Cancer cells can resist therapy (chemo-/radio-/immuno-/hormonal-resistance) and recur (relapse) (Figure 1). Needless to say, cancer is “the emperor of all maladies (Siddharth Mukherjee).”
However, every cloud has a silver lining. The USP of a renowned cancer treatment hospital (Tata Memorial Centre), “cancer can be cured, if detected early,” is as good as the old saying, “a stitch in time saves nine.” Cancer detection is the most important step in combating the disease. But, a majority of the individuals believe that “ignorance is bliss.” I beg to differ with such geniuses, as “ignorance is bliss; first, it forms a blister; then, a tumor.” Primary solid tumors can be detected using multiple methods, including physical examination, biopsy, biochemical tests, imaging techniques, and high-throughput genomic sequencing. Whereas, liquid cancers can be detected using biochemical tests and imaging techniques. These diagnostic methods can be successful only when individuals get themselves screened at least once a year. The habit of regular screening should be imbibed at a young age to overcome reluctance. I believe that institutions like MIT-WPU can take the initiative to organize regular cancer screening camps for all students and staff. Additionally, institutions can establish partnerships and tie-ups with hospitals; especially in October, being breast cancer awareness month. Many hospitals provide affordable screening tests during this period; leveraging such opportunities can ensure that the youth stay aware and healthy.
Cancer prevention is another imperative aspect that is often neglected. A few months ago, the Serum Institute of India made it to the headlines by releasing the indigenous vaccine against cervical cancer. While some unsuccessful attempts have previously been made worldwide, a vaccine is a promising step towards cancer prevention. However, a strict control on habits/ greed/ urge to consume alcohol, tobacco, westernized high-fat high-sugar diet (coke, pizza, pasta, burger, fries, cakes, canned and frozen food, etc.); sufficient sleep; regular exercise; and humane thoughts are key to ensure a healthy lifestyle. Cancer treatment is a very costly affair; so, better stay healthy! Furthermore, improve immunity by regularly including fresh prebiotics (fibrous foods / fruits) and salads in diet. Keep a tap on your daily intake of caffeine and tannin, too. Restrict energy intake (cut down on high calories) to not only prolong your life, but also combat risks of any chronic diseases and carcinogenesis. Remember, cancer is a metabolic disease, as well!
In summary, awareness and prevention are the two mantras to help stay one step ahead of cancer. We must strive to destigmatize cancer by changing our outlook; the motivation lies within, so don’t look out! Also, we must empower those afflicted with cancer to aid them to win the battle with resilience. Let us pledge to support each other and create a world where cancer is no longer the dreaded thought, as it is today.
Comments
Post a Comment