{ முகநூல் கருத்துக்கள்}{ட்விட்டர் கருத்துக்கள்}

This editorial could have been written in the month of February for the 4th of February was the World Cancer Day. Or it could have been written in any month of 2007 or for that matter - 2006. The talk of Cancer being a major killer in Kayalpatnam has been doing rounds - silently - for many years.

Speaking to many medical professionals, one can hear stories of how many people are suffering from various forms of cancer - some knowingly, some in silence. It is reported, in most medical stores of Kayalpatnam, Cancer-drugs are among the top-selling.

With lack of adequate knowledge, many come to know that they have cancer only at an advanced stage - when no cure is possible. Many families do not even report that a particular death in their family was due to cancer. Eventhough it can help in raising awareness, they are afraid such a disclosure would spoil the family reputation.

There are literally dozens of types of Cancer - each caused by hundred different factors. In many causes, Cancer can be prevented from onsetting or controlled by early detection. There are self-tests one can do or watch for some symptoms. It is said 43% of cancer deaths can be prevented worldwide by some healthy behaviours: providing a smoke-free environment, being physically active, eating a balanced, healthy diet, avoiding obesity, learning about vaccines for virus-related liver and cervical cancers and avoiding over-exposure to the Sun.

There are two sides to a medical care system: Curative and Preventive. Curative side comes into picture - when we approach a hospital with a disease (and are treated for that). Preventive side is our continuous effort in raising awareness among the people. Kayalpatnam has always struggled with the Curative side, but it has taken no step in addressing the preventive side.

Preventive measures would teach the people about what causes killer diseases and how we can safeguard ourselves from falling victim to those. Awareness camps and promotion of regular full body check-ups after certain age would go a long way in addressing this problem.

Another puzzle that has remained a puzzle for many years is the role of Dharangadara Chemical Works (DCW) in Sahupuram near Kayalpatnam. Many have voiced silent concern about its effects. The consequence of DCW's presence in our midst hasn't been adequately documented. Some of the chemicals it deals with are known toxics, perhaps even cancer-causing (carcinogens). DCW lets out effluents through air and also into the sea (through which it can enter our food chain). One can assume DCW would be taking all precautions in treating those effluents before letting them out into open. But are they being impartially and scientifically monitored? We do not know.

Kayalpatnam has a health-bomb ticking. When will we wake up?