Cancer awareness in rural regions of NCR

GURGAON - Cancer, rated as the fourth largest killer disease in India, is often incurable because of its late detection. But if diagnosed early, the disease can be cured, say experts.

“Ninety-five percent of lung cancer patients are mistaken for tuberculosis, increasing the chances of death because of late treatment,” said Kushagra Katariya, chief executive officer of the Artemis Health Institute on the sidelines of the launching of a cancer treatment centre here Saturday.

Catering to a population of nearly 20 lakh people in the National Capital Region, the Rs.75 crore-cancer treatment centre also aims to provide treatment at a lower cost to rural people of Haryana.

“It would include diagnosis, staging and treatment. A tumour board comprising a set of doctors will give attention to each patient,” Katariya told IANS.

“We will take care of economically-weaker patients of Jhajjar, Pataudi road and neighbouring areas,” he added.

Every year, over four lakh people die of cancer in India which has over two million cancer patients.