Basic diagnostics for cancer is affordable

In under development countries like ours access to cancer care is limited. The reach is limited as resources are limited. There is a wide gap between patients and caregiver. At times patients don't even reach the caregivers -places for treatment and care.

Unlike some lifestyle diseases like diabetes and hypertension, cancer is a little different. Those affected with cancer do present symptoms in one way or the other at the very onset. The body does give indication- take for example a lump, we can see it growing sometimes there is bleeding, pain etc but we just tend to ignore it. We should show these things to a doctor or go to an established hospital or facility.

Similarly a cough which is not getting better for some months, it can be due to blockage of airways. An unexplained fever, pain in stomach or a headache which is unexplained, need to be checked.

I agree there is a lot of urban/ rural divide when it comes to availability of cancer care.

There are places in the country where all facilities might not be available, there is lack of manpower/trained technicians. The facilities are available, unfortunately people need to sometimes travel far to avail them. But that should not dissuade us . Some district hospitals provide good care. I always say its not the machine but the man behind that machine that matters, some people have great diagnosis in limited resources.

Cancer care and treatment comes at cost.

Most people in India are not insured, even people having basic insurance can start on cancer treatment.

We have to create awareness about cancers . Know if something is wrong with our body.

The basic or initial diagnostics are becoming affordable, a mammogram,CT scans, X rays are not very costly. They can atleast tell you if something is wrong with your body. There are some cancers where blood tests can help. Oral cavity cancer /cervical cancer can be diagnosed by a visit to a gyneacologists. Catching the cancer young is important.