Breast Cancer A Highly Common and LifeThreatening Disease Dr Sandeep Kukkar

Mohali, August 28: Aiming to raise awareness about the rising incidence of cancer in India, Dr. Sandeep Kukkar, Director of Medical Oncology at Park Hospital, Mohali, stated that approximately 3 million people in the country are suffering from cancer. Every year, around 1.56 million new cancer cases are reported in India, while approximately 870,000 people succumb to the disease annually. He noted that breast and cervical cancers are prevalent among women, whereas lung and liver cancers are the most common forms found in men.
He highlighted a significant shift in breast cancer trends over the past few decades. While breast cancer was previously primarily diagnosed in women over the age of 50, cases are now increasing in younger age groups as well. Currently, about 50 percent of breast cancer cases are being reported in the 25-to-50 age bracket. Expressing concern, he pointed out that since more than 70 percent of cases are detected at an advanced stage, treatment success is compromised, and mortality rates rise.
Dr. Kukkar stated that approximately one-third of cancer cases could be prevented through positive lifestyle changes. He urged people to adopt a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid smoking and alcohol, and remain vigilant about their health. He listed the top five cancers in men as lung, prostate, colorectal, stomach, and liver cancers, while breast, colorectal, lung, cervical, and stomach cancers are the most common among women. He mentioned that breast self-examination and mammography can aid in the early detection of breast cancer. Similarly, tests such as chest X-rays and PSA screenings can assist in the early identification of other relevant cancers.

**New Possibilities in Treatment through Robotic Surgery**
Dr. Kukkar noted that the use of modern techniques, such as robotic and laparoscopic surgery, is increasing in cancer treatment. These techniques can be used for surgeries involving tumors in various organs, including the food pipe (esophagus), stomach, pancreas, uterus, and rectum.
Key benefits of robotic surgery include reduced pain, minimal blood loss, shorter hospital stays, faster recovery, and superior cosmetic outcomes.
Highlighting recent advancements in cancer care, he noted that modern treatments like immunotherapy and targeted therapy have opened up new possibilities. These therapies enable more precise targeting of cancer cells, thereby minimizing damage to healthy cells. Consequently, many patients are experiencing a better quality of life and fewer side effects during treatment.

**Cancer treatment facilities for patients**
Ashish Chadha, Group CEO (North) of Park Hospitals, stated that Park Grecian Hospital, Mohali, was the first hospital in the Tricity area to offer comprehensive cancer treatment facilities under one roof. He mentioned that patients from various regions of Himachal Pradesh—including Una, Hamirpur, Bilaspur, Mandi, Kullu, Manali, Solan, and Shimla—are benefiting from this facility. He added that Park Hospital, Mohali, is empanelled with the Himachal Pradesh Government, ECHS, CGHS, ESI, CAPF, Ayushman, major TPAs, and corporate organizations. He also noted that PET scans are available at Park Hospital, Mohali, for approximately ?11,999.

**Do not ignore breast cancer symptoms**
Dr. Kukkar advised that symptoms such as a lump in the breast, thickening of the breast skin, redness or swelling, nipple retraction (inward turning), abnormal nipple discharge, and lumps in the armpit should not be ignored. Meanwhile, potential symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, and bleeding after sexual intercourse. He stated that timely detection and early initiation of treatment are crucial for the patient. Therefore, one should seek medical advice if any unusual symptoms appear.

**Key Risk Factors for Cancer**
Dr. Kukkar explained that the major factors increasing the risk of breast cancer include family history, advancing age, a prior non-cancerous breast lump, an unhealthy diet and lifestyle, smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and prolonged exposure to estrogen. He urged people to undergo regular health check-ups and adopt a healthy lifestyle. He noted that serious complications arising from cancer can be significantly reduced through awareness, regular screening, and timely treatment.