Kolkata, November 6, 2025: On the occasion of National Cancer Awareness Day, Dr. Gautam Mukhopadhyay, Senior Consultant & Clinical Lead – Surgical Oncology at Narayana RN Tagore Hospital, Mukundapur, emphasized the critical importance of early cancer detection in improving survival rates and maintaining patients’ quality of life.
Dr. Mukhopadhyay highlighted that while cancer remains one of the leading causes of death globally, most cancers are highly treatable when detected in their early stages. “Early diagnosis is not just about saving lives; it’s about preserving health, dignity, and hope,” he said.
He explained that regular screenings such as mammograms, Pap smears, colonoscopies, and oral examinations can identify abnormalities before symptoms arise, allowing for timely intervention. Warning signs like unexplained weight loss, persistent cough, changes in moles, or abnormal bleeding should also prompt immediate medical evaluation.
“When cancer is diagnosed early, treatment options are broader, recovery is faster, and side effects are less severe,” Dr. Mukhopadhyay noted. He pointed out that early-stage cancers, such as breast or cervical cancer, can often be cured through localized treatments like surgery or radiotherapy, whereas late-stage cases typically demand more aggressive therapies.
Dr. Mukhopadhyay urged the public to view cancer screening as preventive action, not an optional check-up. “Many people avoid screening out of fear or the misconception that absence of symptoms means absence of disease. The reality is, many cancers progress silently,” he cautioned.
Hospitals under the Narayana Health network are continuously promoting cancer awareness and preventive health programs, offering accessible screening services to encourage early detection.
“Timely diagnosis doesn’t just save lives—it saves livelihoods,” Dr. Mukhopadhyay stressed. “It allows patients to maintain their normal routines, continue working, and live fulfilling lives.”
He concluded by urging individuals to take responsibility for their own health and that of their families: “Awareness must lead to action. Early detection transforms fear into relief and diagnosis into recovery.”
“When we detect cancer early, we save more than a life—we preserve futures, families, and hope.”
