Health experts in Patna delivered a crucial message on Saturday, asserting that embracing a healthy lifestyle—including a balanced diet and abstaining from alcohol—can significantly reduce the risk of cancer. Addressing a gathering at a cancer awareness programme, Dr A A Hai highlighted that approximately 15 lakh people in India are diagnosed with cancer each year, underscoring the urgency of preventive measures.
Lifestyle Changes as a Powerful Prevention Tool
Dr Hai emphasized that prevention is achievable on a large scale through deliberate lifestyle modifications. He explained that maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, improving dietary habits, and avoiding alcohol can collectively help prevent up to 50% of cancer cases. This proactive approach, he noted, is essential in combating the rising incidence of the disease across the country.
Key Recommendations for Cancer Prevention
In his address, Dr Hai outlined several critical steps for reducing cancer risk:
- Avoid tobacco in any form, as it is a leading cause of various cancers.
- Limit consumption of processed and high-fat foods, which are linked to increased cancer risk.
- Ensure adequate sleep to support overall health and immune function, contributing to long-term wellness.
Event Highlights and Survivor Stories
The cancer awareness programme was organised at Paras HMRI Hospital in Patna and inaugurated by Padmashri Vimal Kumar Jain, along with Dr Hai, Radheshyam Bansal, Abhay Prakash, DIG, and zonal director Anil Kumar, who marked the occasion by lighting the lamp. The event also featured ‘Ummeed Ke Sitare’, a session where cancer survivors and their family members shared their personal experiences.
The Critical Need for Awareness and Early Detection
Survivors and their families recounted how lack of awareness and delayed attention to early symptoms often led to late diagnosis. Many admitted failing to recognise initial signs and seeking medical help only after the disease had progressed, highlighting the urgent need for increased public awareness and timely medical consultation.
As part of the programme, the hospital management honoured 25 cancer survivors, celebrating their resilience and journey. This gesture aimed to inspire hope and underscore the importance of community support in the fight against cancer.
