Expressing concern over growing prevalence of cancer in Gujarat, experts today said the lack of awareness is the principal cause behind deaths in whopping 60 per cent cases.
"In Gujarat, 40,000 to 50,000 new cases of cancer surface every year which is quite high, out of which 60 per cent patients lose their life as they consult the doctor very late. The death ratio can be reduced by an awareness programme", said Nirav Asarawala (medical-oncology) at city-based Wockhardt Hospital today on the occasion of the World Cancer Day.
"Cancer is spreading rapidly, particularly in Gujarat, where consumption of tobacco is high. However, around 60 per cent people die due to lack of awareness as they consult doctors only when the spread of disease has become uncontrollable", he said.
Blaming western lifestyle and lack of exercise as the outside factors besides mutation in DNA, Asarwala said, "there are more than 200 types of cancer but in Gujarat prevalence of oral cancer is high at 35 per cent because of tobacco".
Jignesh Mewa, onco-surgeon at the hospital, said the death ratio can be reduced only by creating awareness about the disease among people.
