The new era of cancer diagnosis and treatment began with the establishment of the Telecobalt Treatment Unit on April 1, 1991. The lone cancer center and a single oncologist set an endless voyage towards alleviating pain and suffering of the cancer patients. Nineteen years later, the scenario has changed.
Cancer is one of the oldest diseases in the world. It was first identified during the time of Hippocrates. There are over 100 types of cancer, each requiring different treatment. The global burden of cancer continues to increase. Given the current trend, the number of new cases is expected to grow by 50 percent over the next 20 years, to reach 15 million by 2020. Worldwide, 12 percent of the population dies from cancer every year. If not taken seriously, each of us will experience grief and pain as a result of cancer—as a patient, as a family member or as a friend. According to National Cancer Registry of Nepal, which pooled data from seven major hospitals where cancer is diagnosed and treated, the most common cancer in males is lung cancer, followed by oral cavity and stomach, while the most common cancer in females are cancer of the cervix uteri, breasts and lungs.
Everyone is prone to develop cancer but early detection and treatment can cure most forms of cancer with the aid of modern day multimodality treatment like improved oncosurgical facilities, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormonal therapy and, to add to the list, though expensive and most fascinating, targeted therapy. The relentless attack by cancer continues to extract a devastating price. On a worldwide basis, the devastation caused by cancer is staggering to contemplate. Fortunately, the increasing use of well-established radiation therapy combined with overall advances in cancer treatment has markedly increased survival chances for most cancer patients. In a country like ours, these expensive therapies are limited to the reach of a very few people, thus highlighting the important role played by radiation therapy, which is acceptable and affordable to most of the population. To set up a radiation therapy unit is not an easy task as it requires treatment machines, special building design to protect radiation leakage, sophisticated accessories, well-trained manpower and all this has to be as per the International Atomic Energy Agency rules. Needless to mention is the cost of the maintenance as well as the source of radiation. Despite all this, now the country has four cancer centers providing radiation therapy facilities: Bir Hospital, B P Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital, Bhaktapur Cancer Hospital and Manipal Teaching Hospital.
Today, we are celebrating the 19th anniversary of the establishment of the radiation therapy department at Bir Hospital, which is the eldest cancer treatment center of the country.
About 60 percent of the cancer patients require radiation therapy during the course of their treatment either as curative or as a palliative modality. So, a radiation therapy unit is a must for the treatment of cancer patients.
Each year, new cancer cases are increasing which is leading to further development in the field of diagnostic modality and increasing the number of well-trained manpower in the country and awareness of the people toward the disease.
Each year, the number of cancer patients getting treatment is increasing due to availability of these facilities within the country along with the awareness in people that cancer can be cured if treated early.
Each year, there is an increase in the number of cancer survivors, which is due to newer drugs, newer techniques of delivering radiation and dedicated radiation planning system.
Most forms of cancer are treated within the country in these centers, but still there are times when we have to refer patients to neighboring countries as we lack these newer advancements in the field of radiation therapy.
The treatment of cancer that started with a single oncologist is now done by a dozen radiation oncologists trained abroad and within the country. Today, we are celebrating the 19th anniversary of the establishment of the radiation therapy department at Bir Hospital, which is the eldest cancer treatment center of the country. It is the only center in the country where post- graduation education in MD radiation oncology is conducted in association with National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) and B P Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital. During these years, it has seen so many ups and downs.
Sadly, the then installed Telecobalt machine still stands at the place of its origin. Neither a single equipment have been added nor any plans for upgrading have been put forward. Still, it is relentlessly serving about 45 to 50 cancer patients per day throughout the year.
It’s a shame that the country’s first radiation oncologist lingered around for 12 years without equipments and now when the country is producing the required manpower, the authorities do not intend to upgrade the equipments. What a waste of manpower, both then and now? It is high time for us to wake up.
(Writer is a Radiation Oncologist at NAMS, Bir Hospital.)
sandhyachap@gmail.com
Related story
Blood Cancer Society Nepal conducts charity event for blood can...
