Chennai, April 2023
In connection with World Colon cancer Awareness month – March 2023, Dr. Kamakshi Memorial Hospitals held a three-day awareness program on three major actionable areas titled “Preventable, Treatable, and Beatable” on the 29th, 30th and 31st of March 2023.
According to the press release, this awareness program focused on colon cancer which is now very prevalent among the population, and how simple and effective preventive measures can help contain the same. As per ICMR 2022 report, in India, the annual incidence rates (AARs) for colon cancer and rectal cancer in men are 4.4 and 4.1 per 100000, respectively. The AAR for colon cancer in women is 3.9 per 100000. Colon cancer ranks 8th and rectal cancer ranks 9th among men. Colon Cancer is also the third most diagnosed cancer in males and the second in females, with more than 1.4 million new cancer cases yearly, according to the National Institute of Health 2017 report.
During the three-day program, Dr. Adarsh Surendranath – Consultant Medical Gastroenterology Dr. KMH, elaborated on the symptoms of colon cancer, Dr. Raj Kumar Rathanasamy. – Consultant Surgical Gastroenterology explained the surgical treatment process and its benefits, and Dr. Joseph Dominic – a Medical Oncologist, explained how even a 4thstage colon cancer could be treated fully, which could provide hope to many. The three-day awareness session had a full-day information center where patients and the public could approach and seek answers to their questions. 20 Counters exhibiting homemade GUT healthy food, which could be one of the best medicines for colon cancer, were available for consumption by the patients and the public to sample and take tips. Close to 500 members availed of this facility.
The importance of lack of exercise as a health hazard was emphasized, and consultants’ relay running race sought to highlight this. This was complemented by a GUT healthy Yoga session by Ms. Ramya V, a veteran Yoga practitioner and Administrative Officer at Dr. KMH, who demonstrated and explained various asanas relevant to GUT health and digestion, completing the three main facets of colon cancer awareness.
Dr. T.G. Govindarajan – Founder, President, and Managing Director of DR. KMH, mentioned, “In today’s fast-paced world, the copious intake of readymade food and junk food with preservatives and harmful content has accelerated the prevalence of colon cancer. Returning to our roots and eating healthy homemade food with fiber intake, adequate exercise, and good sleep is essential. Avoiding smoking and consuming alcohol would also go a long way in preventing cancers”.