An informative talk about Cancer Awareness was held in the auditorium on January 17, 2025 for the teachers of The Indian School. Our guest was Dr Shubham Jain, Senior Consultant - Surgical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre (RGCIRC). Dr Jain, a distinguished alumnus of Maulana Azad Medical College and a renowned oncologist, provided valuable insights into the prevention, early detection and the management of various types of cancer.
Dr Jain, who completed his MCh in Surgical Oncology at the prestigious Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai and his MS in General Surgery at Lady Hardinge Medical College, conducted a highly interactive session that engaged the teachers in open dialogue, fostering an environment of learning and awareness.
Dr Jain started with the subject of breast cancer, which he said is common and for which early diagnosis is crucial. He stated that breast cancer is one of the most frequent cancers among women and is also one of the most curable if detected in time. Family history, hormonal changes and lifestyle are all the risk factors that Dr Jain listed. He advised the teachers, especially those above 40 years, to go for regular mammograms and to do self breast examinations once a month. Dr Jain interacted with the audience and clarified common misconceptions about the disease.
Cervical cancer, which is again a common concern is mainly caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). He educated the audience, that there is a vaccine for HPV, which can prevent most cases of cervical cancer. Dr Jain asked the teachers to encourage young women to go for vaccination and also stressed the importance of Pap Smear as a method of detecting precancerous changes. Several teachers asked about the vaccine and its effectiveness, which Dr Jain explained.
Dr Jain dedicated a significant portion of talk to the causes of oral cancer, highlighting its increasing incidence worldwide. The doctor pointed out that early signs of oral cancer often go unnoticed, and regular screenings are crucial. Teachers were advised to be more careful and well informed about the initial symptoms.
The speaker didn’t just recommend that the teachers undergo these screenings themselves, but also advocated that they encourage their students and their families to do so, because awareness and preventive measures can help save lives. The most valuable part of the talk was an interactive Q&A session where Dr Jain answered questions from the teachers.
The teachers were particularly keen about educating their students and their families about the importance of a healthy lifestyle and regular medical check-ups.
Dr Jain provided practical advice on leading a healthy lifestyle, including tips on maintaining a balanced diet, exercising regularly, reducing alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking. He also discussed the psychological aspects of cancer awareness, stressing that mental health plays a crucial role in a patient’s ability to cope with the disease.
The talk concluded with Dr Jain’s suggestion to the teachers to be proactive in spreading awareness about cancer and its prevention in their communities. His message of hope, emphasising the importance of early detection and regular screening, resonated with the audience, leaving them better equipped to handle potential risks and make informed decisions about their health. The session was an eye-opener for the teachers, who left with a renewed commitment to raising awareness about cancer prevention among their students and families. Dr Shubham Jain’s expert advice and the engaging, interactive talk provided wide insight to the burning issue of cancer.
“Cancer is just a chapter in our lives and not the whole story.”
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