A mobile app with literature on early signs of cancer and what preventive measures can help people stay safe was launched on Sunday.
The app, Rise Against Cancer, can be downloaded from Google Play Store. It has been developed by the Indian Cancer Society.
Arunabha Sengupta, a cancer surgeon and secretary of the Indian Cancer Society’s Calcutta chapter, said the app would help raise awareness about cancer.
“Early detection and early treatment can cure a lot many cancers. If people know what are the early signs, they will react faster,” said Sengupta, after the app launch.
Sengupta said that Sunday was World Cancer Day and this year’s theme was Close the Care Gap.
“Cancer treatment is becoming expensive... So by raising awareness and by early detection, the cost of treatment can be cut down,” he said.
The app has information on early signs of oral, lung, gynecological and breast cancers. Spitting blood with cough is an early sign of lung cancer, while a lump or swelling in the breast could be an early sign of breast cancer, said the doctor.
The app will soon be available in iOS for Apple phone users.
Earlier last week, an awareness programme on cancer was held by Apollo Cancer Centres. Some cancer survivors spoke about the bias and discrimination they face and how one can deal with such issues.
Discussions on the discrimination faced by the survivors help raise awareness and end discrimination, felt the organisers.