Awareness key to fight cancer among young adults: Experts

Sowmya Raju | NT

Bengaluru: World Cancer Day serves as a poignant reminder to prioritise health, foster awareness, and embrace preventive measures.

In the bustling city of Bengaluru, healthcare professionals, Dr Shailaja N Consultant - Obstetrics & Gynecologist at Rainbow Children’s Hospital and Dr C.N. Patil, HOD and Lead Consultant - Medical Oncology & HaematoOncology, Aster Whitefield Hospital, share insights on the rising trend of cancer among young adults with a focus on lifestyle factors, early detection, technological advancements, and support systems.

Lifestyle factors contributing cancer cases

Dr Shailaja N highlights the impact of poor lifestyle choices on the increasing trend of cancer among young adults in Bengaluru.

Factors such as a suboptimal diet, sedentary habits, and environmental exposures contribute significantly to the prevalence of cancers like leukaemia, lymphoma, and breast cancer.

There is emphasis placed on adopting a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activities, abstaining from tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and undergoing regular check-ups and screenings.

Dr. Shailaja underscores the importance of instilling healthy habits from childhood through proper parenting, education, and awareness.

Early detection

Recognising warning signs and symptoms is crucial for early cancer detection.

Dr. Shailaja identifies unexplained weight loss, persistent fatigue, changes in bowel or bladder habits, unusual bleeding, persistent cough, and skin changes as warning signs that necessitate prompt attention.

Technological advancements in cancer treatment

Dr. C.N. Patil focuses on technological advancements in cancer treatment, such as personalised medicine, targeted therapies, and immunotherapies.

Genetic profiling tailors treatments based on individual characteristics, minimising side effects.

Dr Shailaja believes that early detection is key to cancer treatment and she opined that AI and Machine Learning are revolutionising early cancer detection by analysing vast datasets, enabling timely intervention.

However, Dr Patil remarks that integrating these technologies into medical practices poses challenges such as high initial costs, interoperability issues, and the need for specialised training.

Emerging technologies like liquid biopsy, gene therapies, and ongoing research in precision medicine and artificial intelligence are poised to transform cancer treatment. C

ontinuous breakthroughs in understanding the genetic basis of cancers could revolutionise treatment approaches.

Awareness and support

Both Dr Patil and Shailaja strongly stress the importance of awareness campaigns, health education initiatives, and community engagement to dispel myths, encourage early detection, and create a supportive healthcare environment.

Support groups and resources tailored for young adults coping with cancer are also effective.

Dr Patil said that there are several support groups in Bengaluru, even online for all age groups where patients are encouraged to participate.