At the recently held Healthcare Horizon 2.0 conference in Delhi, leading doctors and health experts revealed a major insight about cancer. They stated that in India, nearly 70% of cancer-related deaths occur due to just one critical mistake, late detection. Timely diagnosis could save millions of lives.
Early Detection of Cancer is Crucial
According to doctors, cancer is a slow-growing disease. If detected early, treatment is not only easier but also more cost-effective and successful. At the initial stage, cancer can be completely treated or controlled with medication, surgery, and radiotherapy. During this phase, the disease is limited to one part of the body, significantly increasing the chances of full recovery.
Early Symptoms Often Ignored
Early symptoms of cancer are often subtle, such as persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, lumps, or bleeding. People tend to ignore these signs, which is the biggest mistake. By the time the disease is diagnosed, cancer may have spread to other parts of the body, making treatment more difficult, expensive, and prolonged.
Healthcare Horizon Conference in Delhi
This information was shared at the Healthcare Horizon 2.0 conference organized by Mediways Health Foundation in Delhi, under the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “Viksit Bharat 2047”. The event brought together doctors, policymakers, and health experts from across India, providing key recommendations on tackling serious diseases like cancer.
Cervical Cancer Prevention is Possible – HPV Vaccine Effective
Experts highlighted that cervical cancer can be prevented with the HPV vaccine. Along with vaccination, early screening such as the Pap smear test is crucial. Cervical cancer is common in women, and timely preventive measures can save lives. Women are advised to undergo HPV testing and vaccination, which are the first steps in protecting against cervical cancer.
Cancer Can Be Prevented with a Healthy Lifestyle
Dr. Rakesh Kumar (VMMC & Safdarjung Hospital) emphasized that a balanced diet, regular exercise, and a stress-free lifestyle can significantly reduce the risk of cancers. Dr. Anil Kumar Dhar (Marengo Asia Hospitals) noted that advanced treatments like CAR-T Cell Therapy are now available in India, providing more effective treatment options.
Youth Awareness Campaign: “Banegi Reel, Bachegi Zindagi”
The event also launched a special social media campaign called “Banegi Reel, Bachegi Zindagi” aimed at raising awareness about cancer among young people. The campaign encourages youth to create reels and posts with cancer-related information, helping more people become conscious and informed.
Three Key Recommendations for Cancer Prevention
Experts at the conference suggested three major ways to prevent cancer:
· Promote early detection and vaccination – Regular screenings like mammography, Pap smear, endoscopy, and blood tests can catch cancer early.
· Prioritize health at the workplace – Healthy employees perform better, so health check-ups should be made part of employment.
· Make treatment accessible through insurance and CSR programs – Ensuring affordable treatment for all sections of society.
If people in India adopt regular health check-ups, pay attention to early symptoms, and consult doctors on time, a significant number of cancer-related deaths can be prevented. Awareness, timely action, and precaution are the most effective tools to fight this deadly disease.