CHANDIGARH, Nov 12 — Causes for the common cancers in this part of the country, that of gall bladder, oesophagus and stomach may still be undetermined but the leading surgeons in the country, say that patients suffering from these pathological conditions should not lose hope as an early diagnosis can be helpful in treating most of them.

Talking to Chandigarh Tribune, here today, the doctors attending the XXI annual conference of the Northern Chapter Association of Surgeons of India said although pessimism of attitude was quite common in these patients, many patients could benefit, if treated before it was too late.

According to the doctors, cancer of gall bladder and oesophagus were more common in the North- Western part of the country as compared to the rest of India. The reasons varied as the condition could occur due to multiple factors either genetically related or due to faulty eating habits and bad hygiene .

Dr Shojiro Yano from Kurume University, Japan, also emphasised the need for the early detection by mass examination. “In Japan, gastro intestinal cancer is very common. The early stages may show no significant physical symptoms, therefore, mass examination is the only answer. The fact is, no one knows the real cause for these aberrations, though we have reasons to believe that common salt could be one of them in our country.

In Japan, we carry out mass examination for all citizens, followed by X-Ray examination. Any unusual shadow which is detected is followed up by endoscopy and biopsy,” he added

The conventional wisdom and belief of any patient suffering from a cancerous growth, says Prof Adarsh Chowdhary from the Gastro Intestinal Surgery Department at the G.B. Pant Hospital, is that he is without any hope for recovery. “However, with the advent of newer diagnostic modalities like endoscopy, C.T. Scan and MRI, many of these cancers can now be picked up at an early stage. Early detection together with satisfactory treatment makes all the difference.”

According to Prof Deepak Bhasin, Gastroenterology Department, PGI, the role of endoscopy done at a specialised centre could get excellent results. “Especially with newer technique of endosonography which means ultrasound mounted on a endoscope, go a long way in early detection and deciding the operability of these cancers.”

Dr Pradeep Kumar, consultant surgeon, Apollo Hospital, New Delhi said that laparoscopy too was very important testing procedure for diagnosing abdominal cancers. “The technique is simple and provides the best staging procedures. However, the patient has to consult a surgeon at the earliest,” he added.

Prof D.N. Bhardwaj, a former Principal, Government Medical College, Patiala also emphasised that key to cancer treatment was an early diagnosis and relevant investigation. “Some of the earliest symptoms which indicate cancer of gall bladder and oesophagus are the loss of appetite, difficulty in swallowing, Jaundice and change in the bowel habits. These should act as warning signal that the patient needs the help of a specialist at the earliest.”

Prof Adarsh Chowdhary, highlighting the role of aggressive surgery in patients with cancer said in selected patients , surgery could give good long-term effects with a very good life style too.

Prof P.C. Sood, Head Department of Surgery, I.G. Medical College, Shimla said helicobacter pylori, one of the incriminating agents in carcinoma of stomach or peptic ulcer. “is could Eradication of this bacteria may prove useful.”

CHANDIGARH, Nov 12 — The North Zone Cricket Tournament for mentally handicapped persons began here today with the inauguration by Mr Pawan Bansal, MP, at the Cricket Stadium, Sector 16. The three-day meet is being organised by the Government Institute for Mentally Retarded Children, Sector 32.

As many as 13 school teams from Chandigarh, Haryana, Punjab and Delhi were taking part in the tournament. In the morning, children of GIMRC competed with combined teams of Little Flower, Panchkula, Saint Soldier’s School, Sector 28. The combined teams opted for batting but lost the match as they made only nine runs by sixth over as against the GIMRC team that made 12 runs in 1.1 overs. Gurprit Singh of GIMRC was declared the man of the match. At the Panjab University stadium, children from Nirdosh, Ludhiana, were invited for batting by winning team Sadhbhavna from Gurgaon. Nirdosh team won by 31 runs. The man of the match was Ashok from the Nirdosh team, who made 33 runs and remained unbeaten 33 runs.

At St John’s, Sector 26, Navjyoti School, New Delhi, won by 96 runs in 16 overs as against the team from Bhagat Puran Singh, Amritsar, that made 47 runs in 16 overs. Rohit Beniwal was declared the man of the match, who made 81 runs.

The fourth match was played at Government Polytechnic, Sector 26. Arpan School, Rohtak, won the match against Anchal School, New Delhi.

PANCHKULA, Nov 12 — Acting on a complaint of lack of facilities at the local bus stand in Sector 5, the Deputy Commissioner, Mr SK Monga, today, directed the Transport Department to provide adequate services to passengers and work towards modernising the available facilities.

Taking up the complaint at the meeting of the District Grievances Committee, Mr Monga said a recommendation of the modernisation plan jointly prepared by the SDM, Panchkula, the Haryana Urban Development Authority and the Haryana Transport Department should be submitted to him in 15 days. Also, he asked the Transport Department to carry out repair works at Raipur Rani.

Mr Monga attended to 15 complaints out of which 12 were disposed on the spot. In another case, the department was directed to redress the grievances on the residents of Sector 19 and provide them bus service as per requirement.

Taking up complaints of the Electricity Department, Mr Monga directed the officials to remove electricity wires passing over residential areas on priority basis. He asked the department to ensure that the bills were prepared according to meter-readings.