Dr Sandhu explained the causes and risk factors of cancer. He said about 40 per cent cancers can be prevented by lifestyle modifications. In the rest, deaths can be significantly reduced by screening. “Tobacco use alone accounts for 5.4 million deaths per year globally, out of which 1.5 million are cancer deaths .

High fat diet, sedentary life style, lack of exercise, obesity, less intake of fruits and vegetables, increased use of pesticides, water pollution, smoking, alcohol intake, pollution, infections, are the common risk factors for cancer. The protective food items include onions, garlic, carrots, tomatoes, cabbage, cauliflower, soy, green leafy vegetables, potatoes, berries, citrus fruits, apples, whole grains and nuts, beans and other legumes and cherries.”

Dr Sandhu stressed the need for regular yearly mammography after 40 years in women to prevent breast cancer, regular pap-smear for cervix cancer, annual stool test for occult blood, yearly PSA for prostate cancer; in addition to regular physical check. He said with increasing awareness more and more cases are being detected at early stage with a better outcome.