World Cancer Day brings people from around the world, including healthcare workers, organisations and governments, to send a clear message: Together Against Cancer. Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, and there are many millions of lives that could have been saved through early detection, prompt medical care, education and compassionate care. As a specialist in providing comprehensive cancer care, I (Dr Sandeep Batra) am convinced that treating cancer is not only a matter of treating people medically, but also through education and emotional support, innovation, and providing support in a patient-focused manner.
How is cancer affecting the world?
People from all lifestyles, ages and different backgrounds are being influenced by cancer.
- According to global health statistics, each year, more than 400,000 children are diagnosed with a new cancer all over the world. Additionally, in 2022, approximately 20 million people were diagnosed with different types of cancer.
- Many of the cancers that people are diagnosed with could be prevented by making changes in their lifestyle, as well as being screened at an appropriate time.
- One of the biggest challenges to improving the outcomes of cancer is the late diagnosis of cancer.
- Commonly diagnosed cancers include breast, cervical, lung, colorectal, prostate, and gynaecological cancers (those of the reproductive system). Both awareness of and early intervention into how these cancers develop can improve people’s chances of surviving these cancers by huge amounts.
What is the importance of early detection in cancer?
- Early detection of cancer is one of the most powerful tools in battling it. Many cancers can be treated or cured very effectively if they are diagnosed when they are at their earliest stage. It includes cancer screenings and getting vaccinated against HPV to prevent cervical cancer.
- Additionally, you will need to stay fit, eat nutritious foods and avoid tobacco and drinking alcohol in excess.
What are the current innovations in cancer treatment?
- Advancements in medicine have also made incredible strides in cancer care in the last ten years. There have been many innovations in precision medicine, immunotherapy, targeted treatment options and less invasive surgical techniques that have improved treatment outcomes and have allowed patients to live the best possible quality of life.
- The advantages include quicker recovery, fewer side effects, improved cancer control and longer overall survival time.
- The individualised treatment plan will include a team of various professionals, such as medical oncologists, surgical oncologists, radiation oncologists and mental health professionals.
- Additional advances in treatment techniques (minimally invasive or targeted) and support services (emotional, psychological, nutritional) are other benefits of this type of treatment planning.
World Cancer Day serves as a reminder to everyone facing cancer that they need the support of family members, caregivers, medical staff and other cancer survivors during their recovery process. As physicians, we have an obligation to provide support beyond our clinical knowledge. This includes listening to our patients, reassuring them, and accompanying them throughout their cancer experience.
On this very special day, I request that everyone know about cancer and make this disease curable. Though you may find yourself on a difficult path when faced with cancer, the combination of having an early diagnosis, receiving state-of-the-art healthcare, and having loved ones support you will create an environment full of hope for you. The purpose of World Cancer Day is to be a reminder that by working together, increasing awareness, and providing the highest level of expert healthcare, we can dramatically alter the outcome of the individuals affected by this.
I am dedicated to providing ethical, individualised, and state-of-the-art cancer treatment as a specialist in complete quality cancer care and I am committed to my patients by providing them with compassion and devotion throughout this difficult journey. Dr Sandeep Batra is a comprehensive oncologist who provides patient-centred, evidence-based treatment for all types of cancers. He believes strongly in the need for early diagnosis, individualised therapies, and complete healing.