Cancer is a word that gets thrown around a lot, but living with the disease can be difficult and daunting. The number of infected people in India is rapidly increasing year by year, and the latest research by a famous hospital points out that the overall health condition of Indians is deteriorating.
According to a report by Apollo Hospitals, 1.4 million people in India were affected by cancer in 2020, and the number is expected to rise by 1.57 million by 2025.
“The number of cancer cases and deaths is increasing and is expected to increase further over the next 20 years,” K. Srinath Reddy, former director of the Public Health Foundation of India, told German news agency Deutsche Welle. Told.
What are the most common types of cancer?
Cancer is a disease in which some of the body's cells begin to grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. It can start anywhere and can disrupt the orderly process of cell division.
Breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers are most common in women, while lung, mouth, and prostate cancers are most common in men.
New estimates from the World Cancer Observatory for 2022 show that breast, oral and cervical cancers accounted for 32% of new cases in India. The number of cancer cases among women was 722,138, slightly more than the number of cancer cases among men; of these, 691,178 were men.
The leading cancer among women was breast cancer, with 192,020 new cases (26.6%), followed by cervical cancer with 127,526 (17.7%). Her third most common cancer among women in 2022 was ovarian cancer (6.6%).
Among men, oral cancer was the most common with 1,07,812 new cases (15.6%), followed by lung cancer (58,970 new cases – 8.5%) and esophageal cancer (45,608 new cases – 6.6%). The main cause of death in this country in 2022 will be breast cancer (98,337 people – 13.7%), followed by oral cancer (79,979 people – 5.6%) and cervical cancer (79,906 people – 11.2%). It became.
What is the reason for the high incidence?
Doctors and experts highlight unhealthy lifestyle as the most common reason for cancer cases in this country.
For breast cancer, late marriage and birth, limited breastfeeding practices, and other lifestyle choices are contributing factors. Genetic predisposition also plays a role, with BRCA mutations being more prevalent in certain parts of India's population, said Dr. Vedant Kabra, quoted by India Today.
Smokeless tobacco products such as gutka and paan masala are widely used and account for 90% of oral cancer cases in India.
Cervical cancer can occur due to persistent HPV infection, early sexual activity, multiple partners, and lack of vaccination against HPV, which contribute to its high incidence.
Most lung cancers are associated with exposure to environmental pollutants and indoor air pollution from cooking fuels. It is estimated that the average person in the National Capital Region (NCR) inhales environmental pollution equivalent to smoking 15 to 20 cigarettes every day.
“India's dietary environment has changed significantly in recent years as a result of globalization and urbanization. Young Indians are increasingly eating processed foods, sugary drinks, and high-fat meals as part of their Westernized diets. This change is leading to an increase in diabetes, cardiovascular problems, and a sharp increase in obesity rates among young people,'' said Dr. Dinesh Singh, head of radiation oncology at Andromeda Cancer Hospital in Sonipat. was quoted by the Times of India.
“Even though the incidence has decreased, cancer still poses a serious threat to the lives of young people in India. Sometimes we procrastinate,” Dr. Singh added, as quoted by the Times of India.
childhood cancer
The Apollo Hospitals report also mentions certain cancers that affect young people earlier than in countries such as the US and UK. For example, the average age for lung cancer is 59 years in India, compared to 70 years in the US, 75 years in the UK, and 68 years in China.
Approximately 1 million people are newly diagnosed with cancer each year in India, of which approximately 4% are children.
Ruchira Misra, a pediatric oncologist and senior consultant at MMR Children's Hospital in Mumbai, said only 41% of public hospitals have a dedicated department for pediatric cancer patients.
How to prevent cancer
Although genetic mutations cannot be controlled, certain lifestyle and environmental modifications can reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Experts emphasize the importance of preventive health measures and encourage individuals to undergo health check-ups. “There is no doubt that cancer is on the rise and everyone needs to act on it as a priority. For example, governments should encourage screening as a first step,” Fortis Memorial Institute Oncology Nitesh Rohatgi, senior director of internal medicine, told DW.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 30-40% of the cancer burden is due to lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, diets low in fruits and vegetables, overweight and obesity, and physical inactivity. There may be.
The WHO and the American Institute for Cancer Research recommend changes in diet and nutrition to prevent cancer. These include healthy eating patterns, physical activity, and weight management. Although these may not help reduce your risk of cancer, they can help prevent obesity and other chronic diseases such as type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Reducing exposure to tobacco is another way to prevent disease.
According to a study published in Nutrition Journal, protective elements in a cancer prevention diet include selenium, folate, vitamin B-12, vitamin D, chlorophyll, and carotenoids (such as alpha-carotene, beta-carotene, lycopene, and lutein). Contains antioxidants. , cryptoxanthin).
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“The basic idea is to get all the vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients you need, while still eating less (about 70 to 80%) eating. The only thing is that restriction refers to the total amount of energy (calories) expended, but although it is difficult to practice, this approach can be applied to many species including rats, mice, fish, and possibly animals. It has many scientific benefits in that it can extend the life expectancy of people. primates (currently under examination),” the magazine said.
Eating seafood, fatty fish, berries, broccoli, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts boosts immunity and stem cell growth. Sleep at least 7 hours, exercise regularly, and try intermittent fasting. Intake of foods such as vegetables, mango, and Greek yogurt that promote DNA repair. Citing an article in the Indian Express, the magazine says that eating grapes, black tea, pomegranates and fish oil can improve your gut bacteria.
First published: May 7, 2024, 11:01 IST