Dr. Shambhavi Sharma Shares Insights On World Cancer Day

World Cancer Day

Greetings and appreciation for agreeing to the interview, Dr. Shambhavi. Do you mind introducing yourself?

My occupation is radiation oncology, but I’m also naturally compassionate. I come with the hope of assisting others battling the devastating disease of cancer.

What influenced your decision to specialise in radiation oncology?

Since I started practising medicine, oncology has always fascinated me. Sincerely, I was unaware of the devastation this sickness had wrought when I began the stream for my specialism. I’m just grateful that I picked that out of all the possibilities.

Cancer treatment facilities are relatively pricey in remote places. What projects may the government undertake?

There is no doubt that rural communities have subpar medical facilities. In these places, cancer treatment facilities are desperately needed. According to government pronouncements, many of these facilities have already begun operations. However, it won’t be sufficient to stop the rising cancer incidence. By carefully managing resources, privatising the process, and encouraging businesses to invest CSR funds in this area, the government can speed up this process.

How does way of life affect cancer risk?

In the modern era, lifestyle is quite important. Every single thing we do throughout the day shapes our lifestyle and, consequently, the challenges we encounter. A healthy lifestyle includes the fundamental practises of mindful eating, participating in some type of physical activity, receiving seven hours of restful sleep each night, and avoiding psychoactive substances like alcohol and tobacco. A positive mental attitude is always a plus, but alas, only a tiny minority of individuals have access to it. Today’s manifestations of a shifting paradigm of lifestyle include obesity, stress, excessive alcohol and tobacco use, late marriages and childbirth, and consumption of processed foods. These factors are likely contributing factors to the rising incidence of cancer.

World Cancer Day

What dietary practises would you suggest to prevent cancer?

Make sure to include plenty of fruits, veggies, and whole grains in your diet. Strong antioxidants like lycopene, beta carotene, and vitamins C and E protect the body from oxidative stress, which in turn lowers the risk of developing diseases like cancer. Fruits and vegetables that are yellow or orange are abundant in beta-carotene. Lycopene is abundant in foods like grapefruits, watermelons, and tomatoes. Citrus fruits including oranges, lemons, guavas, nuts, and seeds contain vitamins C and E. The least amount of red meat should be eaten. Eggs, seafood, and dairy products are all good sources of protein. There is sufficient data to conclude that a diet heavy in meat and fats increases the risk of colon cancer. Skip processed food

How about the connection between inherited and cancer risk factors?

An hereditary genetic mutation may be the cause of 10% of malignancies. Such cancers have diverse biology and a different profile. Cancers of the breast, ovarian, and colon are a few examples.

As a result, it is crucial to carry out surveillance and spot high-risk situations. First-degree relatives developing cancer, unusual cancer forms, and early cancer diagnosis are all indicators of hereditary cancer.

What words of wisdom would you offer cigarette users and addicts?

In India, smoking is the leading cause of cancer. Because to the widespread use of tobacco, India has the highest incidence of mouth cancer cases worldwide. All forms of tobacco, including smokeless and chewing/snuffing varieties, are harmful. Every single breath or whiff of a cigarette brings you that much nearer to getting cancer. Please receive addiction treatment if you need it. FDA-approved medicines that are part of pharmacotherapy can help combat this issue. Markets frequently have nicotine replacement products, such as lozenges and chewing gum, which can be your first step in quitting. Counseling and behaviour treatments are both very beneficial. The best outcomes might really come from a combination of medication and behavioural therapy.

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