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Cancer’s Toll on Families

As a cancer caregiver, I witnessed the immense emotional, physical, and financial toll this disease takes
11:28 PM Feb 03, 2025 IST | DR. ZUBAIR AHMAD WAR
cancer’s toll on families
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Let’s unite in the fight against cancer, raise awareness and prioritize prevention and early detection

Personal Loss

The World Cancer Day is observed on February 4th each year to raise awareness about cancer, promote its prevention, detection and treatment, and inspire action to reduce the global impact of the disease. The date was chosen as part of the World Summit Against Cancer held in Paris on February 4, 2000. During this summit world leaders, cancer organizations and experts signed the Charter of Paris Against Cancer. The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) leads the coordination of this global event ensuring participation from individuals, governments, organizations, and healthcare institutions worldwide. The theme for World Cancer Day 2025–2027 is "United by Unique". United in our goals, unique in our needs is the World Cancer Day credo and the campaign invites people to share their personal cancer stories. The goal is to create a world where the needs of people and communities are at the center of health systems.

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My beloved mother aged 61 was a cancer victim. In November 2023 she was diagnosed with Small Cell Lung Carcinoma (SCLC). She had no metastasis but locally advanced  lung cancer. She showed utmost courage and resilience in tackling the disease. In fact she herself discussed her disease including treatment options with the doctors. Doctors in Delhi described her as cheerful lady from Kashmir. Her lung mass initially responded well to Chemotherapy but again recurred and even costly Immunotherapy couldn't stop it's progression. After bravely tackling cancer she ultimately lost the battle to the dreaded disease and died on 15th of September 2024.

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There are thousands of such cancer stories here in Kashmir.  In fact as per Greater Kashmir news 50000 new cancer cases have been reported in Kashmir in the last 7 years. Stomach cancer being most common in males whereas breast cancer being the most common in females. It would be helpful to know the Case Fatality Rate (number of cancer cases versus number of deaths) or 1 year/3 year/5 year cancer survival rates of different cancers in Kashmir. Comprehensive analysis of data and thorough epedemiolgical studies are required.

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Being a cancer caregiver i am myself witness to the pangs of this deadly disease. Some conditions such as heart attack cause instantaneous death, but cancer has a protracted course. It causes immense suffering to the patient and drains the affected family physically, emotionally as well as financially. We need to increase health insurance coverage in Kashmir and Chemotherapy/ Immunotherapy facilities should be made available in all District Hospitals so that patients from far flung areas are benefitted.

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It is said that prevention is better than cure. Certain vaccines aim to prevent cancer by protecting against infections that can lead to cancer. These include HPV Vaccine: Prevents infections with human papillomavirus (HPV) which can cause cervical, anal and other cancers. Hepatitis B Vaccine: Protects against hepatitis B virus, which increases the risk of liver cancer.

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Cancer screening involves testing for cancer in individuals who do not show any symptoms with the goal of detecting it at an early stage when treatment is more likely to be effective. The tests include: Mammography for Breast Cancer, Pap Smear (Pap Test) & HPV Test for Cervical Cancer, Colonoscopy & Stool Tests for Colorectal Cancer, Low-Dose CT Scan (LDCT) for Lung Cancer, Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) Test for Prostate Cancer. Since cancer has a genetic angle, those individuals who have familial history of cancer need to be careful.

Lifestyle choices have a profound impact on cancer risk. Up to 40% of cancers could be prevented through healthy lifestyle practices. A healthy lifestyle—comprising a balanced diet, regular exercise, no smoking, no alcohol, adequate sleep and stress management—can significantly lower cancer risk. Combining these habits with regular screenings enhances prevention and early detection, improving overall outcomes. We need to spread awareness about various aspects of the disease and try to reduce the cancer burden on the patient and family members as much as possible.