Why Cancer Cases Are Increasing In India? Report Estimates 12% Surge In Next Five Years

With all the progress made in the world of cancer such as research, prevention, treatment and along with programs like National Cancer Awareness Day, it comes as a surprise that cancer cases in India are still on the rise.

The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre Of Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), Bengaluru, have confirmed a massive spike in cancer cases in India. The reports further estimated a rise in India’s cancer cases by 12% in the next five years.

Here’s an insight into why cancer is increasing in India.

What Does The Statistical Data State? 

The Report of National Cancer Registry Programme,2020, released on 18 august 2020 by the director-general, ICMR, highlighted that:

The cancer burden in India would increase from 1.39 million in 2020 to 1.57 million in 2025.

According to the statistical report presented by the Report Of National Cancer Registry Programme 2020, the estimated cancer incidence in men was 679,421 and in women was  712,578 in 2020. And the estimated cases of cancer in 2025 will go upto 763,575 in men and 806,218 in women.

Types Of Cancers Contributing To The Rise In Total Cases

The Report of National Cancer Registry Programme, 2020 stated that the cancers of the lungs, stomach, mouth, and oesophagus were found to be the most common cancers among men, while cancer of the breast, cervix, and uteri were common in women.

 Causes Behind Cancer Spike In India

The Report of National Cancer Registry Programme, 2020, presented that the significant rise in cancer in India is due to tobacco-related cancer.

Cancer report 2022 –  Report On Monitoring Survey of Cancer Risk Factors and Health System Response in North-East Region (NER) of India highlighted behavioural and metabolic risk factors that cause cancers. They are:

1. Tobacco use
2. Increased blood glucose levels
3. Obesity
4. Increased stress
5. An unhealthy diet
6. Inadequate physical activity
7. Compromised immune system in elderly

It also highlighted sufficient evidence stating that smoked tobacco is associated with lung cancer and the cancers of the mouth, gastrointestinal tract, Urinary Bladder, and pancreas. This Cancer report 2022 also highlighted smokeless tobacco as a cause of oral, head, neck, and oesophagus cancer.

Preventive Measures To Be Taken To Decrease The Rise:

The latest report from the Report On Monitoring Survey Of Cancer Risk Factors And Health System Response In North East Region (NER) Of India (2022) suggested measures that can help translate the survey’s findings into action. They are: 

1. Risk reduction: Primordial prevention can be provided by Intensive Information, Education and Communication (IEC) and Behavioural Change Communication (BCC) by targeting the younger generation.
2. Cessation of tobacco and alcohol: Implementing strict rules to cease the usage of tobacco and alcohol.
3. Early screening of cancer: Diagnosis of cancer in its early stages by frequent screening can help treat cancer earlier.
4. Strengthening the healthcare system: Providing training to the new and existing healthcare staff, increasing the tertiary-level facilities, conducting regular cancer risk factor surveys, providing diagnosis, treatments, timely referrals and follow ups that are people centric.

THE FUTURE DEPENDS ON WHAT WE DO IN THE PRESENT

India has been fighting battles with cancer for years, but with a little effort from our end, by following simple preventive measures, motivating the healthcare providers and cancer warriors could lend a massive hand in winning the war against cancer. Some healthy lifestyle modifications, well-balanced healthy diet, exercising, getting vaccinated also contribute in preventing cancer and its reoccurance.