WORLD CANCER DAY
World Cancer Day is recognized globally on February 4th each year. This day is dedicated to raising awareness about cancer, encouraging its prevention, detection, and treatment, and advocating for greater access to cancer care. The theme of World Cancer Day often focuses on different aspects of cancer control, including reducing the impact of cancer on individuals and communities.
Bridging the gaps
Are our state-run institutions inept to deal with a disease like cancer? Why go outside for cancer treatment? These questions always baffled me in the context of seeing so many cancer patients seeking treatment outside UT of J and k. Personally, I don’t fully subscribe to the reason that people still want to go outside for treatment that they don’t want people to know they are suffering from cancer, or in the case of affluent class they do it because they can afford it. When seeking treatment outside the community, there are a lot of additional expenses to consider, such as travel costs, accommodation, waiting in queues and the actual cost of the medical treatment itself. All these expenses can add up and make medical treatment unaffordable or inaccessible for many individuals, particularly those living in low-middle income communities like ours.
Cancer management has advanced too much, in many cases almost cure has been achieved. It’s crucial to remember that cancer is not one disease – it’s more than 200. All different, unique diseases, which require different approaches, for treatment. The era of precision cancer treatment is bringing cancer care to a cellular level. New and developing tools, such as advanced genomic testing, targeted therapy and immunotherapy, cancer management often need the multidisciplinary approach by experienced, compassionate team of medical, surgical, radiation oncologists, counsellors and other skilled supporting professionals having expertise in selecting the best treatment options and individualized care for a patient all under one roof.
To get treated at the best available cancer facility is a patient’s right. From choosing the right doctors to getting the right tests done at the right place at the right time, preferably under one roof, how you manage your cancer makes a big difference in cancer management. Unarguably, we have many good oncologists but we need experienced ones too. Factually, RCC at SKIMS is inept to deal with the overburden of cancer surge despite initiatives from the Govt to have cancer facilities at District levels. The decision for cancer patients to seek treatment at renowned institutions like Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai or prestigious hospitals Rajiv Gandhi cancer Hospital in Delhi is influenced by several factors:
Specialized Expertise
These hospitals often have specialized oncology departments with experienced doctors, surgeons, and support staff who are well-versed in treating various types of cancer. Patients seek the expertise of these professionals to receive the best possible care.
Advanced Treatment Options
Renowned cancer hospitals usually have access to advanced medical technologies and treatment options that may not be available in smaller or less specialized facilities. Patients may believe that these advanced options increase their chances of successful treatment.
Comprehensive Care
These hospitals often provide comprehensive cancer care, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, counselling, and supportive services, all in one place. This can be appealing to patients who prefer centralized and coordinated care.
Reputation and Trust: The reputation of a hospital plays a significant role in attracting patients. Patients may be willing to endure hardships and travel long distances if they believe the hospital has a track record of successful cancer treatment and a reputation for excellence.
Latest Clinical Trials Protocols
State of the art cancer hospitals are more likely to be involved in cutting-edge research protocols and clinical trials. Patients may seek these opportunities for experimental treatments that could offer new and potentially more effective options.
Hope for a Cure
Some patients may be drawn to these institutions with the hope of finding a cure or accessing the latest breakthroughs in cancer treatment. The perception that these hospitals offer the best chance for recovery can motivate patients to travel for treatment.
Support Services
Specialized cancer hospitals often provide comprehensive support services, including counselling, nutritional guidance, and support groups. This holistic approach to care can be attractive to patients and their families.
Challenges in Cancer Care in Kashmir
This 4 February, we call on you, whoever and wherever you are, to play your part in creating a cancer-free world.
Limited Infrastructure
Kashmir’s healthcare infrastructure faces constraints, with a scarcity of specialized cancer treatment centers, diagnostic facilities, and trained healthcare professionals. This shortage exacerbates the difficulties faced by patients seeking timely and effective cancer care.
Economic Barriers
The economic status of many individuals in Kashmir poses a significant obstacle to accessing cancer care. High treatment costs, coupled with limited financial resources, often force patients to forgo or delay essential medical interventions.
Lack of Awareness
Inadequate awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and available treatments persists in many communities in Kashmir. This lack of knowledge contributes to late-stage diagnoses, reducing the likelihood of successful treatment outcomes.
Geographical Challenges
The geographical terrain of Kashmir, marked by mountainous regions and challenging weather conditions, complicates the transportation of patients to healthcare facilities. This geographical isolation further impedes timely access to cancer care.
Strategies to Bridge the Cancer Care Gap:
Enhancing Infrastructure
Investing in the development of cancer treatment centers, equipped with state-of-the-art facilities and a skilled workforce, is paramount. Collaborations with national and international healthcare organizations can facilitate knowledge transfer and resource sharing.
Financial Assistance Programs
Implementing financial assistance programs, subsidized treatment options, and insurance schemes can alleviate the economic burden on cancer patients. Public-private partnerships can be forged to establish funding mechanisms that make quality cancer care accessible to all.
Community Outreach and Education
Launching comprehensive awareness campaigns is crucial to educate the public about cancer prevention, early symptoms, and the importance of regular screenings. Engaging community leaders, schools, and local media can be instrumental in disseminating information.
Telemedicine Initiatives
Given the geographical challenges, telemedicine can play a pivotal role in providing remote consultations, monitoring patients, and offering support services. This approach ensures that individuals in remote areas have access to medical expertise without the need for extensive travel.
Holistic Cancer Care
Adopting a holistic approach to cancer care involves not only treating the disease but also addressing the psychosocial and emotional needs of patients. Support groups, counselling services, and survivorship programs contribute to a more comprehensive and patient-centred healthcare model.
Cancer Burden is overwhelming in Kashmir, and remains a top concern even for civil society, pushing many families below the poverty line, draining them both financially and emotionally. Not a day passes when crowd funding appeals for needy cancer patients are not uploaded on social media. The collective efforts of the government, healthcare professionals, and the community are pivotal in turning this vision into a reality and building a healthier future for the people of Kashmir certainly, the establishment of state-of-the-art cancer hospitals is essential for comprehensive and specialized cancer treatment.
An initiative by an NGO Sade Umed, Kashmir needs a State-of-the-Art Charitable Cancer Hospital sounds of hope and hope is power, led by a few sensitive civil society members and Medical Professionals to bring State of art cancer care under one roof for all regardless of socioeconomic status, bridge the gap between the privileged and underprivileged these hospitals contribute to reducing disparities in cancer outcomes, empowering individuals with knowledge and access to healthcare services. Sounds of hope and hope are power.
This 4 February, we call on you, whoever and wherever you are, to play your part in creating a cancer-free world. Help facilitate and join this caravan of beating cancer, contribute with your participation, like, partake, take part in, take-part, indulge, engage, contribute, concur, associate with, be a party in KCCH mission and Vision to beat cancer.
Together, we will make sure our leaders know that we demand a commitment to prioritizing cancer, to creating innovative strategies designed to confront inequity and to investing our resources to achieve a just and cancer-free world
(The author, is Healthcare policy analyst, an onco-surgeon, leading the group campaigning for Kashmir Charitable Cancer Hospital. Feedback: [email protected])
