Dr. Vijaya Anand Reddy, President, Association of Radiation Oncologists of India,
Dr. G.V. Giri, Secretary General of the Association,
Dr. K. Ramadas, Chairman, Organising Committee,
Dr. Francis V. James, Secretary, Organizing Committee,
Dear Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen
A very good evening to everyone.
I am very happy to be in your midst to inaugurate AROICON-2018, the 40th Annual Conference of the Association of Radiation Oncologists of India.
Let me at the outset, compliment the Kerala Chapter of Association of Radiation Oncologists of India for organizingthis Conference on the theme‘Exploring the Art and Science of Oncology’ in Thiruvananthapuram at a time when advances in Radiation Oncology are being widely discussed.
I am informed that The Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI), established in 1977, has been giving utmost importance to research and training in oncology. With more than 3000 registered members, it has been instrumental in ushering in progress in the field of Radiation Oncology in the country.
As we all know, Cancer is known to be one of the biggest threats to human health the world over. In India, we have a grave situation with over 2.3 million people living with Cancer and around seven lakh people dying due to the disease every year. Besides, annually, around 11 lakh new cases are detected. Sadly, the incidence of death due to Cancer is more in women and if statistics can be trusted, in every ten minutes, one woman dies of Cervical cancer in our country. Death due to breast cancer is also on the rise.
In Kerala, cancer has become an important health problem in the light of the growth in the aging population and the changing life-style. Our State needs to look at cancer in a comprehensive way, beginning with a credible on-line Cancer registry and details of all facilities for treatment. It is also high time we ensured at least basic oncology facilities and doctors trained in Oncological surgery in all district hospitals.
Cancer being a possible reality in many families, it is high time people were properly educated on the ways to manage the disease. Unfortunately, many people tend to see Cancer as the end of a person's life. Our noted Malalayalam actor and Member of Parliament, Shri Innocent has narrated in his book Laughing Cancer Away, about the disturbing silence in the household and workplace when people hear that someone is diagnosed with cancer. When he could not tolerate the silence at home, it was up to him to declare loudly to the family that his Cancer was curable.
I have felt that people's fear of Cancer lies in the notions prevalent about the treatment methods. As we all know, Surgery, Radiotherapy and chemotherapy form the back bone of cancer management. Radiotherapy was the earliest non-surgical cancer treatment modality that most people know about. And, certainly, there have been many fears about the crude techniques of radiation delivery in the early days. But, most people are not aware that there has been considerable technological advancement in Radiation oncology over the years. Therefore, the present day radiation treatment is known to be extremely safe despite the high doses of radiation needed for cure. However, I feel that in spite of such improved conditions, people are not fully aware of the changes that have come in the treatment methods.
We have no doubt that prevention is better than cure. When it comes to Cancer, we need to make people better informed about the ways of avoiding cancer through a healthy life style. Since screening and early detection are important in reducing death rates from some cancers, we also need to find more effective ways of awareness creation. For instance, Breast cancer, which is the most common cancer in women is known to manifest mostly in the second or third stages, making survival difficult. Therefore, we have to give priority to educating women to report breast lumps and to ensuring free Mammographic screening to all women in the State. Similar campaigns need to be carried out for other cancers, too. If patients are reluctant to come, the best method is to reach out to them.
I have felt that many people refrain from screening, or even discussing their doubts regarding Cancer, fearing the high cost of treatment. Cancer treatment becomes expensive due to the use of patented drugs, which are sold at very high prices. Health activists have been complaining about instances of arbitrary pricing of medicines even in the developed world. In fact, the Indian Patent Act, 1970 has provisions to ensure that medicines are made affordable and accessible. For instance, in Kerala, you may have noticed that the State's Health Policy hopes to invoke the provisions of Chapter XVI of the Indian Patent Act, 1970 which relates to the use of drugs by the government. I hope the Association of Radiation Oncologists of Indiaalso would be involved in supporting the government with measures that would help in cost reduction so that the common man is able to afford such treatments.
Research in Radiation Oncology has certainly helped in ensuring more effective treatment methods, but we still have scope for scientific inquiry on making treatment less complex and less expensive. I sincerely hope that this meeting which has 22 eminent international faculty and more than 100 national level experts, will devote more attention to discussions on the recent research findings.
We have also been hearing of major challenges to Radiation oncologists in the treatment of diseases like Pancreatic Cancer, where perfect accuracy is essential. With more people being affected by such diseases, we need to make sure that our Radiation Oncologists are trained in the most advanced methodologies. I hope this Conference which promises to be a platform for interactive discussions, knowledge exchange and a great learning experience would empower our young oncologists with the latest trends. In addition, I hope this conference would also be able to dispel people's fears about radiation methods.
I once again greet all the delegates and wish them a fruitful time here. I compliment the organizers for conducting this programme in a befitting manner.
Jai Hind
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