A study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia highlights India's significant cancer burden, with three out of five individuals succumbing to the disease post-diagnosis. India ranks third globally in cancer incidence and second in cancer-related deaths, disproportionately affecting women through breast and cervical cancers. Aging populations and rising cases pose future challenges, with 70% of cases and deaths occurring in middle-aged and older groups. The study emphasizes targeted interventions to address gender and age-specific disparities effectively.
A recent analysis of global cancer data has shed light on India's significant cancer burden, with three out of every five individuals succumbing to the disease following diagnosis. The study, published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal, emphasizes the unique challenges faced by India, particularly the "disproportionate burden" borne by women.
The research, conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), revealed that India ranks third globally in cancer incidence, trailing only China and the United States. Alarmingly, India accounts for over 10% of the world's cancer-related deaths, placing it second after China. The study also highlighted a stark contrast in survival rates, noting that the incidence-to-mortality ratio in the United States is one in four, compared to one in two in China and three in five in India.
The study projects a formidable challenge for India in the coming decades, as cancer cases are expected to rise by 2% annually due to an aging population. Researchers analyzed trends over the past 20 years using data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 and the Global Health Observatory (GHO) databases. "Approximately three out of five individuals would be expected to succumb to mortality if diagnosed with cancer in India," the authors stated.
The findings highlight that five types of cancer collectively account for 44% of the total cancer burden in India. Among these, breast cancer remains the most prevalent, contributing to 13.8% of new cases across genders and disproportionately affecting women. Cervical cancer is the third most common, accounting for 9.2% of new cases. For women, breast cancer alone makes up nearly 30% of new cases and over 24% of related deaths, followed by cervical cancer, which accounts for over 19% of new cases and nearly 20% of deaths.
In men, oral cancer emerges as the most frequently diagnosed type, contributing to 16% of new cases. Respiratory and esophagus cancers follow, contributing 8.6% and 6.7% of new cases, respectively. The study also identified a shift in cancer prevalence across age groups, with individuals aged 70 and above bearing the highest cancer burden. Meanwhile, those in the reproductive age group (15-49 years) represent the second-highest incidence, accounting for one-fifth of cancer-related deaths.
The findings further revealed that middle-aged and older individuals face an 8-10% higher likelihood of developing cancer, with a 5.5-7.7% chance of succumbing to it. "The study is the first comprehensive evaluation of the current and future landscape of cancer in India, focusing on different age groups and gender disparities," the authors noted.
The researchers emphasized the urgency of implementing targeted interventions to address the escalating cancer burden in India. They pointed out that approximately 70% of cases and deaths occur in middle-aged and older populations. With its extensive analysis of 36 cancer types across 185 countries and territories, the GLOBOCAN database provided a global perspective on the issue.
This study underscores the critical need for robust healthcare strategies and awareness campaigns to alleviate the growing cancer burden in India, with a particular focus on gender and age-specific disparities.
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