Daijiworld Media Network – Udupi (RD/VA)
 
Udupi, Feb 5: ‘Almost 700 - 800 cancer cases are diagnosed every year in the district and by next four years, the number is expected to increase up to 1,200 per year” said Dr Vidyasagar, head of department of radiotherapy, Kasturba Medical College (KMC) Hospital.

He was speaking at the pre-conference workshop on palliative care nursing, held at Shirdi Sai Baba Center for Cancer here on Thursday February 4.

“It is indeed shocking that about 70 – 80 percent of cancer patients seek treatment only at the advanced stage of the disease, added Dr Vidyasagar.
 
Manipal University vice -chancellor Dr Rajshekharan P Warrier launched the conference on multi disciplinary team approach to palliative care. He emphasized that palliative care ensures comfort care for many patients with chronic end stage diseases of cancer and various neurological conditions.

The palliative care team comprises of doctors, nurses, physiotherapist, occupational therapists and social workers.
 
Head of department of biochemistry, prof Dr Sudhakar Nayak, palliative medicine consultant Dr Naveen S Salins, Manipal College of Nursing dean Dr Anice George, associate dean E Judith Roche and principal Dr Kasturi R Adiga were present.