India has been witnessing a dramatic rise in detection of
cancer
cases over the last few years. The numbers of cancer cases are surpassing the global average and if this continues, India will soon become the ‘
Cancer capital of the World
’.
In 2022, India faced a staggering challenge with over 14.1 lakh new cases of cancer reported, resulting in over 9.1 lakh fatalities, as per the World Health Organization (WHO).
Among these cases, breast cancer emerged as the most prevalent form of the disease, highlighting the urgent need for targeted interventions and support systems to address this significant public health issue.
Though India reports more than a million cases every year that could soon change under what we call an “Epidemiological transition”. India is reaching critical levels in pre-diabetes, hyper-tension, cardiovascular diseases, depression and mental health disorders. Sedentary lifestyle, work / family related stress are pushing more and more people to smoking, drinking and finding comfort in indulgent food and sweets. Over 25 crore people in India and over the age of 15 are active smokers. If we talk about eating disorders, about 12.5 million children aged between 5 and 19 years have been found to be overweight in 2022. All these indicate the potential increase in the number of cancers in the country. Dr. Rajesh Bhalla, Adviser - Medical Services,
Indian Cancer Society
explains why India is on way of becoming the cancer capital of the world.
Tobacco a leading cause
Apart from smokers, millions of people consume tobacco which increases the risk of mouth, throat, and lung cancer significantly. Increased tobacco usages, as well as the rampant pollution in metropolitan cities are significantly increasing cancer cases. For men, the most common cases are instances of lung cancer, mouth cancer and prostate cancer. Oral cancer encompassing malignancies in the mouth and oral activity ranks amongst India's top three cancer types, comprising over 30% of all cases. Predominantly affecting lower socioeconomic groups due to their increased tobacco usage, it often evades early detection, leading to poor treatment outcomes.
Women's poor lifestyle
Amongst women, the most common cancers are breast cancer, cervix cancer, ovarian cancer, oral and colo-rectum. And the numbers are increasing due to poor lifestyle habits, increased stress levels, tobacco and alcohol consumption. Chronic stress contributes to a rise in hypertension and diabetes, which is particularly affecting women in the country.
Obesity is also increasing in the country, where around 90% of women and 80% of men are surpassing recommended waist-to-hip ratios. Lack of regular screening is also another leading cause of cancer; in certain parts of the country, a sense of ennui surrounds regular screenings, followed by stigma which results in neglect of regular screenings and even ignoring the early signs and symptoms. This is notably evident in cases of cervical cancer, a prevalent issue amongst Indian women.
If the numbers keep on increasing, in the times to come, it will start straining healthcare infrastructure, including hospitals, clinics and oncology departments. Limited resources and capacity challenges in healthcare facilities can lead to longer “waiting times” for diagnosis and treatment, exacerbating patients' suffering. Limited availability of advanced diagnostic technologies, skilled healthcare professionals, and specialized cancer care facilities will eventually hinder effective management of the disease. It is thus important to keep the ratio of cancer cases detected and available treatments at balance.
Early detection is important
One has to understand that “cancer” is nothing, but the transformation of normal or benign cells into malignant ones through a multi-stage process. Thus, early-stage detection can lead to around 85% chances of survival, whereas the chances of survival can become lesser than 30%, if it gets diagnosed after Stage 3. Also, it is equally important to choose a healthy lifestyle with good food habits and exercises/ yoga to regulate the body functions.
It is also important for individuals to understand that life is not only about worrying, but finding some peace within them. Such realisations can immensely reduce stress levels and the chances of cancer can significantly reduce in the country. Empowering individuals with increased awareness, facilitating informed decision-making, understanding early signs and symptoms and embracing healthier lifestyle choices can enable people to actively mitigate the risk of various cancer types, promoting longevity and overall well-being.
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