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- October 31, 2025
Cancer Awareness in Kolkata | Defend Against Cancer & Stay Healthy
Cancer Awareness Is a Step Towards a Cure: Defend Against Cancer and Prioritize Your Health
Cancer is no longer a rare disease—it’s one of the biggest health challenges of our time. Yet, many cancers can be cured or controlled when detected early. The first step towards winning the battle is awareness. Understanding the risks, recognizing symptoms, and going for timely screening can help prevent advanced-stage disease and save lives.
In Kolkata, where lifestyle-related cancers are increasingly common, awareness plays a critical role. Doctors like Dr. Pallabika Mandal, one of the best surgical oncologists in Kolkata, stress that “cancer awareness is not about fear—it’s about empowerment.”
Why Cancer Awareness Matters
Every year, thousands of Indians are diagnosed with cancers that could have been detected much earlier. Unfortunately, fear, stigma, and lack of awareness delay diagnosis. By the time patients seek medical attention, the disease often reaches advanced stages—making treatment complex and costly.
Raising awareness helps people:
- Recognize early warning signs
- Learn about preventive screening tests
- Understand lifestyle-related risk factors
- Access expert medical help on time
When individuals take responsibility for their health and undergo regular check-ups, survival rates improve dramatically.
1. Early Detection Saves Lives
Cancer doesn’t appear suddenly—it grows silently over time. Detecting it early offers the best chance of cure. Common screenings include:
- Pap Smear & HPV Test: For cervical cancer in women
- Mammogram: For breast cancer screening
- Ultrasound Abdomen: For gallbladder or liver abnormalities
- Colonoscopy: For colon or rectal cancers
- Low-Dose CT Scan: For high-risk smokers (lung cancer screening)
In cities like Kolkata, modern hospitals and diagnostic centers now offer affordable cancer screening packages. A simple 30-minute test could make a life-changing difference.
2. Know the Early Warning Signs
Many early cancer symptoms are ignored or mistaken for minor health issues. Dr. Mandal advises everyone to be aware of warning signs such as:
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Persistent pain or bloating
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Abnormal bleeding or discharge
- Non-healing ulcers or skin patches
- Lump or swelling in any body part
If these symptoms persist beyond two weeks, it’s time to consult a specialist.
3. Lifestyle Choices That Lower Cancer Risk
Research shows that 30–50% of cancers can be prevented by lifestyle changes. Small daily habits can have a big impact.
✅ Eat a Balanced Diet
Include fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Reduce red meat, refined sugar, and processed foods.
✅ Stay Physically Active
Exercise at least 30 minutes a day. Regular physical activity helps regulate hormones and immunity.
✅ Avoid Tobacco & Alcohol
These are major causes of lung, liver, mouth, and throat cancers. Quitting today significantly lowers future risk.
✅ Protect Your Skin
Use sunscreen and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight to prevent skin cancers.
✅ Get Vaccinated
HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines prevent cervical and liver cancers respectively.
4. The Role of Preventive Screening
Many cancers—including cervical, breast, and colorectal—develop slowly. Preventive screening can detect precancerous changes before they turn dangerous.
For instance, HPV testing and Pap smears can identify early cervical changes years before cancer develops. Similarly, colonoscopy can remove polyps that may later become cancerous.
Regular health check-ups should be part of every adult’s annual routine. It’s not just a medical expense—it’s an investment in life.
5. Emotional Health and Cancer Prevention
Stress, poor sleep, and emotional burnout can weaken the immune system, making the body more vulnerable to diseases, including cancer. Practicing mindfulness, getting enough rest, and maintaining social connections can strengthen overall health.
Community support, awareness campaigns, and open conversations about cancer also reduce the stigma around diagnosis and treatment.
6. When to See a Cancer Specialist
Don’t wait for symptoms to worsen. Early consultation with a surgical oncologist in Kolkata, like Dr. Pallabika Mandal, ensures that even suspicious findings are addressed immediately.
Visit a specialist if:
- You have a family history of cancer
- You notice unexplained physical changes
- You need a second opinion after abnormal test results
Timely intervention often turns fear into hope.
7. How Kolkata Is Advancing in Cancer Care
Kolkata is now emerging as a hub for advanced oncology treatment in Eastern India. With institutions like Peerless Hospital and specialists like Dr. Pallabika Mandal (M.Ch, AIIMS New Delhi), patients have access to world-class care close to home.
Modern facilities offer:
- Minimally invasive and robotic cancer surgeries
- Targeted and immunotherapy treatments
- Advanced radiation oncology units
- Personalized rehabilitation programs
These advancements mean patients no longer need to travel to metro cities like Delhi or Mumbai for quality cancer care.
8. The Power of Awareness: Real Stories
Many cancer survivors attribute their recovery to early diagnosis. A 42-year-old woman from South Kolkata who underwent gallbladder cancer surgery under Dr. Mandal shared,
“If I hadn’t gone for a routine ultrasound, my cancer would’ve been caught too late. Awareness saved my life.”
Such stories highlight the power of simple preventive actions.
9. Join the Movement: Be an Advocate
Cancer awareness isn’t just a medical responsibility—it’s a social mission. You can make a difference by:
- Sharing educational posts online
- Encouraging family members to go for screenings
- Participating in local health camps and awareness drives
- Supporting cancer survivors in your community
Each conversation about cancer prevention has the potential to save a life.
Conclusion: Awareness Is Empowerment
The fight against cancer begins with awareness. Knowledge gives people the courage to act early, make informed choices, and seek expert help when it matters most.
If you or a loved one experiences persistent symptoms or wants to undergo screening, consult Dr. Pallabika Mandal, one of the best surgical oncologists in Kolkata, for expert guidance and compassionate care.
Your health is your most valuable asset—protect it today.
Because awareness is not just prevention—it’s power.