Cancer, a significant global public health concern, is increasing in Kerala, an Indian State. Lifestyle choices, environmental factors, and genetic predispositions are multifaceted risk factors contributing to this rise. However, the program’s inefficiency primarily stems from inadequate needs and resources assessment, insufficient political will, and lack of proper planning, execution, and evaluation. More optimal participation could come from various societal sections and groups. This document describes Kerala’s experiences and achievements in this regard.
The State of Kerala
The National Cancer Registry Programme incorporates multitudinous Population Based Cancer Registries( PBCRs) and Hospital Based Cancer Registries( HBCRs). The Governmental support and involvement in the control program are highlighted. The modus operandi for early detection, public education, and professional reorientation are described. District Cancer Control Programme, School Children’s Involvement, District Cancer Control Society, and the role of the Regional Cancer Centre are highlighted. Anti-tobacco education in schools, propagation of self-examination methods, and extension of cancer detection and treatment facilities are the major activities in Kerala. To meet the economic needs when a patient is diagnosed as having cancer, a cancer insurance scheme launched is described.
Cancer Statistics & Registries in Kerala
In rural Kerala, seven prominent male cancer types encompass Lung, Oesophagus, Other Mouth, Stomach, Tongue, Lymphoma, HD, and Liver. Conversely, females encounter Cervix, Breast, Thyroid Gland, Ovary, Lung, and Other Mouth cancers. Approximately half of the cancer cases among males were linked to tobacco use. Conversely, among females, 18% correlated with tobacco use – 19% corresponding to breast cancer and 18% to cervix cancer. These cancer types have been categorized as ‘Amenable for control.’
A well-established cancer registry network in Kerala provides valuable cancer incidence and prevalence data. These registries cover different sections in Kerala Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, and Pathanamthitta. Kerala, a state in India, has a high knowledge rate and a health-conscious population. A 10-time plan of action was formulated for the inauguration of the program. They furnish comprehensive data on cancer incidence within these specific geographic areas.
Cumulative Risk & Cancer Control Activities in Kerala
The cancer control program in Kerala was launched after a full understanding of the program’s epidemiology, risk factors, resources, and needs available from the hospital cancer registry started in 1982 as a major source material for planning the program. This is assisted by Population-Based Registries also. A suitable methodology was also adopted. The Regional Cancer Centre spearheaded the program in the State.
The data from these registries indicate a cumulative risk of developing cancer at any site in the 0-74 age group. The clinical extent of disease at presentation for cancers of selected anatomical sites has been calculated from the six HBCRs in the State. However, this may only be representative of some of the States. Projected incidence of cancer cases is given for the State for the years 2020 and 2025 according to gender using incidence data from the composite period of 2012-2016 was used as a reference.
Health Infrastructure in Kerala
In Kerala, the health infrastructure stands strong against the weight of cancer. Countless government health facilities exist in sub-centers, primary and community health centers, and district hospitals. Plus, 31 medical colleges and various regional and tertiary cancer care centers, like Thiruvananthapuram’s Regional Cancer Centre and Kozhikode’s Government Medical College. Moreover, the state government administers health schemes such as Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana – Karunya Arogya Suraksha Paddhati (PMJAY-KASP) to provide essential financial aid for medical treatments.
Lifestyle-Related Risk Factors
Despite arduous endeavors, the soaring prevalence of cancer risk factors persists. Behaviors intertwined with one’s way of life, such as tobacco usage, alcohol indulgence, inadequate nourishment, and sedentary habits, bear substantial responsibility for the cancer load. Moreover, elevated arbitrary blood glucose levels, a difficult precursor to various cancer forms, looms large among both genders in the State.
Ayurveda’s Approach to Cancer Treatment
Ayurveda, a holistic path to wellness, intertwines the essence of physical and spiritual realms. To harmonize body, mind, and spirit, it approaches cancer treatment through symptom alleviation, enhancing life’s richness, and extending survival.
Multifaceted in nature, Ayurvedic cancer therapy artfully blends dietary adjustments, lifestyle shifts, herbal concoctions, yoga, meditation, and Panchakarma interventions. Tailored to individual needs, it considers one’s constitution (Prakriti), cancer variety and stage, physical and mental state, and assorted variables.
Ayurvedic Medicines in Cancer Treatment
Ayurveda drugs are primarily factory-grounded, although some beast and mineral products may also be used. A study titled “Structural investigation of Ayurveda Lauha (Iron) Bhasma” discusses using Lauha Bhasma, an Ayurvedic medicine made from purified metallic iron, in cancer treatment. The study suggests that Lauha Bhasma has great potential for noninvasive localized target killing of cancer cells, particularly in sensitive parts of the human body such as the brain, spinal cord, and lungs, via necrosis by application of an alternating external magnetic field or photo electron generation through X-rays.
Patient Care at Punarjan Ayurveda Hospital
Punarjan Ayurvedic Hospital is focused on offering comprehensive treatment to the people seeking its services. The medical center’s skilled Ayurvedic physicians and practitioners engage closely with every client to formulate a tailored healing program that meets the person’s distinct needs and health circumstances. Consequently, individuals get thorough and personalized treatment that supports their overall welfare and restoration.
The Hospital delivers a tranquil and comfortable space for people to experience therapy and rehabilitation. Besides healthcare, individuals receiving treatment at Punarjan Ayurveda Hospital furthermore obtain mental and emotional assistance to assist them in dealing with the hardships of their health condition. The assistance is essential in guaranteeing their general welfare and recovery.
Rasayana Ayurveda in Cancer Treatment
One of the main elements in Punarjan Ayurveda Hospital’s treatment program for cancer involves Rasayana Ayurvedic therapy. Rasayana refers to the eight divisions in the field of Ayurveda concentrating on revitalization and extended lifespan. ‘Rasayana’ is derived from two words: ‘Rasa,’ which means essence, and ‘Ayana,’ which means path. Therefore, Rasayana Ayurveda means the journey of the core and strives to renew the body, boost immunity, and extend lifespan.
Regarding treating cancer, Rasayana Ayurvedic practices enhance the body’s immune system and diminish the unwanted reactions of typical cancer management approaches such as chemo and radiation. Additionally, it strives to uplift the overall quality of existence for the patient. Anti-aging treatments involve employing specific Ayurvedic herbs and mixtures, nutrition modifications, and habit adjustments.
Conclusion
The Cancer Prevention Initiative in Kerala provides a complete strategy to address the rising cancer occurrence within the region. This includes a comprehensive approach that involves stopping, spotting early, healing, and giving palliative care.
In the State of Kerala, Ayurveda is more than just a centuries-old medical system but a complete methodology for overall health and wellness. The comprehensive approach to treating cancer, which emphasizes the entire individual in contrast to only the ailment, provides a beneficial supplement to contemporary cancer therapies.
Punarjan Ayurveda Hospital, blending ancient Ayurvedic wisdom and contemporary medical progress, proffers a kaleidoscopic, all-encompassing approach to cancer treatment. By harnessing Rasayana Ayurveda and other age-old therapies, the Hospital’s goal extends beyond mere disease alleviation, striving to elevate patients’ lives’ essence and enrich their existence profoundly.
