Cancer is a significant public health concern in Gujarat, India, with an increasing trend in the number of cancer cases reported over the years. Here are some statistics that highlight the increase in cancer patients in Gujarat:

• The most common types of cancers reported in Gujarat are oral cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and lung cancer. Other common types of cancers include colorectal cancer, prostate cancer, and stomach cancer.
• Risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, pollution, and exposure to occupational hazards are prevalent in Gujarat and contribute to the increasing burden of cancer in the state. Tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco, is a major risk factor for several types of cancers, particularly oral cancer.
• Early detection and prevention of cancer are crucial in reducing the burden of cancer. However, awareness about cancer risk factors, symptoms, and the importance of early detection and screening is relatively low among the general population in Gujarat. Lack of awareness and limited access to cancer screening and preventive services may contribute to the increasing number of cancer cases in the state.

The Department of Preventive Oncology at Sterling Hospitals is a specialized department focusing on cancer prevention, early detection, and risk assessment. It aims to reduce the burden of cancer through various preventive measures, including education, screening, counseling, and interventions to promote healthy lifestyle behaviors and minimize cancer risk factors. The Department of Preventive Oncology offers a wide range of services to individuals at risk of developing cancer or those with a family history of cancer.

These services may include: 

• Cancer risk assessment: The department conducts thorough evaluations of patients' medical history, lifestyle factors, and genetic factors to assess their risk of developing cancer. This assessment helps identify individuals who may be at higher risk of cancer and enables the development of tailored prevention and screening plans. 
• Cancer screening programs: The department offers various cancer screening programs, such as breast cancer screening, cervical cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening, and lung cancer screening, using state-of-the-art screening techniques and technologies. These screenings are designed to detect cancer at an early stage when it is most treatable and to identify pre-cancerous conditions that can be managed to prevent cancer development. 
• Health promotion and education: The department provides health promotion and education services to raise awareness about cancer prevention and early detection. This may include counseling on healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as diet and exercise, tobacco cessation, sun protection, and cancer risk reduction strategies. 
• Genetic counseling and testing: The department offers genetic counseling and testing services for individuals with a family history of cancer or those who may have inherited a genetic mutation associated with an increased risk of cancer. Genetic counseling and testing help individuals understand their genetic risk of cancer and make informed decisions about their health management and screening options. 
• Supportive care and survivorship: The department provides supportive care services for cancer survivors, including survivorship care plans, counseling, and resources for managing the physical, emotional, and psychosocial aspects of cancer survivorship. 

The Department of Preventive Oncology at Sterling Hospitals plays a crucial role in promoting cancer prevention and early detection, empowering individuals to take control of their health, and reducing the burden of cancer in the community. The department works in close collaboration with other oncology departments and healthcare providers to provide comprehensive cancer care and improve patient outcomes.