Growing cancer rate in India: A reality check

An analysis of the underlying causes of the rising cancer rate in India and the potential solutions to control its spread

- DR BS AJAIKUMAR

It is an undeniable fact that cancer prevention thrives on its early detection. Despite the therapeutic and technological advancement, 80 percent of cancers in low-and-middle-income countries are invariably detected at an advanced stage. Although a majority of cancer cases are detected in the age group of 45 to 60, we do find a growing (albeit not alarming as yet) incidence of breast cancer, nasopharyngeal cancer, and hematological malignancies in the age group of 20 to 40. In recent times, we are also seeing more cases of ovarian cancer in this age group.

There have been a lot of studies worldwide on this phenomenon. In this context, it is pertinent to note that the analysis done by HCG revealed that the mortality in the 16-40 age group was 14 percent, and the mortality in the 40 to 60 age group was 60 percent.

The analysis also revealed that the proportion of mortality was the highest in Bone and Soft tissue sarcoma cases in this age group. Notwithstanding the small proportion compared to adult populations, the current scenario is indeed a cause of concern.

The causes of the rise

So, why are we seeing a rise in cancer cases across all age groups? One school of thought says cancer was always prevalent, but as cancer detection was poor before, more cases are being reported in recent times. There is a fractional element of truth in that conjecture - given better community awareness, improving access to healthcare, and the pivotal role played by technological innovations that we see today - but it is not the principal reason for the rising number of cancer cases.