Oral cancer: The Department of Health and Family Welfare, Punjab, launched a new initiative to screen patients for oral cancer in public health institutions. It organized a training session at the Mahatma Gandhi State Institute of Public Administration, Chandigarh. Dentists and ENT surgeons participated in the training session .
Secretary, Health-cum-Mission Director, NHM, Dr Abhinav Trikha inaugurated the training programme. Director, Health and Family Welfare, Dr Adarshpal Kaur, Director, Health Services (FW), Dr Ravinder Pal Kaur and Director, NHM, Dr SP Singh were also present on the occasion.
Oral cancer most prevalent in men
Speaking on the occasion, Dr Trikha said oral cancer was the most prevalent in men in the country and according to an estimate, around 49,750 new cases would emerge every year in the country by 2030. He said it was essential to strengthen the public health cadre for early screening and detection as well as timely referral of patients.
“Another factor in conceiving this program is that 80 percent of the cancer cases are detected at the second or third stage when it is difficult to cure cancer, therefore detecting oral cancer at the first stage can definitely prove to be a boon in cancer cure.” he added.
Dr. Trikha exhorted the participants to contribute positively in this new initiative. He hoped that the step would will definitely yield positive results and reduce the rate of oral cancer in Punjab and prevent deaths due to it.
‘Give up alcohol, tobacco’
He also appealed to the people to give up alcohol, tobacco and other drugs and take steps towards a healthy life to create a healthy society.
Dr. Adarshpal Kaur in her address said alcohol and tobacco are among the leading causes of oral cancer. She said steps will be taken for timely screening by the participants. Health staff will be trained and general public will be made aware against alcohol and tobacco addiction, she said.
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