Cancer, blindness and diabetes are all closely related to each other. Dr Vijay Viswanathan says the possibility of incidence of cancer in liver, endometrium and pancreas is two times higher in diabetics.
Speaking at the Founder’s Day Celebrations at M.V. Hospitals that took place on Wednesday, the doctor said incidence of bladder or breast cancer is 1.5 times likely in those with diabetes. The risk of cancer in those who are diabetic can be reduced by practicing physical exercise and following healthy diet.
Dr V. Shanth of the cancer institute released a booklet on cancer, diabetes and blindness. She said that the aim of healthcare industry should be to increase equitability, affordability and accessibility. The treatment cost for cancer has got so high and there is increased level of knowledge about curing the ailment. Hence, we need to show more focus on preventing it rather than curative measures, said the oncology expert while speaking about cancer associated with eye care and diabetes.
Dr. Shantha said there is a 1 percent annual growth in cancer and that it is imperative to diagnose it. Very soon, the treatment for cancer will turn out to be so very personalized. The focus on molecular biology and diagnosis have become the current trend, she added.
The focus will be more on improving the quality of life in addition to providing affordable solution for treatment. Merely surviving is not the end point of it.
The function was presided by Health Secretary Dr J Radhakrishnan. He said creating a disease free society is the primitive focus for the state government. Healthcare will be made accessible to everyone, he pointed.
Prof M. Viswanathan honored Dr P. Namaperumal of Arvind Eye Hospital by giving out ‘Selfless Service Award’. N. Paul Sunder Singh, the founder director of Karunalaya was given with an award for outstanding social service.