Cancer has emerged as a critical public health issue in India, with startling figures outlining a dismal picture. Recent research shows that three out of every five cancer patients diagnosed in the country don't survive. [1] Worse still is the fact that women appear to bear a disproportionate burden of this. This article reviews the prevailing situation of cancer incidence and mortality in India, with a focus on gender inequalities and the urgent need for targeted interventions.
Increasing Cancer Incidence and Mortality
A careful review of worldwide cancer data shows that India is third in the world in terms of cancer incidence, after China and the United States. [2] Worse is the fact that the nation represents more than 10% of all cancer fatalities in the world, second to China alone. [1] Another study that has been published by The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia shows that nearly 60% of India's cancer patients end up dying from the illness. [3] Conversely, the incidence-to-mortality ratio is lower in other nations—about one in four in the U.S. and one in two in China. [1]
Gender Cancer Burden Disparities
The study presents a stark gender imbalance in cancer incidence and death in India. The burden is highest among women, with breast and cervical cancers as the most frequent. Breast cancer itself causes 13.8% of all new cancers in women and men combined, and cervical cancer causes 9.2%. In Indian women, breast cancer is almost 30% of new cases and more than 24% of deaths associated with it. Cervical cancer is a close second at more than 19% of new cases and almost 20% of deaths. [3-5]
On the other hand, cancer of the oral region is the most common among males and accounts for 16% of new cases. Cancer of the respiratory and esophageal tract also ranks high in frequency, accounting for 8.6% and 6.7% of cases, respectively. [6] These statistics emphasize the imperative for gender-based approaches to cancer prevention and treatment to address the disparity in healthcare outcomes.
Age-Related Trends in Cancer Incidence
The research also reveals significant trends in cancer incidence among various age groups. [7] As anticipated, those 70 years and older have the highest burden of cancer. What is surprising, though, is that those in the reproductive age group (15-49 years) also have a considerable share of cases. Indeed, this group accounts for almost 20% of cancer deaths. Adults over middle age are at 8-10% greater risk of developing cancer and have a 5.5-7.7% chance of dying. [1,3]
Estimated Trends and the Demand for Urgent Action
Projections suggest that cancer cases in India will continue to rise at an alarming rate. Over the next two decades, researchers estimate an annual increase of 2% in cases, largely due to the aging population. Dr. Mary McCormack from the University College London Cancer Institute emphasizes the importance of cost-effective treatment strategies in addressing this crisis: "This is an easy method to make a beneficial impact, by utilizing available drugs that are low-cost and already licensed for patients." [1,6]
Her remarks highlight the possibility of cheap, accessible treatments to counteract India's growing burden of cancer.
The tide of increasing cancer incidence in India, especially in women, requires immediate attention. The key strategies need to emphasize early detection, awareness, and the availability of treatment for all. It is important to address gender differences and age patterns in order to frame more effective healthcare policies. As Dr. Iain Foulkes, Executive Director of Research and Innovation at Cancer Research UK, so succinctly states: "Timing is everything when you're treating cancer." [5-6]
Timely intervention can significantly impact cancer survival rates, potentially saving millions of lives in the years ahead.
References:
1. Sharma, R., Abbastabar, H., Abdulah, D. M., Abidi, H., Abolhassani, H., & Abrehdari-Tafreshi, Z., et al. (2024). Temporal patterns of cancer burden in Asia, 1990–2019: a systematic examination for the global burden of Disease 2019 study. The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia, 21.
2. Lin, L., Yan, L., Liu, Y., Yuan, F., Li, H., & Ni, J. (2019). Incidence and death in 29 cancer groups in 2017 and trend analysis from 1990 to 2017 from the global burden of Disease Study. Journal of Hematology & Oncology, 12, 1–21.
3. Yancik, R. (2005). Population aging and cancer: a cross-national concern. Cancer Journal, 11(6), 437–441.
4. Zhang, Q. W., Wang, J. Y., Qiao, X. F., & Li, T. L. (2021). Variations in disease burden of laryngeal cancer attributable to alcohol use and smoking in 204 countries or territories, 1990–2019. BMC Cancer, 21, 1–12.
5. Danaei, G., Vander Hoorn, S., Lopez, A. D., Murray, C. J., & Ezzati, M. (2005). Causes of cancer in the world: comparative risk assessment of nine behavioural and environmental risk factors. The Lancet, 366(9499), 1784–1793.
6. New treatment regimen cuts cervical cancer deaths by 40%. (2024, October 14). The Times. Retrieved from https://www.thetimes.co.uk/article/new-treatment-regimen-cuts-cervical-cancer-deaths-by-40-percent-9hsgwvj2l
(Input from various media sources)
(Rehash/Hardik Rathod/MSM)