Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 73
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Code Context


        trigger_error($message, E_USER_DEPRECATED);

    }
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 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php.'
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deprecationWarning - CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311
Cake\Http\ServerRequest::offsetGet() - CORE/src/Http/ServerRequest.php, line 2421
App\Controller\ArtileDetailController::printArticle() - APP/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line 73
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Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 120
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Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Error\Middleware\ErrorHandlerMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Error/Middleware/ErrorHandlerMiddleware.php, line 96
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Http\Runner::run() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 51
Cake\Http\Server::run() - CORE/src/Http/Server.php, line 98

Deprecated (16384): The ArrayAccess methods will be removed in 4.0.0.Use getParam(), getData() and getQuery() instead. - /home/brlfuser/public_html/src/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line: 74
 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php. [CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311]
Code Context


        trigger_error($message, E_USER_DEPRECATED);

    }
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 You can disable deprecation warnings by setting `Error.errorLevel` to `E_ALL & ~E_USER_DEPRECATED` in your config/app.php.'
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deprecationWarning - CORE/src/Core/functions.php, line 311
Cake\Http\ServerRequest::offsetGet() - CORE/src/Http/ServerRequest.php, line 2421
App\Controller\ArtileDetailController::printArticle() - APP/Controller/ArtileDetailController.php, line 74
Cake\Controller\Controller::invokeAction() - CORE/src/Controller/Controller.php, line 610
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::_invoke() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 120
Cake\Http\ActionDispatcher::dispatch() - CORE/src/Http/ActionDispatcher.php, line 94
Cake\Http\BaseApplication::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/BaseApplication.php, line 235
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\RoutingMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/RoutingMiddleware.php, line 162
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Routing\Middleware\AssetMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Routing/Middleware/AssetMiddleware.php, line 88
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Error\Middleware\ErrorHandlerMiddleware::__invoke() - CORE/src/Error/Middleware/ErrorHandlerMiddleware.php, line 96
Cake\Http\Runner::__invoke() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 65
Cake\Http\Runner::run() - CORE/src/Http/Runner.php, line 51
Cake\Http\Server::run() - CORE/src/Http/Server.php, line 98

Warning (512): Unable to emit headers. Headers sent in file=/home/brlfuser/public_html/vendor/cakephp/cakephp/src/Error/Debugger.php line=853 [CORE/src/Http/ResponseEmitter.php, line 48]
Code Context
            if (Configure::read('debug')) {

                trigger_error($message, E_USER_WARNING);

