On World Cancer Day, actress Sonali Bendre, who battled cancer in 2018, talks about the importance of early detection and praises the government's Ayushman Bharat initiative for breaking financial barriers and providing accessible and affordable healthcare for cancer patients. Filmmaker-writer Tahira Kashyap and actor Emraan Hashmi also commended the Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) for making cancer treatment accessible regardless of financial background, on this international day aimed at reducing preventable suffering from cancer.
World Cancer Day: Raising Awareness and Breaking Barriers
World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, aims to raise awareness about the impact of cancer worldwide and promote its prevention, detection, and treatment. This year, the day sheds light on the importance of early detection and the role of affordable healthcare in combating the disease.
Early Detection and the Ayushman Bharat Initiative
Early detection of cancer is crucial for effective treatment and improved survival rates. Actress Sonali Bendre, who battled cancer in 2018, stressed this point on World Cancer Day. She lauded the government's Ayushman Bharat initiative, a national health insurance scheme, for eliminating financial barriers to cancer care and making it accessible for all.
The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides financial coverage of up to 5 lakh rupees per family per year for hospitalization and treatment, including cancer treatment. This has been instrumental in breaking down the financial burden associated with cancer care and ensuring that patients have timely and affordable access to the necessary healthcare.
Commendation from Tahira Kashyap and Emraan Hashmi
Filmmaker-writer Tahira Kashyap and actor Emraan Hashmi also praised the Ayushman Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) for making cancer treatment accessible regardless of financial background. These initiatives have removed socioeconomic disparities in accessing healthcare and have empowered cancer patients to seek the best possible care.
FAQs Related to World Cancer Day
Q1: What is the theme of World Cancer Day 2023? A1: Close the Care Gap. The day focuses on bridging the gap in cancer care between different populations and regions.
Q2: What are the common types of cancer in India? A2: Breast, cervical, lung, and colorectal cancer are among the most prevalent cancer types in India.
Q3: How can early detection improve cancer outcomes? A3: Early detection through regular screenings, self-examinations, and awareness of symptoms can significantly increase the likelihood of successful treatment and reduce the risk of advanced stages.
Q4: What are the risk factors for cancer? A4: Smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet, obesity, and certain genetic mutations can increase the risk of developing cancer.
Q5: What can we do to prevent cancer? A5: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in regular physical activity, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol intake are effective measures to reduce the risk of cancer. Additionally, vaccination against HPV and hepatitis B can prevent certain cancer types.
Dr Jitender Rohila, a renowned surgeon and consultant at Fortis Hospital, explains the cutting-edge surgical procedures of HIPEC and PIPAC, which are transforming the treatment of peritoneal surface cancers. These techniques involve delivering heated chemotherapy directly to the abdominal cavity or aerosol chemotherapy under pressure, resulting in improved drug absorption and reduced side effects. While HIPEC is suitable for patients who have undergone cytoreductive surgery for abdominal cancers, PIPAC offers promising options for those with advanced diseases or seeking additional treatment after surgery.
NASA and Roscosmos are on high alert as cracks in the Russian service module on the ISS continue to worsen, posing a top safety risk. Despite efforts to contain the air leak since 2019, the source remains unknown and has reached record high levels this year. As a precaution, astronauts have been instructed to stay close to their spacecraft, and access to the module has been limited to critical use only. NASA is also working on an emergency evacuation plan for American astronauts, highlighting the urgency of this critical situation. With the ISS facing an increased risk from orbital debris and operating beyond its intended lifespan, the future of the station remains uncertain.
Learn about the ancient Ayurvedic practices that can lead to a healthier and happier start to your day. From waking up during Brahma Muhurat to practicing deep breathing exercises and having a light and warm breakfast, Ayurveda offers various ways to boost your overall well-being. Start incorporating these 8 morning routines into your daily routine for a blissful and energized start to your day.
A team of academics has uncovered valuable insights into Roman legal proceedings through a newly discovered papyrus dating back over 1,880 years. The papyrus, named after Professor Hannah Cotton Paltiel who discovered it, reveals how the Roman empire handled financial crimes involving slaves in Judaea and Arabia. It is the longest Greek papyrus ever found in the Judean desert and sheds light on the prosecutors' notes and trial preparations before the Bar Kokhba revolt.
A metal detectorist in Westphalia, Germany has unearthed a one-of-a-kind find – a tiny gold lock that dates back to the Roman era. Measuring less than half an inch in diameter, this miniature version of a typical Roman lock was likely used to secure precious belongings. With the help of 3-D neutron computed tomography, archaeologists have been able to examine the lock's intricate inner workings, shedding light on its design and functioning. This remarkable discovery raises questions about the prevalence and significance of such precious miniature locks in Roman society.
The annual census of dolphins at Chilika lake in India's eastern state of Odisha has begun, with over 100 people participating in the three-day exercise. Equipped with specialized equipment, a team of retired government officials, researchers, students, and experts are counting the dolphins at India's largest brackish water lagoon. The census aims to track the population of the endangered species, which is listed on the International Union for the Conservation of Nature's Red List. Last year's data was not released due to adverse weather conditions, but in 2023, 173 dolphins of two species were found in the lake. The census is being carried out by the Chilika wildlife division in collaboration with the Chilika Development Authority.
* A team of scientists has developed a new algorithm for calculating the power function, making the process more efficient and accurate. This development could have far-reaching implications for fields such as engineering, physics, and economics, where power calculations are common. Using this new algorithm, researchers can now quickly and accurately determine power values, helping to advance their research and innovations. Furthermore, this method ensures that the resulting values are always non-negative, eliminating the need for post-processing.
As Maharashtra continues to battle against infectious diseases like HMPV and bird flu, health experts are now raising alarm over the rising cases of Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS) in several cities of the state. While some studies have linked GBS to the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine, others have refuted this claim. However, one thing is clear - GBS is a serious medical emergency that requires immediate treatment to prevent paralysis or even death. A doctor has also shared important tips on how to prevent foodborne illnesses, which can also be a cause of GBS.
In the animal kingdom, being an alpha male may seem like the ultimate achievement, but a new study shows that for baboons, it comes with intense levels of stress. Despite having dominance, respect, and first dibs on resources, these primates live in constant fear of losing their position and must guard their mates from rival males. This takes a toll on their physical and mental well-being, showing that being at the top is not as great as it may seem.