PANAJI
The dreaded disease cancer is gripping the globe, keeping pace with the rising population, and breast cancer emerging as the number one in all types of cancers. Cervical cancer which was on number one, has taken the third place now. Lip and oral cavity cancer has risen from number three to two and stomach cancer has slipped from number two to four. Lung cancer, which was sixth in position, is now on the fifth place.
The colon and rectum cancer has remained seventh worldwide. Here’s where Goa has attracted the world attention, as this tiny touristic State is witnessing the highest number of colon cancer cases in India, thanks to its food habits and sedentary life-style.
“Goa has been marked as the number one State for colon cancer cases, however, there is a dip seen in the cervical cancer cases here. And the breast cancer cases are at par with the metro cities in India,” briefed Dr Shekhar Salkar, Chief of Department of Oncology at Manipal Hospital Goa, adding, “The combination of red meat, alcohol and smoking proves lethal for the body, making it more prone to colon cancer as all of these are carcinogenic in nature. The ratio of colon cancer in male and female is more or less same, though it is little on the higher side in male population in the State.”
In females, cervical cancer rate in Goa has decreased considerably due to two reasons “ good hygiene and well-organised STD programme by the government that decreases infection, said Dr Salkar. There is a vaccine too, which has to be administered in two doses to girl child at around the age of 10, before the start of any sexual activity. The price of this vaccine was earlier Rs 2500, but has now come down to Rs 300 now and parents can easily opt for it, stated Dr Salkar.
However, there is an alarming increase in the total number of cancer cases across India, and now it is attacking the younger population. Those in the 20-30 and 30-50 age groups are more affected with cancer, as compared to the numbers in 1990s.
The rising trend in the number of cancer cases is registered after 2000, and even village population is being affected.
