High incidence of cancer in the 20-40 year age group: GMC doc | Goa news

PANAJI: Cancers traditionally seen among the elderly are now being recognized in younger age groups, said the head of the medical oncology department. GMCDr. Anupama BorkarThursday.
Nowadays, the GMC is recording patients in the age group of 20-40 with breast cancer while 10-20 years ago, that cancer was seen in people of the age group ranging from the 50s to the 70s, Borkar said.
“Our youngest breast cancer patient is 26 years old,” Borkar said while speaking on the sidelines of the National Conference on Joint Cancer Care. “There is definitely a shift in the disease from older people to younger people,” he said.
Colon cancer is also seen in the 30-40 year age group and blood diseases that were traditionally diagnosed in those in their 60s are being diagnosed in people in their 30s and 40s.
One of the reasons could be a change in lifestyle and the adoption of a Western lifestyle, Borkar said.
“It has been scientifically proven that stress suppresses immunity and good immunity is needed to fight cancer,” he said.
The expert says psychological support and holding hands important to cancer patients
Borkar advised people to take care of their stress by getting involved outdoor sports, yogam editing, and subscribe laughing clubs. “Participate actively in activities to reduce stress levels to boost your immunity,” he said. In addition, Borkar urged people to pay attention to their diet and exercise regularly to maintain it obesity aside. “Many cancers are directly related to obesity. Exercise for 30-40 minutes every day – walking, running, swimming, or playing sports,” he said. He added that vigorous exercise and good Indian diet are the best. Lots of fruits and vegetables must be added to the daily intake, he said.
It is difficult to say whether the incidence of cancer is increasing in the province, he said, adding that awareness is high these days as more people go to hospitals to seek care.
Highlighting the importance of cancer care, Borkar said that psychological support, hand holding, and emotional support for cancer patients are as important as drugs.
Borkar said that such support is best provided by trained psychologists, social therapy workers, counselors, and support groups where patients identify with peers who have had similar experiences. Emotional support will make patients feel they can fight the battle and win, he said. The GMC’s oncology department deals with approximately 1,000 cancer cases diagnosed each year and dealt with 1,300 cases in the last calendar year.