Latest news with #KidwaiMemorialInstituteofOncology
The Hindu
6 hours ago
- Health
- The Hindu
World Lung Cancer Day: Early detection is key to tackling the silent killer, say experts
Recently, a 48-year-old male with a history of smoking experienced back pain and difficulty walking. He initially visited a physician who prescribed painkillers, but the discomfort persisted. Later, he consulted a neurologist who advised an MRI of the spine. The scan revealed signs of cancer, and a follow-up chest X-ray confirmed that the primary issue was in the lungs. The lung cancer had spread to his spine, causing spinal compression. Asserting that this case underlines how lung cancer often goes unnoticed until it has significantly progressed, Sachin Kumar, director, pulmonology and critical care medicine, Sakra World Hospital, where his cancer was diagnosed, said it is crucial to raise awareness that the disease may not always begin with clear symptoms. 'Timely health screenings can make a major difference,' he said. To raise awareness about lung cancer, its impact, and the importance of early detection and prevention, World Lung Cancer Day is observed annually on August 1. Risk factors 'While smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke are major risk factors, cases are now emerging in non-smokers as well. Factors such as genetics and environmental triggers may also play a role in deteriorating lung health,' the doctor said. Urging people to take proactive steps in protecting their lung health, doctors asserted that early detection can save lives in the fight against this often silent disease. Echoing the concern, Sunil Kumar K., lead consultant, interventional pulmonology, Aster CMI Hospital, said the biggest challenge of lung cancer is late diagnosis. 'Symptoms such as mild cough, breathlessness, or chest pain are often ignored or mistaken for other common conditions. By the time patients come to us, the disease is already in advanced stages,' he said. 'With early-stage detection, patients may avoid chemotherapy or radiation altogether, instead benefiting from surgery or targeted therapies'Dr. Sunil KumarPulmonologist Highlighting recent advances in technology, Dr. Sunil Kumar emphasised that low-dose CT scans can now detect small tumours early, improving the chances of curative treatment. 'With early-stage detection, patients may avoid chemotherapy or radiation altogether, instead benefiting from surgery or targeted therapies,' he said. Both doctors strongly advocated regular health checks, especially for high-risk individuals such as smokers and those exposed to industrial fumes, firewood smoke, or heavy pollution. Symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, chronic cough, or blood in sputum should not be ignored. Incidence In Karnataka, the incidence of cancer is increasing by about 1% each year in both men and women. Nearly 6% of around 88,000 cancer cases recorded in Karnataka every year are lung cancers. According to data from the State-run Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, the institute sees around 25,000 new cancer cases every year. In 2024, about 21,051 new cases were registered, and over 3.89 lakh cancer patients had visited the institute for follow-up. Of the new cases, over 6% were diagnosed as lung cancers. 'Awareness and timely medical attention can turn this silent killer into a treatable condition,' the doctors said, adding that a simple scan at the right time can save a life.
India.com
14 hours ago
- Health
- India.com
India's Silent Crisis: Cervical Cancer And The Urgent Need For Awareness
In the broad canvas of public health issues confronting India, cervical cancer is one of the most dangerous to the lives of women. One woman succumbs to cervical cancer every eight minutes in India. It is not because of technology deprivation, cure unavailability, or vaccine access denial, but because of silence, stigma, and system inaccessibility. Dr. Arun H N, Surgical Oncologist & Associate professor, Department of Surgical Oncology. Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology- Bengaluru and Braja Kishore Pradhan, Founder of the Aahwahan Foundation shares the urgent need of awareness for cervical cancer. Even though it is one of the most preventable of cancers, it still kills thousands because of a deficiency in timely screening and information. Cultural taboo keeps women from talking about reproductive health openly, which means barriers for early detection. Healthcare infrastructure in rural enclaves remains skeletal and even where it does exist, awareness is shockingly low. Myths surrounding the HPV vaccine also exacerbate the issue, discouraging families from being proactive. This silent epidemic is more than a health problem, it's a social one that indicates profound gender disparities and institutional failure. A Disease Without a Voice Cervical cancer progresses gradually. It begins as a chronic infection with some high-risk types of Human Papillomavirus (HPV), a virus that is often spread through sexual activity. Though it may take years. In some cases, decades to become cancer, it usually doesn't make its presence known until relatively late. That's the first