On 24 July 2024, a group of 19 students of classes XI and XII of The Indian School, accompanied by their teacher, Ms Suman Aswal, visited The National Science Centre to attend a highly engaging science lecture titled ‘Facts and Myths about Cancer’ by Dr Suhail Qureshi.
The lecture was notably interactive, as Dr Qureshi adeptly connected various case studies of prominent figures to different types of cancer. One notable example discussed was Angelina Jolie, who underwent preventive surgery after discovering that she carried the BRCA gene—a genetic mutation increasing the risk of breast cancer by upto 60%. Jolie’s decision to have the surgery, widely known as the “Angelina Jolie Effect,” raised global awareness about the importance of genetic testing and preventive measures for cancer.
Dr Qureshi also covered several factors that can contribute to or increase the risk of cancer, including obesity, pollution and regular alcohol consumption. In addition to traditional treatments such as chemotherapy, he elaborated on alternative therapies, including targeted therapy and innovative treatments like olaparib tablets, which specifically target and mitigate the effects of BRCA1 and BRCA2 gene mutations.
The session also addressed and dispelled several common myths about cancer, such as:
-- Eating sugar does not cause cancer.
-- A biopsy does not increase the risk of cancer.
-- Vaping does not cause cancer.
Overall, the session was both enlightening and entertaining, providing valuable insights and debunking misconceptions. It was an enriching experience for all attendees, contributing significantly to their understanding of cancer and its treatment.
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