Latest news with #Revision
Hans India
30-04-2025
- Health
- Hans India
Raising Awareness and Prevention of Head and Neck Cancer
Cancer is a debilitating illness that remains a persistent threat to humanity and is one of the leading causes of death globally. It is imperative to recognize the prevalence of head and neck cancers, the seventh most common cancer in the world. Head and neck cancers exhibit a continuous rising trend of prevalence and incidence rates across the globe and more prevalent in developing nations like India where it is responsible for significant cancer-related mortality rate. In India, Head neck cancers cause over 1,25,000 deaths annually, accounting for a significant 30 percent of all cancer cases as per the latest Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates produced by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and disseminated as Cancer Today on GLOBOCAN website database. The GLOBOCAN 2024 database includes seven types of head and neck cancers, including the lip and oral cavity, hypopharynx, nasopharynx, oropharynx, salivary gland, larynx, and thyroid cancer. These categories are made according to the International Classification of Diseases Related Health Problems; 10th Revision (ICD-10) based on anatomical location of tumor. The estimated rise in the incidence rate was predicted until 2050. The highest prevalence was reported for lip and oral cavity cancer which was 26.31, 17.07, and 6.4 for the 5 years, 3 years, and 1 year per 100,000 individuals respectively. The percent risk of rise of new cancer cases by the year 2050 is maximum for oropharynx cancer (103.9%). In India, the number of cancer cases is rising and it is estimated that there will be approximately 2.1 million new cancer cases in India by 2040, an increase of 57.5% from the year 2020. Tobacco addiction is one of the most important and significant risk factors for head neck cancers, especially oral cancers. Tobacco use has been identified as a risk factor in 80 to 90% of patients with oral cancer. Tobacco use in India is characterized by a high prevalence of combustible (in the form of smoking) and smokeless tobacco use, with dual use also contributing a noticeable proportion. Tobacco and alcohol consumption synergistically increase the likelihood of cancer by 500 times. Head neck cancers can manifest with various symptoms depending on the location and stage of the cancer. Some common signs and symptoms include swelling or lumps, pain, difficulty swallowing, changes in Voice, persistent sore throat, ear pain, difficulty breathing, unexplained weight loss, bleeding, and numbness One of the significant challenges in combating Head neck cancers in India is the late presentation of cases. Due to a lack of awareness, limited access to healthcare facilities in remote regions, and sociocultural beliefs, patients often seek medical help at advanced stages of the disease, reducing treatment options and chances of successful outcomes. Treatment for head and neck cancer typically involves a multidisciplinary approach, including surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy and in recent years, advancements in medical technology have led to targeted therapies and immunotherapy Prevention is better than cure. Head neck cancers can be prevented by Avoiding consumption of tobacco (in any form) and alcohol is the best strategy for oral and head & neck cancer prevention. Maintenance of good oral hygiene HPV vaccine is now available that helps in the prevention of HPV-associate oropharyngeal cancer. Regular screening As the healthcare stand poised on the edge of discovery, crucial innovations entail developing patient-focused and patient-friendly treatment modalities for head neck cancers. April which is a Head neck cancer awareness month, let us all take a pledge to unite together in our fight against head neck cancers. (The writer is a Consultant -Head & Neck Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery Apollo Cancer Centre, Visakhapatnam)
The Star
25-04-2025
- Politics
- The Star
Hearing of prosecution's review bid vacated
PUTRAJAYA: The Federal Court here on Friday (April 25) vacated the hearing of the prosecution's review application challenging the top court's earlier 2-1 majority ruling that it (the Federal Court) has the jurisdiction to review death sentences that had been imposed on four prisoners whose sentences have been commuted by the Pardons Boards. Lawyer Datuk representing two of the four prisoners, told the media that the hearing did not proceed on Friday to allow the parties to explore the possibility of applying the Federal Court's ruling to 123 other prisoners who are in the same situation as the four. He said a case management has been fixed for June 3 for parties to update the court on any development. On Aug 27, last year, the Federal Court ruled in a split decision that it had the jurisdiction under the Revision of Sentence of Death and Imprisonment for Natural Life (Temporary Jurisdiction of The Federal Court) Act 2023 (Act 847), to review the death sentences that were imposed on the four for drug trafficking offences. The majority decision, made by Justices Tan Sri Harmindar Singh Dhaliwal and Datuk Hanipah Farikullah, held that the 30-year prison sentences imposed on the four prisoners should take effect from the date of their arrest, and not from the date their pardons were granted. Justice Datuk Nordin Hassan dissented. Following this, the prosecution filed a review application under Rule 137 of the Rules of the Federal Court 1995, contending that the judges who decided the majority ruling had acted beyond their jurisdiction. Meanwhile, lawyer Abdul Rashid Ismail, representing Zambian national Mailesi Phiri, told the media that the jail terms of 123 other prisoners were calculated from the date of their respective Pardons Board's clemency decision, rather than from the date of their arrest. "This means that the time they spent in custody prior to the granting of the pardon has not been taken into account, resulting in longer prison terms beyond the 30-year jail term set under Section 39B (2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952,' he explained. The Federal Court had in August last year allowed the four individuals - G. Jiva, 55; P. Balakrishnan, 48; Thai national Phrueksa Thaemchim, 41; and Phiri, 47 - to commence their 30-year jail terms from the date of their arrest. Sivananthan is representing Jiva and Balakrishnan, while lawyer K. Simon Murali is representing Phrueksa. Deputy Public Prosecutors Datin Asmah Musa, Tetralina Ahmed Fauzi, Ng Siew Wee, and Solehah Noratikah Ismail are appearing for the prosecution.- Bernama