tragedy. Since early cervical cancer is often silent, women will go on with their daily activities unaware of what's going on inside their bodies. It is when symptoms such as abnormal vaginal bleeding, watery or smelly discharge, pelvic pain, or pain during sex manifest that the cancer has reached an advanced stage. The Life-Saving Potential of Screening The following is the good news: cervical cancer is one of the cancers that can be identified before developing into cancer. Regular screening using Pap smears or HPV DNA testing can identify pre-cancerous cervical changes. These tests are cheap, relatively painless, and can be lifesavers, but only if the resources are made available and accessible. Fewer than 20% of eligible Indian women have ever been screened for cervical cancer. In cities, private clinics and hospitals provide the service, but in rural or slum settings, a woman might never even be aware of the term "cervix", much less what a Pap smear is. HPV Vaccine: Prevention in a Syringe The second lifesaver is the HPV vaccine. Given before exposure to the virus, and preferably between the ages of 9 and 14, it can protect against more than 90% of cases of cervical cancer. Even adults up to age 45 can use it, depending on their medical history. India's addition of the HPV vaccine to its Universal Immunisation Programme is a milestone, but roll-out is patchy. Most parents are still not aware of the vaccine. Others are misled, thinking it impacts fertility or promotes early sex, both baseless concerns. The actual barrier isn't medical — it's social. The Real Epidemic: Ignorance Rural, tribal, and slum populations in India have a triple burden: poverty, illiteracy, and weak health infrastructure. In most of these locations, women are instructed to keep quiet and bear the pain. Reproductive health is not discussed. Illusory beliefs galore: cancer is either a curse or a punishment. This silence is fatal. Field workers and community health volunteers usually describe the challenges of even initiating discussions regarding cervical cancer. In the absence of credible voices from among the community members, social workers, teachers, or local women leaders, misinformation fills the gap. What Needs to Change Cervical cancer is not the inevitable consequence that many believe it to be. It is not an untreatable disease. And it is definitely not a death sentence if caught early. India has to move, not only by policy but by people. 1. Initiate village-level campaigns of education in the local language, with culturally appropriate images and messages. 2. Mobilize screening camps, particularly in tribal tracts and urban slums. 3. Engage schools and parents in HPV vaccine awareness; make it as normal as giving polio drops. 4. Train more women health workers to carry out screenings and establish trust within communities. Cervical cancer is not only a health problem; it's a matter of social justice. Every woman, no matter where she lives or how much money she makes, should have the chance to live a life free from avoidable disease. Shattering the silence on cervical cancer is providing a voice to those who have never been heard. It is extending beyond hospital walls, into classrooms, kitchens, and community centres, to shift attitudes and, in doing so, save lives.
Time of India
2 days ago
- Health
- Time of India
Set up superspecialty hospital in DK: DYFI
Mangaluru: The DYFI Dakshina Kannada unit members submitted a memorandum urging chief minister Siddaramaiah to set up a superspecialty hospital, including branches of Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research, and Nimhans in Dakshina Kannada district. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Youth leaders submitted a memorandum to the CM through deputy commissioner Darshan HV on Tuesday. DYFI district president BK Imthiyaz said that people are increasingly affected by cancer, heart-related diseases, as well as brain, nerve, and mental illnesses in Dakshina Kannada. To receive better treatment, they are compelled to rely on private hospitals that charge high fees. Due to the lack of proper treatment for serious diseases like cancer and heart-related illnesses in govt hospitals, the poor are being referred to private hospitals under the Ayushman scheme, effectively allowing govt health insurance funds to fill the coffers of private hospitals, he noted. Superspecialty hospitals like Kidwai, Jayadeva, and Nimhans for advanced treatments have not yet been established. Despite decades of demand for a govt medical college in Dakshina Kannada district, only announcements have been made during the govt's budget sessions, without any financial allocation, he lamented. The state govt should take immediate steps to establish units of Kidwai Cancer Hospital, Jayadeva Heart Hospital, and Nimhans in the district, similar to the models initiated in other districts. Imthiyaz urged the govt to expedite the release of funds for establishing a govt medical college in Mangaluru. "There is a need for strengthening govt hospitals by constructing primary, community, and taluk hospitals as per the population requirement and filling all vacant doctor and staff positions," he added.