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-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&#039;,
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,...&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;,
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	&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
	&#039;description&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&#039;,
	&#039;credit_writer&#039; =&gt; &#039;The Hindu, 5 March, 2017, http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&#039;,
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$metaTitle = &#039;LATEST NEWS UPDATES | On board cancer train with hope &amp;amp; prayer on lips -Vikas Vasudeva&#039;
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,...&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,..."/>
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                <strong>On board cancer train with hope &amp; prayer on lips -Vikas Vasudeva</strong></h1>
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                <div align="justify">-The Hindu<br /><br /><em>Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution<br /><br />Bathinda:</em> Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.<br /><br />Welcome aboard the &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan's Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.<br /><br /><em>For want of money<br /></em><br />RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.<br /><br />&ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.<br /><br />Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.<br /><br />&ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.<br /><br />Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.<br /><br />&ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&rdquo; says Jagpreet&rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&rsquo;s treatment.<br /><br /><em>Agro-chemicals<br /></em><br />Experts say this &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.<br /><br />Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&rdquo;<br /><br />According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.<br /><br />Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.<br /><br />Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.<br /><br />Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&rdquo; he says.<br /><br />Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.<br /><br />Please <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece" title="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece">click here</a> to read more. <br /></div>               </font>
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-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&#039;,
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,...&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;,
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	&#039;title&#039; =&gt; &#039;On board cancer train with hope &amp;amp; prayer on lips -Vikas Vasudeva&#039;,
	&#039;subheading&#039; =&gt; &#039;&#039;,
	&#039;description&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;
-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/div&gt;&#039;,
	&#039;credit_writer&#039; =&gt; &#039;The Hindu, 5 March, 2017, http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&#039;,
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,...&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,..."/>
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                <div align="justify">-The Hindu<br /><br /><em>Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution<br /><br />Bathinda:</em> Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.<br /><br />Welcome aboard the &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan's Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.<br /><br /><em>For want of money<br /></em><br />RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.<br /><br />&ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.<br /><br />Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.<br /><br />&ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.<br /><br />Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.<br /><br />&ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&rdquo; says Jagpreet&rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&rsquo;s treatment.<br /><br /><em>Agro-chemicals<br /></em><br />Experts say this &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.<br /><br />Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&rdquo;<br /><br />According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.<br /><br />Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.<br /><br />Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.<br /><br />Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&rdquo; he says.<br /><br />Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.<br /><br />Please <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece" title="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece">click here</a> to read more. <br /></div>               </font>
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-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,...&#039;,
	&#039;disp&#039; =&gt; &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;,
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-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;
Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;
&lt;br /&gt;
Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,...&#039;
$disp = &#039;&lt;div align=&quot;justify&quot;&gt;-The Hindu&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Bathinda:&lt;/em&gt; Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Welcome aboard the &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan&#039;s Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;For want of money&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&amp;rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&amp;rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&amp;rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&amp;rdquo; says Jagpreet&amp;rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&amp;rsquo;s treatment.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;em&gt;Agro-chemicals&lt;br /&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Experts say this &amp;ldquo;cancer train&amp;rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &amp;ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&amp;rdquo;&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;&amp;ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&amp;rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &amp;ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&amp;rdquo; he says.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;Please &lt;a href=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot; title=&quot;http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece&quot;&gt;click here&lt;/a&gt; to read more. &lt;br /&gt;&lt;/div&gt;&#039;
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,..."/>
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                <strong>On board cancer train with hope &amp; prayer on lips -Vikas Vasudeva</strong></h1>
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                <div align="justify">-The Hindu<br /><br /><em>Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution<br /><br />Bathinda:</em> Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.<br /><br />Welcome aboard the &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan's Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.<br /><br /><em>For want of money<br /></em><br />RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.<br /><br />&ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.<br /><br />Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.<br /><br />&ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.<br /><br />Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.<br /><br />&ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&rdquo; says Jagpreet&rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&rsquo;s treatment.<br /><br /><em>Agro-chemicals<br /></em><br />Experts say this &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.<br /><br />Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&rdquo;<br /><br />According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.<br /><br />Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.<br /><br />Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.<br /><br />Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&rdquo; he says.<br /><br />Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.<br /><br />Please <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece" title="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece">click here</a> to read more. <br /></div>               </font>
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-The Hindu<br />
<br />
<em>Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution<br />
<br />
Bathinda:</em> Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.<br />
<br />
Welcome aboard the &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan's Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.<br />
<br />
<em>For want of money<br />
</em><br />
RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.<br />
<br />
Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.<br />
<br />
Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&rdquo; says Jagpreet&rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&rsquo;s treatment.<br />
<br />
<em>Agro-chemicals<br />
</em><br />
Experts say this &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.<br />
<br />
Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&rdquo;<br />
<br />
According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.<br />
<br />
Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.<br />
<br />
Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.<br />
<br />
Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&rdquo; he says.<br />
<br />
Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.<br />
<br />
Please <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece">click here</a> to read more. <br />
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	'metaTitle' => 'LATEST NEWS UPDATES | On board cancer train with hope &amp; prayer on lips -Vikas Vasudeva',
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,...',
	'disp' => '<div align="justify">-The Hindu<br /><br /><em>Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution<br /><br />Bathinda:</em> Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.<br /><br />Welcome aboard the &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan's Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.<br /><br /><em>For want of money<br /></em><br />RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.<br /><br />&ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.<br /><br />Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.<br /><br />&ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.<br /><br />Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.<br /><br />&ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&rdquo; says Jagpreet&rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&rsquo;s treatment.<br /><br /><em>Agro-chemicals<br /></em><br />Experts say this &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.<br /><br />Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&rdquo;<br /><br />According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.<br /><br />Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.<br /><br />Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.<br /><br />Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&rdquo; he says.<br /><br />Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.<br /><br />Please <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece" title="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece">click here</a> to read more. <br /></div>',
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	'title' => 'On board cancer train with hope &amp; prayer on lips -Vikas Vasudeva',
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-The Hindu<br />
<br />
<em>Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution<br />
<br />
Bathinda:</em> Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.<br />
<br />
Welcome aboard the &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan's Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.<br />
<br />
<em>For want of money<br />
</em><br />
RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.<br />
<br />
Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.<br />
<br />
Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&rdquo; says Jagpreet&rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&rsquo;s treatment.<br />
<br />
<em>Agro-chemicals<br />
</em><br />
Experts say this &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.<br />
<br />
Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&rdquo;<br />
<br />
According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.<br />
<br />
Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.<br />
<br />
&ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.<br />
<br />
Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.<br />
<br />
Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&rdquo; he says.<br />
<br />
Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.<br />
<br />
Please <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece">click here</a> to read more. <br />
</div>',
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-The Hindu

Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution

Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however,...'
$disp = '<div align="justify">-The Hindu<br /><br /><em>Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution<br /><br />Bathinda:</em> Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair.<br /><br />Welcome aboard the &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo;. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan's Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab.<br /><br /><em>For want of money<br /></em><br />RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses.<br /><br />&ldquo;My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,&rdquo; says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant.<br /><br />Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father&rsquo;s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh.<br /><br />&ldquo;Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,&rdquo; says Mr. Kushwinder.<br /><br />Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago.<br /><br />&ldquo;We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,&rdquo; says Jagpreet&rsquo;s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son&rsquo;s treatment.<br /><br /><em>Agro-chemicals<br /></em><br />Experts say this &ldquo;cancer train&rdquo; symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals.<br /><br />Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, &ldquo;Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.&rdquo;<br /><br />According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce.<br /><br />Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants.<br /><br />&ldquo;Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,&rdquo; points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University.<br /><br />Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State.<br /><br />Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. &ldquo;Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,&rdquo; he says.<br /><br />Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients.<br /><br />Please <a href="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece" title="http://www.thehindu.com/news/national/other-states/on-board-cancer-train-with-hope-prayer-on-lips/article17411376.ece">click here</a> to read more. <br /></div>'
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On board cancer train with hope & prayer on lips -Vikas Vasudeva

-The Hindu Rise in cancer cases in Punjab can be attributed to indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals after the Green Revolution Bathinda: Lying on a bench at the Bathinda railway station, sexagenarian Gurjant Singh waits to board the Abohar-Jodhpur passenger train. He, however, is not the only one waiting. As the train chugs into the platform, people rush to claim their seats. Those who are unsuccessful settle down on the floor. Soon, the train plunges into an eerie silence. For many of the passengers, it is another routine journey, wrought with hope and despair. Welcome aboard the “cancer train”. The train commences from Abohar and leaves from the Bathinda station at 9:30 p.m. every day to reach Rajasthan's Bikaner, where patients undergo treatment at the Acharya Tulsi Regional Cancer Treatment and Research Centre (RCC). A majority of the patients are from the Malwa region of Punjab. For want of money RCC is a State government-funded cancer hospital and is supported by a private charity trust called the Acharya Tulsi Shanti Pratishthan. The hospital is fast becoming the only affordable option for the poor, who are driven into debts while meeting their treatment expenses. “My father [Gurjant Singh] is suffering from esophageal cancer [cancer of the food pipe]. Since last December, I have been taking him to RCC for his monthly chemotheraphy sessions,” says Kushwinder Singh, who along with his uncle is accompanying Mr. Gurjant. Mr. Kushwinder points out that he spent nearly Rs. 30,000 on his father’s treatment at private hospitals in Bathinda. Now, he is under a debt of over Rs. 1 lakh. “Treatment is expensive. I divide my time between farming and taking care of my father. My younger brother, who goes to school, is also my responsibility...All this is not easy,” says Mr. Kushwinder. Facing similar hardships is the family of Jagpreet Singh (13), who was diagnosed with blood cancer two years ago. “We spent over Rs. 1 lakh at local private hospitals, and then gave up. RCC was the only option for us,” says Jagpreet’s father Guradeeta Singh (47), a farmer from Kot Shamir village. He adds that he incurred a debt of nearly Rs. 5 lakh while funding his son’s treatment. Agro-chemicals Experts say this “cancer train” symbolises the adverse impact of the Green Revolution on public health in Punjab. The rise in cancer cases in the region can be attributed to the indiscriminate use of agro-chemicals. Lakhwinder Singh, a professor of economics and coordinator at the Centre for Development Economics and Innovation Studies at Punjabi University, Patiala, says, “Punjab is the leading State in terms of consumption of fertilisers and insecticides. This is leading to various diseases, especially in the cotton belt of Malwa.” According to a survey conducted by the government, cancer claimed 33,318 lives in the State between 2008 and 2012, out of which 14,682 were in the Malwa region alone. Research has revealed that the soil in this belt is high in Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs), nitrates, phosphates and uranium, which gradually make way to agricultural produce. Agro-chemicals also affect fertility and can lead to mental disorders in infants. “Pesticides lead to neural tube defects, and can cause stunted growth and mental disorders in infants. There have been reports of reduced sperm counts, spontaneous abortions and premature deliveries from some belts in the State,” points out Shantanu Nevrekar, a visiting scholar at Punjabi University. Umendra Dutt, a member of NGO Kheti Virasat Mission, says drinking water crisis and depletion in the groundwater levels are also leading to health problems in the State. Dr. M.K. Mahajan, Director, Advanced Cancer Diagnostic, Treatment and Research Institute, Bathinda, attributes changes in lifestyle and food habits as the other leading causes of cancer. “Smoking and tobacco consumption, which cause cancer, are rampant in this region,” he says. Mr. Lakhwinder points out that the State government is not providing enough support to patients. Please click here to read more.