Written by MASSH
Apr 10, 2024
India has seen a meteoric rise in the number of cancer cases over the last few years. The Indian rise in cancer cases has surpassed the global average. Due to the rising cases, experts agree that India can soon become known as the ‘cancer capital of the world’.
But why are the cases of cancer increasing in India? What is driving the increase in cancer cases as well as the increase in other chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions like depression in India? Let’s understand the underlying risk factors and socioeconomic factors that are currently fueling the increase of cancer cases in India.
India currently has three major metropolitan cities in the world’s list of top 10 most polluted cities in the world. The rising number of petrol automobiles on Indian streets have increased air pollution significantly. These increases in air pollution has increased the incidence of pulmonary disorders, respiratory disorders, and the incidence of several types of cancer in Indian citizens.
Similar to air pollution, India has a significant number of people who use tobacco products and smoke cigarettes. Over 25 crore people in India over the age of 15 are active smokers. Apart from smokers, lakhs of people consume tobacco in a smokeless variety. The use of tobacco products increases the risk of mouth, throat, and lung cancer significantly.
These increases in risk and the rising number of people using tobacco products in India are contributing to the country becoming the cancer capital of the worldwide. These lifestyle habits as well as the rampant pollution in metropolitan cities are actively playing a part in increasing the number of cancer cases in India.
It is not that there is not enough awareness regarding the cancer risk of using tobacco products. People often ignore these risks due to addiction. There is not enough awareness regarding addiction of tobacco substances in India. Help resources and rehabilitation options for tobacco users are also relatively limited. These factors make it more difficult for people to quit smoking. The portrayal of cigarette smoking as a sign of liberation for women and a sign of machismo for men in popular media popularises smoking to teenagers and other young adults.
The use of tobacco was already bad enough but Indians, especially young adults today in cities with high amounts of air pollution practice a sedentary lifestyle. Sedentary lifestyle, the use of tobacco products, air pollution, lack of exercise, poor dietary habits. All of these factors collectively are causing a rise in cancer cases alongside other chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.
Socioeconomic factors are an important determining factor for the rising cancer cases in India. Socioeconomic factors such as the availability of treatment, awareness regarding the harms of using tobacco, and the stigma regarding cancer diagnosis play an important role in rising cancer cases. India has developed rapidly over the past few decades, however, the country still has remote areas where development has not reached yet.
Similarly, lack of uniform literacy and education among the public makes it difficult for people to understand the risks associated with tobacco use. For a large section of the Indian society, tobacco addiction has led to tobacco dependency in people without their knowledge. This is most commonly caused by the non-smoking types of tobacco.
Reports have shown over 1.4 million cancer cases in India per year with estimates of the number increasing to over 1.5 million cases by 2025. Currently, the cancer capital of the India is located in Kerala, which has the highest incidence of crude cancer cases in the country. Even though other states like Mizoram, Delhi, Haryana, Goa are not far behind on the list, it is Kerala that currently has the highest cancer patients in India state. So, how do you improve the current state of cancer incidence in India?
It is possible only with better awareness programs and access to addiction rehabilitation services, the country will be able to manage its rising number of cancer cases. So, to help improve awareness regarding cancer, here are some of the most common symptoms of cancer that warrants medical checkups. It is also important to note that cancer often doesn’t have symptoms until later, more developed stages. It is important to opt for cancer screening regularly as you age to make sure you are safe from the condition. Let’s review some of the most important symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and screening advice for cancer.
As cancer awareness improves in different parts of the country and cancer treatment becomes available easily, it is sure to reduce the number of cancer cases in India over the next few years. To learn more about cancer risks and treatment, check out MASSH. We offer specialised surgical and management treatments for different types of cancer. Check out our website to learn more about cancer treatment at MASSH or visit us today to consult our specialists.
With the right lifestyle management tips, dietary changes, and regular exercise, it is possible to manage the condition’s risk and even prevent p...
Written by MASSH
Apr 15, 2024
A recent study on the ill effects of keratin treatment has been doing the rounds on the internet. It says that keratin treatment might be causing...
Written by MASSH
Apr 10, 2024