Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute launches screening and awareness drive against tobacco

In the run up to World No Tobacco Day 2018, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC) has lined up a fortnight long intensive program for cancer screening and increasing awareness about harmful effects of tobacco consumption which has been proven to be a major cause of cancer in the world.

According to the latest Hospital Based Cancer Registry at RGCIRC, more than 40% cancer cases in males and 12% cancer cases in females were linked to tobacco usage during the period 2011-2015.

To celebrate World No Tobacco Day, Preventive Oncology Department at RGCIRC is organizing Free Oral Cancer Screening from 24th May to 7th June 2018 especially for smokers and tobacco chewers so as to help detect cancer in the early stages when it can be treated successfully.

"Healthy lifestyle holds the key to cancer prevention. Up to 2/3 of all cancers may be prevented by avoiding tobacco and adopting other healthy habits. Preventive Oncology OPD at RGCIRC provides screening for three most common cancers - breast, cervix and oral cancers - at highly subsidized rates. Regular OPD is conducted from Monday to Saturday by Dr. Jai Gopal Sharma and Dr. Indu Agarwal," said Dr. Sudhir Rawal, Medical Director, RGCIRC.

"Over 70 per cent of cases report for diagnostic & treatment services in advanced stages of disease resulting in poor survival and high mortality rates. Preventive Oncology embraces measures to prevent occurrence of cancer and to detect cancer at the earliest stage," added Dr. Rawal.

At the same time, Free Tobacco Cessation Counseling drive is on during the campaign so as to motivate tobacco consumers to shun the habit. "Tobacco is addictive and it is difficult for tobacco consumers to quit on their own. Motivation and support is critical to overcome the dependence on tobacco," added Dr. Rawal.

"Besides providing world class facilities for cancer treatment, RGCIRC is sharply focused on prevention of cancer. As a pioneering move, RGCIRC has set up Preventive Oncology Department primarily to focus on creating awareness among the public about the need to screen for early detection of cancer. We are aligned with the vision of a healthy India and will continuously strive for prevention of cancer through awareness in the years to come," said D S Negi, CEO of RGCIRC.