With the objectives of providing counseling services and timely treatment to patients, the Nepal Cancer Relief Society (NCRS) is launching a cancer helpline from September, the NCRS president said Monday.

"Nurses will provide information about the symptoms, causes of cancer, treatment centers within and outside the country through telephone," Diwakar Rajkarnikar, the NCRS president, told reporters.

"We are starting the helpline with two telephone lines from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.," said Rajkarnikar.

While 33 percent of cancers can be prevented by avoiding smoking and eating balanced diets, another 33 percent can be cured if detected in an early stage, Rajkarnikar noted.

"In places where medical facilities are not available, the helpline will help in the treatment of patients by giving instructions on doses of medicines to be taken," Rajkarnikar said.

"Women who hesitate to seek advice on breast and uterus cancers can also benefit from the service," Rajkarnikar added.

Source: Xinhua