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Indian-American oncologist urges enhanced cancer awareness and screening
Dr Satheesh Kathula emphasizes global cancer risks, advocating for lifestyle changes and increased awareness in underserved populations worldwide during a presentation at Harvard.
Dr Satheesh Kathula. / Courtesy Photo
In a compelling presentation at Harvard Medical College, Dr Satheesh Kathula, a prominent Indian-American oncologist and president-elect of the American Association of Physicians of Indian Origin (AAPI), highlighted critical issues surrounding cancer awareness and prevention strategies. Addressing an audience deeply attentive to his insights, Dr Kathula emphasized the urgent need for increased global awareness on cancer risks and preventive measures.
Dayton-based Dr Kathula, renowned for his expertise as a hematologist and oncologist, outlined alarming statistics. “The global incidence of new cancers is approximately 20 million a year and 10 million people die from cancer annually.”
He underscored the disparity in cancer screening rates between developed and developing nations, particularly lamenting the low rates in India compared to Western countries like the United States.
Regarding preventive strategies, Dr Kathula coined the approach "Stop 3 – Smoking, Alcohol, and Processed Meat" as critical to reducing cancer risks. He advocated for the adoption of "Start 3 – Physical Activity, Cancer Screening, and Vaccination for HPV and Hepatitis B" as essential practices to combat lifestyle-related cancer threats.
To him, the major cancer risk is from lifestyle. In an interview with New India Abroad, Dr Kathula said: “Knowledge regarding lifestyle and cancer risk is lacking. Adding to that there is little or no awareness about cancer screening and vaccines that can prevent cancers in developing countries, and that is largely blamed on poor campaign and lack of trust and motivation among the prospective cancer patients.”
“Some studies have shown that public health campaigns can increase the rate of cancer screening with mammograms and pap smears, and modifying the lifestyle can potentially prevent millions of cancers globally,” he added.
Dr Kathula proposed collaborative efforts involving governments, corporations, and public figures to enhance cancer awareness campaigns. He suggested leveraging partnerships with celebrities and influencers to promote screening and vaccination initiatives, particularly targeting underserved populations.
Dr Kathula's advocacy extends to his philanthropic endeavors, including global health outreach and support for cancer screening initiatives in India. He emphasized the role of organizations like AAPI, Indiaspora, and the Indian Society of Lifestyle Medicine in expanding access to affordable cancer screening resources.
Reflecting on his presentation at Harvard University, Dr Kathula reiterated the importance of a healthy lifestyle in mitigating cancer risks and chronic diseases. “There has to be more focus on prevention by the government which will save billions of dollars and countless lives. The rate of uptake of screening for breast cancer with mammograms in India is very low. Public health education will have an impact in being compliant with cancer screening and HPV vaccination as suggested by studies in various countries to prevent some common cancers.”
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