Dr. Devi Shetty Sounds Alarm on Tobacco-Linked Head and Neck Cancers in India
In a stark warning from Mysuru, Dr. Devi Shetty, the founder and chairman of Narayana Health, has identified tobacco consumption as one of the most significant health challenges driving head and neck cancers across India. He emphasized that the widespread use of tobacco in various forms throughout the country makes this a uniquely pressing issue.
A Distinctly Indian Health Crisis
Speaking during the launch of an advanced radiation therapy unit at Narayana Hospital in Mysuru, Dr. Shetty pointed out that head and neck cancers are notably less prevalent in other nations. "This is a problem that we see amplified in India due to our cultural and social practices involving tobacco," he stated. The new facility, inaugurated by Ganapathi Sachchidananda Swami of Avadhoota Datta Peetham, aims to provide cutting-edge care for cancer patients in the Mysuru region and surrounding areas.
Cancer Knows No Age: Early Detection is Key
Dr. Shetty underscored that cancer does not discriminate by age, affecting individuals from childhood through older adulthood, with risk generally increasing over time. "People can develop cancer at any stage of life. Even children are not immune, and the likelihood tends to rise as we age," he explained. A major concern he highlighted is the high rate of premature deaths linked to cancer, which he claims accounts for approximately 70% of such fatalities.
The tragedy, according to Dr. Shetty, is that many of these deaths are preventable or can be significantly delayed through early detection. Regular annual screening plays a crucial role in this effort, not only helping to identify cancer at an early, often asymptomatic stage but also aiding in the prevention of immediate cardiac events.
Karnataka's Cancer Burden: Alarming Statistics
Supporting his warnings, a hospital release provided sobering data on the cancer situation in Karnataka. Currently, an estimated 2.5 lakh people in the state are living with cancer, and each year sees around 89,000 new diagnoses. These figures underscore the urgent need for enhanced preventive measures and accessible treatment options.
Dr. Shetty's message is clear: combating tobacco use and promoting regular health screenings are vital steps in addressing India's growing cancer epidemic, particularly for head and neck cancers where early intervention can save lives.
