Eminent oncologist P. Narayanankutty Warrier said breast cancer cases have increased by 300 times and colon cancer cases by 20% in the last 20 years in Kerala.
He was addressing a cancer awareness seminar organized by Pratheeksha, an organization comprising doctors and cancer survivors, here on Tuesday ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4.
Dr. Warrier pointed out that an increase in colon cancer cases was seen among the youth, which was mainly due to the unscientific consumption of red meat. Almost 70% of cancer patients seek treatment in stage III and IV. However, the cancer can be treated if it is diagnosed in the early stages, he said.
KK Rajaram, District Medical Officer, Kozhikode, said that although advanced cancer treatment facilities were now available in Kerala, the cost of treatment was often very high. Awareness should be created to help people diagnose cancer at an early stage. Low-cost treatment should be available, he added.
Meanwhile, KP Aravindan, chief pathologist and public health expert, said many Malayalis do not include enough fruits and vegetables in their diet because of propaganda that pesticides are the main cause of cancer. He claimed that the cancer threat from pesticides is less than 1.5%. A greater risk could be not including enough fruits and vegetables. Although eating red meat was one of the reasons for cancer, eating fruits and vegetables with high fiber content and lemons would address this threat.
Dr. Highlighting the relationship between changing dietary habits and the incidence of cancer, Aravindan said that creating awareness about a healthy food culture is equally important.
Sandhya Kurup, president of the Kozhikode branch of the Indian Medical Association, said financial difficulties, lack of awareness and stigma prevent many people from seeking cancer treatment at an early stage.
Published – 03 Feb 2026 20:21 IST