Cancer awareness camp at GGNIMT

Ludhiana, September 29, 2014: Gujranwala Guru Nanak Institute of Management & Technology (GGNIMT), Ludhiana organised a ‘Liver Cancer Awareness Seminar’ at its institute here today.

About 300 students and faculty members attended the informational session.

Prof Manjit Singh Chhabra, Co-ordinator, GGNIMT welcomed the guest and expressed concern over the explosive growth of cancer in Punjab.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Navdeep Singh - Head of Cancer Department, Global Heart and Super-Speciality Hospital, Ludhiana, said that “liver cancer is amongst top 5 cancers in Punjab. It causes death within 1 year from diagnosis and so, only preventive attitude can save the Punjabis from this dreadful disease.”

Explaining the causes he further said the Liver cancer is caused by alcohol, liver viruses and liver fungus. All these are preventable. Alcohol damages the liver. Damaged liver is called cirrhosis and leads to cancer. Liver viruses are called HBV and HCV. People get these by sharing needles amongst drug addicts, by sexual transmission and by blood transfusion. Liver viruses attack and damage the liver causing cancer. Dr. Navdeep advised, to avoid sharing needles by using safe and disposable IV needles and not to indulge in multiple sexual partners and ensure safe blood transfusion. Also, health workers should get vaccinated for HBV. Liver fungus is called Aflatoxin and is produced by poorly harvested and stored products like peanuts, corns, rice and dried fruits. So be careful and consume food only after thorough washing to protect oneself from liver fungus.

Dr. Navdeep suggested that people who consume alcohol regularly should get ultrasound of the liver every 6 months to detect the hidden cancer early. After all its Your Liver. Your Life!

October is also celebrated as the ‘Breast cancer Awareness Month’ all over the world. Shedding light over the issue, Dr. Navdeep said that Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer found among women in urban Punjab.

Dr. Navdeep said that, women over the age of 40 years should absolutely get an X- ray done of their breasts, the technique also known as Mammography. It is a very simple non-invasive test and costs just around Rs 1,000/- , and can prevent from sending lacks on the treatment if detected later. Instead I urge that men should give this test of mammography as a gift to their wives instead of expensive gifts; and should take this issue very seriously. One reason for breast cancer is opting for delayed pregnancies among couples in today’s high paced life. Increased reluctance to breast feeding after delivery is also becoming a major cause of the disease. There is a general misconception that breast feeding leads to sagging of breasts which is not entirely true. Women can also do a self test and if they find any lump or any hard area, they should immediately consult a cancer specialist as detection of breast cancer in early stages if curable.

Finally, Dr. Navdeep concluded by saying that, all should make changes in their lifestyle for reducing the chances of getting cancer. He said, that women should develop an exercise routine in daily schedule. They should increase the percentage of leafy and green vegetables in daily food intake. Also, daily consumption of garlic, tomatoes and turmeric is very healthy as these have anti-cancer properties and it reduces the chances of getting cancer.

Principal Dr. P. S Khattra   thanked the guest for sharing valuable information with the students.

-----------------------------

Readers may send their news/views/feedback to us:

[email protected]