During the last few years there have been many people from around the world who have been affected by cancer. Its effects keep on growing with time. India, famous for its vast heritage and economic advancement, is experiencing increased occurrences of cancer; by 2032, it is predicted that India will be the capital city for cancer throughout the entire globe according to specialists. This means there will be more cancer cases registered in India than in any other nation on Earth. This paper explores some of those happenings and future projections for India.
Why have we seen an increase in cases of cancer?
In India, we are witnessing rising cases due to several factors. One prime factor is increased life expectancy. As individuals advance in age, they are more susceptible to developing cancer. In fact, with India’s population progressively growing older – with many more reaching the age of thirty, forties, and beyond – not to mention an increase in life expectancy amongst its citizens, the country is presented with an increased risk of contracting this disease.
Another factor is lifestyle changes among Indians. Many of them are migrating from rural areas into urban centers, thus changing their way of living. This includes excessive use of processed foods, insufficient physical exercise, as well as tobacco smoking or excessive alcohol consumption, among others. All these actions increase the chances of getting cancer.
High levels of pollution exist within several Indian cities. The air contains chemicals that could lead to cancer, and contaminated water and soil contain harmful substances that may cause cancer, although only a few create such an association. Most people in India encounter these polluters on a daily basis.
What do the numbers tell us?
Recent surveys have painted a clearer picture of India’s cancer situation. In 2022, 14.6 lakh new cases were reported in India, per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). They expect this figure to increase to 15.7 lakh by 2025.
As indicated by yet another inquiry done by the NCRP (National Cancer Registry Program), 1 in every 9 individuals will get cancer in their lifetime among Indians. It means that out of 9 people you know, there is one person who may have cancer eventually.
India might see more than 2 million new cancer cases every year, at least before 2040, according to the projection made by Global Cancer Observatory. This is a gigantic growth compared to the figures existing currently.
Which are the most common kinds of cancer in India?
Cancer affects various regions of the body agonizingly in its different forms. In India, some types of cancers occur more regularly than others.
For men, the most common cancers are:
- Mouth cancer
- Lung cancer
- Stomach cancer
For women, the most common cancers are:
- Breast cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Ovarian cancer
Mouth and lung cancer are usually caused by smoking, among many other cancers. Stomach and breast cancers rise with dietary changes and the evolution of people’s living patterns.
What Makes Early Detection So Important?
Detecting the disease in good time could save lives. Cancer is usually treatable when doctors find it early enough. Still, this does not happen in India because many people do not visit hospitals regularly or are unaware of its indicators. As a result, an individual may have stage three or four cancer without knowing about it.
According to a recent survey published in the Indian Journal of Cancer, more than 70% of patients who have cancer are found at advanced stages in India, thus making them less manageable and the chances of remedying them difficult.
What challenges does India face in fighting cancer?
India has some significant challenges in dealing with the growing number of cancer cases:
Not enough hospitals and doctors
In India, there are not enough cancer hospitals and trained physicians for the number of patients requiring treatment. Patients must travel long distances in most cases to receive treatment services. It takes much time and is quite costly.
High Treatment Costs
Cancer treatment may be very costly. Many families in India cannot finance this expense regardless of their resources, such as government aid, which might still need to be improved.
Lack of Awareness
Cancer is unknown to a good number of people in India; thus, they may never see sure signs or reduce chances through prevention methods, thereby leading to late detection of various kinds of cancers.
Cultural barriers
There are some places in India where cultural beliefs and customs make it even harder for individuals to discuss or get treatment for cancer. A couple of individuals may feel sheepish or terrified to disclose their cancer status.
What activities are being done to tackle the issue?
The Indian government, as well as many organizations, are working to handle the proliferating cancer situation:
National Cancer Control Programme
This is a national program organized by the government with the objective of preventing this disease, early detection, and treatment provision. They’re striving to make cancer services available to more individuals throughout multiple regions in India.
Spreading Awareness About Cancer
Cancer awareness campaigns can also help educate people on prevention and early diagnosis. Agencies create information that can save lives through radio, television, and even social media. These campaigns concentrate on different types of cancers’ risks and symptoms, emphasizing early detection as the major treatment success factor.
Enhancing Healthcare Accessibility
The government understands that access to quality cancer care is crucial. More specialized cancer hospitals are being established, and more oncologists are being trained. Another goal is to tackle the enormous expenses required for cancer treatment. Patient-friendly initiatives have been developed. The aim is to ensure treatment access for all people, irrespective of their financial status.
We can partner in fighting cancer by raising awareness and providing easy access to care. Early identification saves lives, while treatment gives patients the highest chances of recovery. Ongoing initiatives can help us move forward in this fight against this horrible illness.
Scientific Research
Indian scientists research cancer to improve their comprehension of this ailment and propose fresh therapeutic schemes. They are also investigating how conventional Indian medicine could be useful in handling cancer cases.
What can anybody do to lower their risk of developing cancer?
Although not all forms of cancer can be prevented, specific actions can reduce a person’s chances of getting one:
Quit tobacco
No one can get cancer if they stop using tobacco in any way or form, including smoking or chewing it.
Consume healthy meals
Cancer risk can be reduced through increased consumption of fruits and vegetables and decreased processed food intake.
Engage in regular physical activity
Certain cancers can be prevented through exercise and the upkeep of an ideal body weight.
Get vaccinated against cancers
Some vaccinations, for example, HPV vaccine helps reduce risk for particular types of cancers.
Check-ups upfront
Health professionals who routinely examine their patients’ bodies may identify cancer cases at their earliest stages when they are treatable.
Wrap-Up: Looking to the future
The message that by 2032, India could potentially be the world’s leading nation afflicted with cancer is a wake-up call. This implies there is still much left to do. However, it is not all dark. There can be an upliftment against cancer in India through increased awareness levels, better healthcare services as well as lifestyle changes.
Hence, everyone in India has a role to play here. If they look after their health, create awareness amongst the surrounding population lest they forget about it, and contribute anything that will help in cancer research and treatment, Indians can work together towards altering such predictions. Thus, Indian culture does not have to be synonymous with a place where people suffer from malignant growths or anything similar. It could be one characterized by good news about a fight against this ailment ranging from prevention through early detection to curing until establishing a baseline for other nations around the globe.
The journey may seem tough, yet achievable; India can push through this health catastrophe with determination and hard work. If people work together, they can give rise to a healthier future for them and their descendants.
References:
- https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/cancer-cases-in-india-projected-to-rise-from-146-lakh-in-2022-to-157-lakh-in-2025-govt/article66618501.ece#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20cancer%20cases,informed%20Parliament%20on%20March%2014.
- https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/GO.20.00122
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10231735/#:~:text=India%20ranked%20third%20after%20China,recent%20statistics%20in%20any%20region.