Oncology is the branch of science that deals with tumours and cancers. The word “onco” means bulk, mass, or tumor while “-logy” means study.

World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 to create awareness about the various cancers that affect us.

The number of Indians suffering from cancer is projected to increase to 29.8 million in 2025 from 26.7 million in 2021. (Source: ICMR)

Obesity, radiation from mobile phone towers, vegetables grown in toxic water like rivers near industries, adulteration in food, artificial colouring of food and vegetables also increase the risk of cancers.

Doctors appeal to the government to make cancer care affordable and accessible, increase palliative care services, allow trained pharmacy teams to provide safe chemotherapies.