Health
Matters: Living with Cancer
"The
earlier a cancer is detected and diagnosed, the greater the chance
of a cure, particularly for cancers like that of the breast and
cervix," says producer Beth Eastwood.
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World Service's Health Matters: Living with Cancer explores the
issues behind one of life's most harrowing experiences in a four-part
series beginning 3 March 2003, where presenter Dr Graham Easton
is joined by guests from around the world.
Unfortunately
for many living in developing countries, where health systems are
overstretched, few get screened and diagnosis can come too late.
In
India, there are about one million new cancer patients each year,
and a staggering two out of three of them only reach medical care
when their cancer is at an advanced stage.
Efforts
to address this are now underway. Health education to help people
spot early signs, such as breast lumps and sores that fail to heal,
and low tech methods to pick up early signs of cervical cancer,
are now being tested in a number of countries including India and
South Africa.
"Care
and support is also critical to help those with cancer live every
day to the full," explains Dr Twalib Ngoma of the Ocean Road
Cancer Institute in Tanzania.
"It's
not just about relieving painful physical symptoms but addressing
the person's psychological, social and spiritual needs. And regardless
of resources, good communication between the patient, their loved
ones and medical staff can help to ease the burden of cancer."
Presenter
Dr Graham Easton also speaks to Dr Ramanan from India's Cancer Institute
in Chennai. He treats children with cancer and knows all too well
that the condition they arrive in at hospital - often emaciated
and riddled with infection - can interfere with their treatment.
Over
the decades, Dr Ramanan and his colleagues have been adapting treatments
to meet the youngsters' needs, and helping to improve their survival.
Improving
treatment is paramount. While this is readily available in western
countries, in the cash strapped developing world, often only the
more rudimentary treatment regimens are available.
Health
Matters: Living with Cancer is taking a step towards raising the
awareness of the choices facing people living with cancer in the
world.
Notes
to Editors
Health
Matters: Living With Cancer is a series of four 25-minute
programmes.
The
programme is presented by Graham Easton and produced by Beth Eastwood.
For
international broadcast times and to listen online, visit .
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