Head of the department at PGI Chandigarh, Dr Rakesh Kapoor, pointed out that eating and drinking while standing, could lead to various difficulties, such as acid reflux, as it prevented muscles of the oesophagus from functioning properly.

“This dysfunction increases the risk of oesophageal cancer and eating in a standing position disrupts normal digestive process, requiring more effort from the intestines and elevating the risk of colorectal cancer,” said Kapoor.

KGMU vice chancellor Dr Soniya Nityanand shared information about trial of a new technique abroad that showed promise in eliminating small tumours with high-dose radiation.

Head of the radiotherapy department at the Cancer Institute, Dr Sharad Singh noted that delayed marriages and smoking were contributing much to the rising cancer rate.