Cancer Cases Are Rising The Fastest: India Declared As Cancer Capital As Per Reports

The recent Health of Nation Report by Apollo Hospitals, the fourth edition was released on World Health Day 2024, i.e., April 7. The report highlighted the seriousness of increasing non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across India, along with an alarming surge in cancer cases. The concerning statistics suggest that India surpassed global rates in cancer cases, making it the ‘Cancer Capital’ of the world.

Scroll down to know the statistics, concerns, causes, solutions, and other information in this article.

Statistics Of The Report

The alarming statistics show the concerning rise of NCDs in India, including hypertension, cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and mental health issues. According to the estimates of the report, approximately one in three Indians are pre-diabetic, two in three are pre-hypertensive, and one in 10 are experiencing depression.

Among women in India, the most common cancers in order of occurrence are breast cancer, cervix cancer and ovarian cancer (Comprehensive Guide To Help Women Prevent Cancer). Meanwhile, the same for men are lung cancer, mouth cancer and prostate cancer.

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Additionally, the common age for cancer diagnosis in India is lower than in other countries, however, the cancer screening rates are still extremely low in the country, according to data in the report.

While thorough health checks are still not that common, people are getting increasingly aware of health and wellness with time. There is an urgent requirement for intervention in order to combat the growing epidemic of NCDs, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and obesity (Morning Drinks For Weight Loss).

Expert’s Opinion

Talking about the situation, our expert, Dr Shivali Ahlawat, Director at Technical Operations, Oncquest Laboratories Ltd, said, “In the wake of alarming statistics revealing India's ascent as the 'Cancer Capital,' the nation finds itself grappling with an unprecedented surge in cancer cases. With over 2 million diagnoses and a staggering 610,000 deaths attributed to cancer in 2023 alone, the urgency for action has never been more apparent. Multifaceted factors, including lifestyle changes, environmental pollutants, genetic predispositions, and inadequate healthcare infrastructure, contribute to this surge. This escalating crisis demands a comprehensive understanding of the root causes to combat its ramifications effectively.”

We asked the expert to suggest some solutions that according to her would be best to combat the problem to which she replied, “Concerted efforts must be directed towards preventative measures and awareness campaigns. Promoting healthier lifestyles, advocating for regular screenings, and fostering environmental consciousness are pivotal steps in curbing the escalating cancer rates. Investing in advanced medical technologies, enhancing cancer research initiatives, and bolstering healthcare accessibility to underserved communities are imperative measures to ensure timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Moreover, destigmatizing conversations surrounding cancer can enable people to for early diagnosis and timely medical intervention, thereby potentially mitigating adverse outcomes.”

“Modifications in lifestyle can ensure positive outcomes. Embracing a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, alongside regular exercise, can bolster immune function and reduce the risk of cancer. Besides, minimizing exposure to carcinogens such as tobacco smoke, ultraviolet radiation, and air pollutants can significantly mitigate cancer risk. Engaging in routine health screenings and adhering to recommended vaccination protocols further fortify one's defence against prevalent cancer types. By bracing up for a collective commitment to preventive healthcare and advocating for policy reforms, society can strive to stem the tide of rising cancer cases and safeguard public health for generations to come,” she added.

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