HAILAKANDI, Dec 13 - Smoking is one of the major reasons behind the spread of cancer in the Barak Valley region, said renowned oncologist of Australia, Dr David Brumley.
Addressing a discussion on cancer and palliative care, organized jointly by the Cachar Cancer Hospital Society and Gautam Roy Fans Club at Gandhi Bhavan in Lala town of Hailakandi district on Wednesday, Dr Brumley said that the regular habit of taking paan, bidi, cigarettes, gutka and other similar substances are leading the people of Barak Valley towards the risk of cancer. He said that the people here are consuming these items putting their lives in danger. He informed that cancer is mainly found on the throats of the people in Barak Valley and for this he held paan, gutka, bidi and other types of intoxicating items responsible. He requested the people not to consume these items and stressed the need of creating mass awareness against the selling and consumption of these items. He urged the people to change their lifestyles and adopt drastic behavioural changes to keep themselves fit. He said that there is huge scarcity of cancer specialists in the country, particularly in palliative care.
Dr Brumley expressed serious concern over the fact that the people fear to go cancer hospitals for a check-up and due to this, cancer is detected in the last stages, leaving little scope of a complete recovery. He asked the women to go for a regular check-up of their breasts and in Australia, he said that the Government has made it mandatory for women above the age of 55 to go for breast examination. He said that cancer can be prevented if detected at an early stage and for this he urged the people to keep a close vigil on their health and go for check-ups if they find any change in their health.
