Last Updated:
Around 11 in 100 people in India face cancer risk, with some states showing alarmingly high rates. Early detection and lifestyle changes are key to prevention.
The Northeast reports the highest cancer incidence, particularly cervical, lung, and oral cancers in women. (AI Generated)
Cancer rates in India are rising steadily, claiming lakhs of lives each year. A recent analysis of data from 43 Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs), covering the years 2015-2019, has shed light on emerging trends across the country.
Risk Of Cancer In India
Recommended Stories
The findings reveal that individuals in India now face an 11% lifetime risk of developing cancer, meaning 11 out of every 100 people may be diagnosed at some point in their lives.
In 2024 alone, India recorded approximately 15.6 lakh new cancer cases and around 8.74 lakh deaths due to the disease.
These registries, though covering only 10% to 18% of the population in 23 states and union territories, provide critical insights into cancer patterns, mortality, and regional differences.
Women Bear The Higher Burden But Have Lower Mortality
According to the data, 51.1% of cancer cases were reported in women. Encouragingly, the mortality rate among women with cancer stood at 45%, comparatively lower than men.
Dr Prashant Mathur, Director of ICMR’s National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, noted that breast and cervical cancer account for roughly 40% of female cases, both of which are often detectable early, making them more treatable and resulting in better outcomes.
Lung And Stomach Cancer Affect Men More Severely
Dr Abhishek Shankar, oncologist at AIIMS, highlighted that men more commonly suffer from lung and stomach cancers, which are harder to detect early and often present at later stages. This late detection significantly increases the mortality rate in men.
In contrast, breast cancer detection is easier, as women are more likely to notice early symptoms, such as a lump. On the other hand, lung cancer often progresses silently, delaying diagnosis and treatment.
Oral Cancer Now Most Common Among Men
Interestingly, oral cancer has surpassed lung cancer to become the most common cancer among men in India, despite a decline in tobacco usage. According to the Global Adult Tobacco Survey, tobacco consumption among adults decreased from 34.6% in 2009-10 to 28.6% in 2016-17.
However, doctors suggest that alcohol consumption is now playing a significant role in the rise of oral cancer. Alcohol increases the risk not only of liver cancer but also cancers of the mouth, throat, stomach, and colon. The combination of tobacco and alcohol usage intensifies this risk further.
North-East India Shows Highest Cancer Rates
The North-Eastern states of India report the highest cancer incidence, particularly cervical, lung, and oral cancers in women. Several socio-cultural factors contribute to this:
- High tobacco usage among both men and women
- Traditional diets involving spicy, smoked, or dried meats and fish
- Prevalence of infection-related diseases like Helicobacter pylori, hepatitis, and HPV, which are known to contribute to cancer risk
Mizoram has the highest lifetime risk of cancer in India, with a 21.1% risk in men and 18.9% in women; almost double the national average.
Most Cancers Are Preventable Or Treatable
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 30% to 50% of cancers can be prevented by avoiding key risk factors, improving early detection, and taking appropriate treatment.
This study underlines the importance of:
- Regular screening
- Vaccination programmes
- Public awareness campaigns
- Lifestyle changes
These interventions can significantly reduce both cancer incidence and mortality, making early action crucial in India’s fight against the disease.
Loading comments…
Read More
Go to Source
Author: News18
