Varanasi Hosts High-Level Summit to Combat Rising Oral Cancer Cases
Varanasi organized a crucial two-day meeting on Thursday and Friday. The goal was clear: strengthen preventive measures against oral cancer. Cases are rising sharply in Varanasi and nearby regions.
Joint Effort by Hospital and Administration
Tata Cancer Hospital and the Varanasi district administration jointly held the meetings. They aimed to tackle this growing health crisis head-on.
The first session took place on Thursday at the divisional commissioner's auditorium. The second meeting followed on Friday at the Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre.
Focus on Tobacco Law Enforcement
Officials conducted detailed discussions during both days. They focused on ensuring strict compliance with laws related to tobacco sales. Effective implementation of these regulations in the district was a key priority.
Senior officials attended the Thursday meeting. District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar was present. Municipal Commissioner Himanshu Nagpal joined him. Chief Development Officer Prakhar Singh and Chief Medical Officer Dr Rajesh Prasad also participated.
Medical experts from leading institutions attended as well. Dr Pankaj Chaturvedi, Director of Tata Cancer Hospital in Navi Mumbai, was there. Dr Satyajit Pradhan, director of Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, participated too. Other senior administrative officers and medical specialists contributed to the talks.
Oral Cancer: A Preventable Threat
Dr Chaturvedi outlined the program's objectives. He stated that oral cancer is one of the few cancers we can largely prevent and control. He emphasized the urgent need for strict enforcement of COTPA laws.
Dr Chaturvedi also stressed the importance of large-scale awareness campaigns. He specifically mentioned targeting schools and colleges with these efforts.
Alarming Statistics from Varanasi
Dr Divya Khanna, head of the cancer prevention department at Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre, highlighted the current cancer scenario. She referred to the recently released PBCR report.
Dr Khanna revealed a startling statistic. In Varanasi, 1 out of every 36 men faces a risk of developing oral cancer. She further added that Varanasi ranks among the top three cities in India. It reports the highest number of oral cancer cases nationwide.
Appreciation for the Initiative
District Magistrate Satyendra Kumar addressed the gathering. He expressed his appreciation to Tata Cancer Hospital. Kumar thanked them for organizing this important initiative in Varanasi.
The meetings concluded with a renewed commitment. All participants pledged to work together. They aim to reduce oral cancer cases through stronger enforcement and public education.
