'Cancer patients must develop a positive attitude'

Obesity could also lead to cancer, says oncologist

Dr B S Ajay Kumar of Bharath Cancer Hospital and Institute of Oncology, Mysuru on Friday advised cancer patients to develop a positive approach towards the disease that may help in curing them.

Addressing the gathering during the release of two books on health -- Joy of Conquering Cancer: A Spiritual Dimension- A Journalist’s Memoir (English) authored by journalist Krishna Vattam, and ‘Ootada Battalalli Arogya’ authored by Meenakshi Bhat, at Ganabharati here, Kumar said, owing to lack of positive approach among people, the fear of cancer was more than the impact of cancer itself.

Citing the example of Vattam who was cured of cancer 25 years ago, Kumar said, there were many advanced ways of treating cancer against the radical treatment earlier.

“The modern way of treatment includes biological and targeted therapy that helps the patients overcome the disease. There is no question of disfigurement after the treatment, a fear nursed by patients suffering from breast cancer. Cancer has been reduced to a chronic ailment like other diseases,” he said.

However, Kumar cautioned people against obesity, as it also caused cancer. The same topic was also discussed in a recently held national seminar, he added.

Chairman of Karnataka Lekhakiyara Sangha Dr Vasundhara Bhoopathi said there has been a growing trend of books on healthy lifestyle, even as modern lifestyle was taking a toll on ones health. “Unlike in the past when special dishes like sweets were prepared during festivals and other occasions, the cornucopia of food available at shops, irrespective of season, has impacted people’s health,” Bhoopathi said. 

He also said that food grains and other products are mixed with at least 2,800 types of chemicals, causing adulteration to a large degree. “Even fruits are ripened using chemicals of different types.”

Consultant neuro surgeon Dr Anil Sangli, and financial planner Sripad Sangli presented a demonstration on spiritual ways of healing, with the help of music.