Cancer cases in India reach 14 lakhs annually, warns Dr. Durga Rao Dora!!!

Andhra Pradesh: District Medical and Health Officer (DMHO) Dr. Durga Rao Dora has raised a serious concern over the alarming number of cancer cases in India, which have reached 14 lakh annually, with 7 lakh fatalities. Dr. Rao highlighted these statistics during an inspection of an ongoing cancer screening training program at the Ramachandrapuram Area Hospital on Friday, in Konaseema District.

The training program, which began on June 13 and will conclude on July 13, was designed to equip Medical Officers, MLHP/CHO, and ANMs from Ramachandrapuram and Kothapeta Divisions, as well as staff from the Primary and Urban Health Centers, with essential skills for early cancer detection.

Over eight batches, each receiving three days of training, a total of 240 individuals were trained at this center, while 376 others received training at the Amalapuram center.

Focus on early detection

Dr. Rao emphasized the importance of early detection in reducing cancer mortality rates, particularly for breast, oral, and cervical cancers. Trained healthcare staff at the urban and village levels are now better prepared to identify symptoms early and provide timely treatment.

Raising awareness

In addition to cancer screening, Dr. Rao stressed the need to increase public awareness about seasonal diseases such as diarrhoea, dengue, and malaria. He reassured the public that advanced treatment methods like chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and hormone therapy are available and effective, reducing the fear associated with a cancer diagnosis.

Key participants in the program included Dr. N Prashanthi, Sub Divisional Officer G. Kamal Seshu, Divisional Supervisor Dr. M Durgadevi, Dr. Harish, Dr. Hema Sudhir, Dr. Rakesh Krishna Chaudhary, Physiotherapist Dr. Meghana and Ramakrishna (CC).

The initiative aims to significantly improve cancer outcomes in India through enhanced training and increased public health awareness.