Cancer awareness at a click: Get the YouTube link now
New Delhi : Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology & Research has introduced a dedicated YouTube channel to break myths and offer positive information on cancer. The channel offers information on over 14 types of cancer that affects organs like the lungs, breasts, cervix, head and neck, prostrate glands, brain, stomach, colon, and pancreas.
“Diagnosis of cancer doesn’t mean a death sentence,” says oncologist Dr P Guhan. Sri Ramakrishna Institute of Oncology & Research (SRIOR), of which he is a director has launched an exclusive channel on YouTube called Cancer Awareness SRIOR. The channel offers information not just on early detection of the disease but also about the scope of prevention. “When detected early, the success rate of treatment is better. When the number of survivors increases, it boosts the morale of the common man and reassures him that ‘cancer is incurable’ is a myth and that it is indeed curable. It is possible to get rid of the disease and live with an excellent quality of life,” he says confidently.
The bilingual YouTube channel will provide videos and information in English and Tamil. It will features awareness videos, motivational films on survivors, and talks by experts.
Dr Guhan says “Awareness is the key. Every year, the number of cases in India are rising. According to a WHO prediction, cancer will be a leading cause of death in 2020. We need to tell people that certain cancers can be prevented by changing one’s lifestyle. Take tobacco, for example. More than 14-15 types of cancers are caused by it. Every year 10 lakh men and women in India are detected with cancer; 25 to 30 lakh live with cancer, of which five lakh die. About 50 per cent of such deaths can easily be prevented with an early detection.”
He also added that, today, YouTube is an easy way to reach out to youth who spent most of their time in social media channels over mobile phones. “When they see visually for themselves what happens to their lungs when they consume tobacco, it makes them more aware. Even school students take to smoking and consuming tobacco products due to peer pressure. Smoking is a major factor that leads to infertility in men.”
The aim of this dedicated YouTube channel is to reduce incidence of cancer through an active social media presence. The channel will offer information on over 14 types of cancer that affects organs like the lungs, breasts, cervix, head and neck, prostrate glands, brain, stomach, colon, and pancreas. The videos will talk about causes, signs, symptoms, early detection and screening and also the diagnostic tests, treatment options, and prevention. Also, a section includes motivational videos and short films. For example, Penn highlights success stories of breast cancer and cervical cancer survivors, while Pugai discusses tobacco-related cancer survivors. Hope features personalities like Lance Armstrong (diagnosed with testicular cancer) and Lisa Ray (who suffers from multiple myeloma) talking about their stories. “If someone has a doubt on the side-effects of radiation or chemotherapy, they can refer to the videos where our surgical oncologists talk about it in detail. People can access the information on the move, stay aware and share it with family members and friends.”
Through the videos, Dr Guhan also requests the public not to believe myths and instead come forward to an early screening. For example, breast cancer when detected early is completely curable. “In Coimbatore, 26 women in every 100,000 population are being diagnosed with breast cancer. An annual mammogram for women above 40 can help detect breast cancer early. When detected early, they need only surgery and no radiation or chemotherapy. They can easily get their life back on track.”
According to him, lifestyle modifications led to an increase in the number of breast cancer cases. Late marriage and first child after 30 years, excessive alcohol intake, smoking, accumulation of body fat, and use of oral contraceptives, and family history are some of the common factors. Similarly, cases of cervical cancer can be diagnosed with a simple pap smear.
He quoted. “In our childhood, we grew up on south Indian food that packs a lot of fibre, whole grains and balanced nutrition. Now, there is craze for junk that looks attractive but has zero health. Food that is healthy need not always look attractive.”
To access the channel, visit srior on cancer awareness on YouTube
