Cancer awareness among the people of Kolkata is still a very BIG problem today. On the other hand, cancer rate is on the rise. According to the statistics, at least 70,000 cancer cases are diagnosed annually only in West Bengal. A majority of them are people hailing from Kolkata. Now, let’s know why such a thing is happening and what can be done about it.
What makes cancer more common in Kolkata?
The air in Kolkata can be cleaner, but it is not. It’s often five to six times dirtier than what doctors say is safe. This air makes people more likely to get lung cancer. In Kolkata, lung cancer affects 25 out of every 100 men who get cancer, more than in other parts of India.
Many people in Kolkata use tobacco. They chew things like khaini and gutka. It has been reported that 3 out of every ten adults of Kolkata use tobacco in some form, as published by the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute. This makes their cancer risk much higher.
How does city life increase cancer risk?
The way people live in Kolkata has changed a lot. Earlier, people ate lots of fish and rice. Now, many people eat packaged foods instead. They also move less than new.
According to doctors at Tata Medical Center, new lifestyles contributed to many getting colon cancer; the figure has risen by 15 percent in the last ten years in densely populated areas of Kolkata, not very safe in this regard. According to research comparing crowded cities with less congested areas, people living in overcrowded cities are 20% more likely to get cancer. This is because of dirty air and different ways of living.
Is Kolkata’s water safe?
The water in some parts of Kolkata has problems. Scientists from Jadavpur University found dangerous chemicals like arsenic in the water, especially near the Hooghly River. If people drink this water for many years, they are 40% more likely to get skin, lung, or bladder cancer.
Does your job matter?
Yes, your job can make a big difference. People working in small factories, especially those making leather, cloth, or chemicals, face more significant risks. Studies show these workers are 25% more likely to get cancer than people who work in offices.
Do Bengali people have unique cancer risks?
Some Bengali families might be more likely to get cancer because of their genes. This came to light when doctors at the Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Cancer Research Institute tried this on themselves. Doctors at the institute mention that hereditary factors cause 10 percent of breast cancer in Kolkata.
How does Ayurveda work to prevent cancer?
Rasayana is an ancient Ayurveda way of being healthy. Doctors at the National Research Institute of Ayurveda in Kolkata said it assists in making the human body struggle with cancers. Rasayana works by keeping three things healthy: your digestion, your tissues, and how your body removes waste.
What Ayurvedic herbs work best in Kolkata?
Some herbs work well for people in Kolkata. Amla (Indian Gooseberry) and Guduchi are beneficial. Research shows these herbs can make your defense system 40% stronger. During hot, humid weather, herbs like Satavari help keep you healthy. In winter, people use Pippali (Long Pepper) to stay strong.
What should people in Kolkata eat?
Ayurveda says that one should eat only food that is perfect for one’s body type and the present season. Some foods, such as Bengali food, can also be toned up with particular food materials. For instance, if you add black pepper to your turmeric meal, your risk of getting cancer is reduced by 30%.
How should you start using Ayurveda?
Start small and simple. Begin your day with warm water and herbs. Eat your meals at regular times. Do some light exercise. Research shows doing these simple things can help your body repair itself 25% better.
What works best – modern medicine or Ayurveda?
Using modern medicine and Ayurveda together works best. Get regular check-ups at the hospital and use Ayurvedic health practices. Tata Medical Center found that people who do both are 35% less likely to get cancer again after treatment.
You can also mix new and old ways to stay healthy. For example, when the air is dirty, you can do breathing exercises (Pranayama) and take special herbs. This can protect your lungs from air pollution by 45%.
Conclusion:
We can’t prevent all cancer risks in Kolkata, but knowing these risks helps us stay safer. Use both modern medicine and Ayurveda to protect yourself. Get regular check-ups. Follow healthy practices. This gives you the best chance of staying healthy in our city.
Remember, cancer prevention is about making small, daily choices. Every healthy choice you make helps protect you. Whether you eat better food, stay active, or use Ayurvedic herbs, all these steps matter. Start making these little changes today for a healthier tomorrow.
REFERENCE LINKS:
https://ncdirindia.org/All_Reports/State_Factsheet_21/Factsheet/FS_West_Bengal.pdf
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12115592/
https://journal.waocp.org/article_24129_09e705706b235574cacbe2eb44edcf86.pdf
https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(19)52803-4/fulltext
https://journal.waocp.org/article_24255.html
https://www.annalsofoncology.org/article/S0923-7534(20)34003-5/pdf