World Cancer Day: The Covid pandemic, which shook the entire world and affected at least one member of every family, taught many lessons, one of which was the importance of preventive care. It raised awareness among the public and encouraged people to prioritize their health in order to reduce their susceptibility to certain diseases. Fortis Cancer Institute at Fortis Hospital Mumbai, conducted this survey by reaching out to residents of Mumbai to better understand how people react to a serious illness like cancer.
The survey focused on several issues in cancer prevention and treatment, such as early detection, screening, knowledge of the disease, difficulties faced by cancer patients during the pandemic, need for insurance and access to better cancer care. The data, which included 4,350 Mumbai residents, showed that respondents were aware that poor lifestyle choices could lead to cancer and that early screening was necessary.
Dr S Narayani, Business Head – Fortis Hospitals, Maharashtra, who led the survey, said, “The survey results support doctors’ recommendation that early detection is key to early diagnosis and treatment. However, the disease Fear of HIV deters individuals from undergoing testing, resulting in delayed diagnosis and reduced opportunities for treatment and improved outcomes. As a healthcare organization committed to the betterment of the community, we make early screening a core Will continue to help bridge this gap by organizing awareness sessions, conducting screening camps, addressing vulnerable groups to build Aadhaar.”
Following are the main findings of the survey:
general understanding of cancer
– 83% respondents attributed the increased risk of cancer to prolonged tobacco use, unhealthy and junk meals and relevant family history
– 3% of respondents considered family history as the only factor that came up as a risk for cancer
– 78% of respondents said that all cancers are curable if detected early; 9% respondents said that even if cancer is diagnosed early, it is not curable
– 49% of respondents said that having cancer is equivalent to death; While 51% respondents said that timely intervention can help
preliminary investigation and diagnosis
– 81% of respondents said that fear of diagnosis was a major problem associated with early detection and timely intervention
– 72% of respondents said that men and women gave equal importance to cancer screening regardless of family history; 17% of respondents said timely screening was not given due importance by either gender
– 90% of respondents knew that early screening and self-exams can help in early detection of cancer; However, 7% of respondents said that early detection played no role in cancer detection and treatment.
– 80% of respondents said cancer screening is necessary for everyone over the age of 40; However, 16% of respondents said that early and timely screening is necessary only if you have a strong family history of cancer
preventive care
– 65% of respondents understood that cancer can recur years after completing treatment and being cancer-free; While 26% respondents were unsure about the recurrence pattern of cancer
– 48% of respondents said that vaccination can help prevent some types of cancer; 16% said vaccination played no role in cancer prevention and 36% of respondents were unaware that vaccines exist to prevent cancer.
Talking about the impact cancer patients have on mental health, Dr. Harshit Shah, Consultant-Oncosurgery, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan said, “A major survey finding highlights the fact that patients diagnosed with cancer (59 %) do not discuss their health concerns with themselves. Family, colleagues, friends etc. and patients (30%) lacked mental health support. Cancer not only takes a toll on one’s body but also on their mental and emotional state. Patients under treatment notice drastic changes in their appearance – hair loss, weight loss etc.; This lowers their confidence, makes them feel like a burden, and avoid talking about it, leaving them isolated. Therefore, both patients and their caregivers should be open about these concerns, denormalize the discussion about cancer, and seek the help of counselors to help them live a more or less normal life.
insurance challenges
– 97% of respondents said that the cost of care becomes a major challenge when someone seeks cancer treatment
– 83% respondents said that cancer should be offered under regular health insurance cover; However, 11% of respondents said it was not necessary unless one had a strong history of cancer
better cancer care
In terms of measures to be adopted for better cancer care, more attention was called for:
28% of respondents said that there is a major need to create public awareness about cancer, and 26% of respondents said that cancer care should be affordable to all.
- 15% of respondents said that access to screening should be enabled in all geographies; And 12% respondents said that cancer care infrastructure should be created in Tier-2 and 3 areas to make cancer care more accessible.
– 11% of respondents said that major investments should be made to upgrade existing cancer care facilities, and 8% of respondents said that tobacco use should be more regulated
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Boman Dhabar, Senior Consultant – Medical Oncology, Fortis Hospital, Mulund said, “Access to care is a key aspect of this survey. When it came to challenges faced by patients and their caregivers, the study found that 28% of respondents highlighted the need to create public awareness, 26% of respondents highlighted the need for affordable care and 15% Respondents highlighted the need to enable cancer care across all geographies. , These findings echo the global theme of cancer care – closing the care gap – which is the need of the hour. Every governing body, healthcare entity, and aid groups (such as NGOs) must focus all efforts to provide quality healthcare in non-metro geographic areas where access remains a challenge. This will ensure, better access – better screening – early diagnosis – early intervention”.