Time of India
18-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
MRI repair to be completed today: Kidwai hospital in Bengaluru
Bengaluru: Hours after TOI reported that over 185 patients at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology had been waiting nearly three weeks for MRI scans due to a defunct machine, the hospital Friday said the part needed repairs has arrived and the machine is expected to be operational by Saturday. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Kidwai, Karnataka's largest govt-run cancer hospital, has faced mounting criticism after patients queued up daily at the MRI room, only to find the same handwritten sign: 'MRI Machine Not Working.' TOI, in its Friday's (July 18) edition had highlighted the plight of patients in a report titled "3 weeks on, 185 patients await MRI scan at Kidwai hosp". The hospital's MRI machine is over 11 years old, and the delay in repair, Kidwai director Dr Naveen T had told TOI Thursday, was due to the part not being available in India. "...It is being imported from Germany," he had said. On Friday, Kidwai, in an official statement, said no patients were adversely affected by the malfunction and that arrangements were made to send patients to Nimhans and Sanjay Gandhi hospitals via ambulance. However, a reality check by TOI revealed only five patients were actually sent for scans to Nimhans on Friday, while Sanjay Gandhi hospital received none.
Time of India
17-07-2025
- Health
- Time of India
Three weeks on, Kidwai's sole MRI machine still not working
Bengaluru: Every morning for the past three weeks, cancer patients — many in wheelchairs — arrive at the MRI room at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, only to see the same sign taped to the door: MRI Machine Not Working. At Karnataka's largest govt-run cancer hospital, at least 185 patients have been on the waiting list since the hospital's sole MRI and mammography machine broke down in late June. For cancer patients, an MRI scan is not optional — it is critical for diagnosis, follow-ups and monitoring disease progression. At the reception, patients are asked to leave their phone numbers. They are told they will be called once the machine is fixed. But so far, no timeline has been given. You Can Also Check: Bengaluru AQI | Weather in Bengaluru | Bank Holidays in Bengaluru | Public Holidays in Bengaluru KC Devraj, a brain tumour survivor from Ramanagara, is number 184 on the waiting list. He travelled to Kidwai for a follow-up MRI but had to return without a scan. " by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This Could Be the Best Time to Trade Gold in 5 Years IC Markets Learn More Undo We started at 6am today [Thursday]. My wife took the day off work. It takes the whole day for us to come and go. And now they say the machine isn't working. Where will the poor go if govt hospitals fail like this?" Devraj said. For him, getting the scan done at a private hospital is unaffordable. "A scan at a private hospital will cost me at least Rs 7,000. I can't afford it." At Kidwai, below poverty line (BPL) patients and those with govt health cards or insurance get scanning done for free. For others, a brain scan costs Rs 3,000, still less than half the rate at private hospitals. Scans for other parts of the body follow a similar rate difference. Devraj doubts whether the hospital will actually call him back. "We'll probably have to return multiple times just to check the status. It's a burden we can't afford." Kidwai relies on a single MRI machine, normally catering to 20-25 patients daily. Its staff admit this is no longer sustainable. "The machine is almost 11-12 years old. A crucial part is damaged and needs replacement, but the specific part isn't available in India. It's being sourced from abroad," a radiologist said. Another staff member confirmed the issue has been reported to higher authorities and an inspection is underway. The hospital is also facing questions about administrative issues. Naveen Bhat Y, who serves as both the hospital administrator and CEO of zilla panchayat, Chikkaballapur, is rarely seen at Kidwai. "We usually have to go all the way to Chikkaballapur just to get his signature on documents," a hospital staffer told TOI. Kidwai director Dr Naveen T did not respond to calls and messages. However, hospital officials said Thursday that an MoU was signed with Nimhans and Sanjay Gandhi Trauma Centre to offer MRI scans for Kidwai patients. But this arrangement has not been clearly communicated at the reception, leaving most patients unaware.
