Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, and its incidence is increasing, especially in low- and middle-income countries like India. In this article, we will discuss the current cancer statistics in India and the ways people can fight the disease.
India is dealing with a significant cancer incidence burden that is growing at an alarming rate. The 2020 WHO rating on the cancer burden in terms of “new yearly cases reported” placed India third, behind China and the United States.
What does the data say?
The estimated number of cancer cases in India in 2022 is 14,61,427. Lung and breast cancers were the most common cancers in men and women, respectively. The major cause of cancers in children (0-14 yr) was lymphoid leukemia (boys: 29.2% and girls: 24.2%). One in every nine Indians will have cancer during their lifetime, with the disease anticipated to rise by 12.8% between 2020 and 2025, as per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
These alarming figures do not include data from two of the most populous states of India – Uttar Pradesh and Bihar due to the unavailability of proper data as the scientist said.
Early detection of cancer is crucial for successful treatment, and it is important to be aware of the common symptoms of cancer.
Common Symptoms of Cancer: Be Vigilant and Seek Medical Attention
Cancer often does not show any symptoms in its early stages. However, some common symptoms of cancer include:
- Fatigue: Cancer can cause fatigue due to the body’s use of energy to fight the disease.
- Pain: Cancer can cause pain due to the growth of the tumour or due to the spread of the disease to bones or other tissues.
- Changes in the skin: Changes in the skin, such as yellowing, darkening, or redness, can be a sign of cancer.
- Weight loss: Unexpected weight loss can be a sign of cancer, as the disease can cause the body to use energy faster than it can be replaced.
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits: Changes in bowel or bladder habits, such as constipation or incontinence, can be a sign of cancer.
- Persistent coughing or hoarseness: Persistent coughing or hoarseness can be a sign of lung cancer.
- Unusual bleeding or discharge: Unusual bleeding or discharge, such as from the breast or vagina, can be a sign of cancer.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Early detection and treatment of cancer can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery.
How government helps
However, it’s also important to note that the treatment of cancer comes with its financial burden. Health insurance is one of the pillars you can take support when dealing with problems, but around 80% of Indians do not have any health insurance. To make sure that people have means of funding their health bills, the government of India has many schemes available, like:
- Ayushman Bharat – This scheme provides health insurance coverage of up to 5 lakhs to over 10 crores of economically weaker families in India.
- National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS) – This scheme aims to provide early detection and treatment of non-communicable diseases, including cancer, through a network of health facilities in India.
- RashtriyaArogyaNidhi (RAN) – This scheme provides financial assistance to economically weaker families for the treatment of life-threatening diseases, including cancer.
The government of India has launched several schemes to provide financial support and improve access to cancer treatment for patients in India. But, being vigilant is still one of the most important factors to defeat this disease.
Important things to keep in mind
To fight the disease, individuals must adopt healthy lifestyle habits and undergo regular cancer screenings. This can help detect cancer early when it is most treatable. Some ways to reduce the risk of cancer include:
- Maintaining a healthy diet: Eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains and low in processed foods, red meat, and sugar can help reduce the risk of cancer.
- Quitting tobacco: Tobacco use is the leading cause of preventable deaths globally, including cancer. Quitting tobacco can reduce the risk of cancer, as well as many other health problems.
- Limiting alcohol consumption: Alcohol consumption increases the risk of several types of cancer, including breast, liver, and colorectal cancer. Limiting alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of these cancers.
- Exercising regularly: Physical activity has been shown to reduce the risk of several types of cancer, including breast and colon cancer. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity most days of the week.
- Getting vaccinated: Certain vaccines, such as the HPV vaccine, can help protect against certain types of cancer.
- Undergoing regular cancer screenings: Screenings, such as mammograms and Pap tests, can help detect cancer early when it is most treatable.
In addition to individual efforts, the government and other organizations have a crucial role to play in the fight against cancer. This includes increasing funding for cancer research, providing access to cancer screening and treatment, and educating the public about cancer prevention and early detection.
Conclusion
Early detection is key in the fight against cancer, so it’s important to be aware of the warning signs and to schedule regular check-ups with a doctor. Symptoms can include changes in the skin, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, pain that does not go away, and changes in bowel or bladder habits. If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor right away.
The fight against cancer is a collective effort. By living a healthy lifestyle, supporting cancer research, and being vigilant about early detection, we can all make a difference in the fight against this disease. Let’s work together to increase awareness, improve treatments, and save lives.