"Cancer is not the end, timely detection can save lives": Vice-Chancellor Dr. H.K. Aggarwal

Indiknow, Rohtak. If there is swelling in a bone, any lump anywhere in the body, or persistent pain in a bone, do not ignore it at all because that lump could be cancerous. Get yourself examined by a specialist doctor immediately and do not fall for any kind of misconception. Cancer does not mean death. With timely detection and proper treatment, most patients recover completely. This message should reach society: instead of being afraid, it is important to get checked. This was stated by Dr. H.K. Aggarwal, Vice-Chancellor of Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma University of Health Sciences. 

He was speaking as the Chief Guest on Tuesday at the "Sarcoma and Bone Cancer Awareness Programme" organized by the Department of Orthopaedics in the OPD. The programme was organized under the leadership of Department Head Prof. Dr. Roop Singh. The welcome address was given by Dr. Ashish Devgan and the event was conducted by Dr. Umesh Yadav.

Vice-Chancellor Dr. H.K. Aggarwal said that through the street play presented by children, the symptoms of sarcoma were explained in a very simple manner. He informed that all types of cancer treatment are available at PGIMS and our effort is that every patient from the state gets excellent diagnosis and treatment facilities at one place. Dr. Aggarwal said that our endeavor is that every patient from the state gets world-class diagnosis and treatment under one roof. The message that needs to go out in society is that cancer does not mean the end. With timely treatment, most patients recover completely.

Registrar and Head of Orthopaedics Department Dr. Roop Singh said that sarcoma is a rare type of cancer. It accounts for about one percent of all cancers in adults and 15 to 20 percent of solid cancers in children. It has more than a hundred types, therefore treatment should be taken only at a specialized center. 

Dr. Roop Singh informed that the Orthopaedics Department of PGIMS is one of the leading bone and soft tissue tumor treatment centers in the state. Here, all types of surgeries for bones and soft tissue tumors of the hands and legs are performed, and that too completely free of cost. Dr. Roop Singh said that the department performs about 15 to 20 successful operations of small and large bone and soft tissue tumors every month. He said it is a matter of great concern that this disease is seen more in children between 10 to 20 years of age and in adults between 50 to 60 years of age. Most cases occur in the bones of the hands and legs.

While welcoming everyone to the programme, Dr. Ashish Devgan said that if there is any lump or swelling in the body that is gradually increasing in size, if the swelling is larger than five centimeters, if pain and swelling persist even after a minor injury, or if a bone breaks without any major injury, then contact a doctor immediately. Swelling or pain lasting more than four to six weeks should never be ignored.

Treatment being done with modern technology :  

Dr. Umesh Yadav said that special examination of bone and soft tissue tumor patients is done in Room No. 30 of the Orthopaedics OPD every Monday and Thursday. The department is using advanced techniques such as limb salvage surgery, metal prosthesis, biological reconstruction, and extracorporeal radiation therapy in which the bone is taken out of the body, given radiation, and then placed back. 

Dr. Umesh Yadav said that in metal prosthesis surgery, the cancerous bone is removed and replaced with a special metal joint. The cost of this in private hospitals is 10 to 15 lakh rupees, but the same facility is being provided free of cost to eligible patients at PGIMS under the Ayushman Bharat Scheme. In the technique of taking the bone out and giving radiation, the patient’s own bone is preserved, which leads to better functional outcomes after treatment.

Honoring recovered patients : 

Dr. Roop Singh said that patients who had recovered from sarcoma were honored during the programme. Winners of the poster competition were awarded prizes. The main message of the programme was "You are not alone". 

He said that the cancer survivors shared their experiences and said that when they had lost all hope of surviving cancer, the doctors at PGIMS gave them a new lease of life like God, and now they have been living a healthy life for about 6 months to 2 years.

On this occasion, Dr. Manu Rathi, Principal of Dental College; Dr. Rajesh Rohilla, Head of Sports Injury Medicine Department; Dr. Manjunath B.C., Senior Professor In-charge of Public Relations Department; Dr. Sanjay Marwah; Dr. Alka; Dr. Sunil; Dr. Dimple; Dr. Suman, along with dozens of students and hundreds of members of the public were present.