Shun tobacco to keep cancer at bay

Cancer can be cured with the help of advanced medical treatments if it is diagnosed early adviced Dr Nori Dattatreyudu, radiation oncologist and executive vice-chairman of Radiation Oncology Department, Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City. The doctor was speaking at a seminar on cancer awareness organised by the students of Sri Durga Malleswara Siddhartha Mahila Kalasala on Wednesday.

“The lifestyle of people in India is fast changing. Many youngsters are getting addicted to smoking and chewing gutka. About 45 per cent of cancer cases among men are caused by smoking and consumption of tobacco products. These must be shunned,” he said.

“The incidence of breast and cervical cancer is high among women. About 90 per cent of breast cancer cases are due to genetic abnormalities. Cervical cancer can be prevented if adequate precautions are taken. Cancer can be effectively cured if it is detected at an early stage. Hence, there is a need to promote awareness among people about cancer, its symptoms and treatment,’’ Nori said.

College principal T Vijaya Lakshmi, Siddhartha Academy president N Venkateswarlu, veteran journalist Turlapati Kutumba Rao, Andhra Arts Academy chairman Golla Narayana Rao and faculty members attended the seminar.