Cancer capital of the world

Category
Science & Technology
Published
11th Apr, 2024

Context

In a new report, the Health of Nation Report by Apollo Hospitals unveiled a concerning surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs) across India, with the nation witnessing an alarming rise in cancer cases. India's trajectory in cancer cases, surpassing global rates, has earned it the dubious title of the "cancer capital of the world."

Key-highlights of the Report

The most common cancers in order of occurrence in India are breast cancer, cervix cancer and ovarian cancer among women.
The median age for cancer diagnosis in India is lower than in other countries:
- 52 years: Average age of breast cancer diagnosis in India versus 63 in the US and Europe
- 59 years: Average age of lung cancer diagnosis versus 70 years in the West
- 30%: Share of colon cancer patients aged less than 50 years
Despite these trends, cancer screening rates in India remain very low:
- 9%: Breast cancer screening in India compared to 82% in the US, 70% in the UK, and 23% in China
- 9%: Cervical cancer screening in India compared to 73% in the US, 70% in the UK, and 43% in China

Fact Box: About Cancer

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide uncontrollably and destroy body tissue.
It can start almost anywhere in the human body, which is made up of trillions of cells.
Normally, human cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old or become damaged, they die and new cells take their place.
When cancer develops, this orderly process breaks down. As cells become more and more abnormal, old or damaged cells survive when they should die and new cells form when they are not needed.
These extra cells can divide without stopping and forms tumors, which can spread through the blood or the lymph system and form new tumors far from the original tumor.
Causes of Cancer:
- Biological or internal factors, such as age, gender, inherited genetic defects and skin type
- Environmental exposure, to UV radiation, and fine particulate matter
- Occupational risk factors, like carcinogens such as chemicals, radioactive materials
- Lifestyle-related factors