India emerging as cancer capital, 15 lakh Indians projected to have cancer by 2025
Despite the growing cases, the major cause for concern that our healthcare system and the country is the low rates of cancer screening
The Apollo Hospitals’ released an yearly Health of Nation report on World Health day and revealed that India is the fastest growing country in terms of developing cancer, which is quite concerning. The report highlights the surge in non-communicable diseases like cancer, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart diseases, and mental health concerns, all of which deeply affect the nation’s well-being. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) India comes in the top 3 countries with most amount of cancer cases in the world right after United States and China.
The report showed that approximately 14,61,427 Indians received a cancer diagnosis in 2022. At the current pace, India is expected to surpass 15 Lakh cancer cases by 2025, with a growth rate of 13%. 1 out of every 9th individual is expected to develop cancer during their lifetime. The report talks about how 63% of Indian deaths stem from non-communicable diseases which will lead to a projected economic loss of $3.55 trillion by 2030. The more concerning issue that the country faces is the age at which these cases are being detected.
Cancer cases in India are increasingly affecting younger individuals. In India, the typical age for discovering breast cancer is 53 years, notably younger than the average of 63 years in Europe and the US. Similarly, lung cancer is diagnosed around age 59 here, compared to 70 in Western nations. Shockingly, nearly 30% of colon cancer patients are under 50 years old.
Despite the growing cases, the major cause for concern that our healthcare system and the country is the low rates of cancer screening. For instance, breast cancer screening stands at a mere 1.9%, a stark contrast to 82% in the USA, 70% in the UK, and 23% in China. Similarly, cervical cancer screening in India is at a mere 0.9%, while it’s 73% in the USA, 70% in the UK, and 43% in China. What’s clear is the urgent necessity for widespread awareness and regular screenings to catch cancer early and prevent its progression.
Regarding this alarming issue, the Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, Dr Peetha Reddy commented the following, “Our findings demonstrate a significant need for immediate interventions to fight, prevent and reverse the growing epidemic of cancer, diabetes, hypertension and obesity among others. The need to educate the public and create individualized preventive healthcare solutions has never been greater.”
