World Cancer Day observed at SKIMS Soura
Srinagar, Feb 4: The Department of Medical Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) Soura commemorated World Cancer Day with a special event, emphasizing the need for generating awareness, timely detection, and tailored treatment.
Director SKIMS, Dr. Ashraf Ganai, addressed the gathering via video conferencing, highlighting the Institute's commitment to improving cancer detection and treatment. He revealed that several projects are in the pipeline to enhance cancer care services. Ons of these, he said, was Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS) from Department of Biotechnology, GoI. LC-MS is a powerful analytical technique that combines the separation capabilities of liquid chromatography (LC) with the detection and identification capabilities of mass spectrometry (MS) and helps in cancer diagnosis and research.
Dr. Syed Nisar, Associate Professor of Medical Oncology at GMC Srinagar, explained the theme of World Cancer Day, "United by Unique." He emphasized that each cancer case is distinct, even if the type of cancer is the same. This uniqueness necessitates tailored treatment approaches.
Dr. Nisar also highlighted the various challenges faced by cancer patients, including cultural barriers, late diagnosis, social issues, gender differences, ignorance, gaps in access, treatment, financial barriers, job issues, familial problems, and marital problems. These unique situations underscore the need for personalized care and support.
Dr. Mir Hussain, Assistant Professor of Medical Oncology, stressed the importance of generating awareness about cancer. He emphasised that awareness can lead to timely detection and treatment, ultimately improving outcomes. Dr. Hussain also highlighted the need to focus on prevention, as cancer cases continue to rise, with 30 lakh new cases projected in India every year.
The event was organized by the Department of Medical Oncology and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant at SKIMS Soura, which functions under the umbrella of the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences. The observance of World Cancer Day at SKIMS Soura aimed to promote awareness, education, and advocacy for cancer prevention and control.