Cancer incidence steadily rising in India; lifestyle changes essential: Doctors

As per the Indian Council of Medical Research – National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP), the estimated incidence of cancer cases is projected to increase from 14.61 lakhs in 2022 to 15.7 lakhs in 2025, the government had informed the Parliament in December 2023.

The incidence of cancer has been steadily increasing in India over the last few decades. Addressing this challenge ahead of World Cancer Day, Dr Radheshyam Naik, Consultant Medical Oncologist, Hematologist and Bone Marrow Transplant Physician, Sammprada Hospital, Bengaluru, said, “Over the years, cancer incidence has been steadily increasing because of factors like population growth, increasing number of aging people, improved diagnostic facilities and lifestyle changes involving smoking, alcohol, bad diet, obesity and lack of exercise.”

“Cancers associated with tobacco use, including lung, oral and throat cancers, account for nearly 40 per cent of all cancer cases in India. The incidence of cancer is higher in females (105 per 100,000 population) in India, compared to males (95 per 100,000 population),” he further informed.

Reducing cancer incidence

While cancer cases are on a rise in India, several measures can help improve this situation.

Dr Vinod, Preventive Oncologist, Sammprada Hospital, stated, “Several things can be done to reduce incidence of cancer. Most of these relate to lifestyle changes. Reducing consumption of tobacco and alcohol and controlling obesity can lead to drastic fall in cancer cases. Vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis B can also play a huge role. People need to increase physical activity and improve their nutrition through consumption of more fruits, vegetables and fibre, and reduce intake of processed food, meat and sugary beverages.”

Cancer treatment in India

Reflecting on challenges in cancer treatment, Dr Vinod said, “Cancer treatment in India poses several challenges. This includes late presentation of patients, inadequate medical facilities in rural areas, lack of awareness about cancer screening, difficulty in accessing cancer care, high cost of treatment, inadequate insurance coverage and inconsistent treatment protocols.”

However, according to Dr Naik, many cancers have seen significant improvements in survival rates in India such as breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, cervical cancer, lymphoma and leukemia.

Talking about the most significant advances in cancer treatment, he said, “In surgical field, there are advances like robotic surgery, organ conservation surgeries, pre-op chemo radiotherapy enabling minimal surgery, and better prosthesis for breast and limbs. In medical oncology, we have more targeted chemotherapy, immunotherapy, biological therapy and anti-angiogenic treatment, as well as better hormone therapies, bone-protecting drugs, bone marrow growth factors and anti-microbials. Radiation oncology too has seen advances like more targeted radiotherapies, better techniques of brachytherapy and use of combination chemo-radio therapies.”

Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. Kindly consult a qualified medical expert for personalised guidance.

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