The incidence of cancer worldwide is increasing owing to ageing populations, lifestyle changes and environmental factors. Yet, 40% of cancers can be prevented with lifestyle modifications. Avoiding risk factors and vaccination also contribute to prevention. Early detection can cure 50% of the cases.
India can halve the cancer deaths by popularising preventive health check-ups. It should also invest in medical infrastructure for comprehensive early detection and treatment.
THE NUMBERS
In recent years, more than 12 lakh Indians are diagnosed with various forms of cancer annually. There are about 8 lakh deaths each year.
A major reason for the high mortality rate due to cancer is late diagnosis in advance stage of the disease.
Quitting smoking and abstaining from alcohol are modifiable factors. Having a good diet and avoiding junk food also help. HPV vaccination for cervical cancer can prevent the disease from developing.
According to the recent Indian cancer registry report of the Mumbai based Tata Memorial Cancer Hospital, 60 – 70 per cent of cancer patients in the country suffer from oral cancer. Many also experience cervical and breast cancers.
Oral cancer is more common among men than women. The cause of oral cancer is consumption of tobacco .Among women, cervical and breast cancers are more prevalent. Cervical cancer is found more in rural areas due to unhygienic conditions.
EARLY DETECTION
The major reason behind mortality is the late detection of the diseases. By the time patients seek treatment, the disease has progressed too much. Hence, there is a need for constant screening for early detection. This will help cure the disease if it’s curable. It will also increase the life expectancy of the patient.
There are laws such as the Control of Tobacco Products Act [COTPA] to minimise the use of tobacco products. However, these laws are hardly implemented.
Gutka and pan masala are banned products but they are sold openly. Celebrities are doing promotions [through ads] and that should be stopped, or else people won’t stop consuming it. The government must take strict action against the sellers, too.
Alcohol consumption is also on the rise, and it is one of the reasons behind this disease. If the government does not take action, these numbers will go up in the future.
If a person starts smoking in adolescence, he/she would lose 15 years of his/her life.
About 95% of the cases can be cured, if they are detected in the first stage. Regular screening can go a long way in early detection.
Most of the cases come to hospitals in advanced stages. This means patients have very little chance of long survival.
Preventive medicine department in tertiary care hospitals and medical colleges can play a vital role in prevention and awareness. There is a need for a preventive oncology department in medical colleges. The government should create awareness about common diseases like oral and cervical cancers. These diseases have a high prevalence and are more seen in people from poor and lower middle class backgrounds.
Doctors must be given training so that they can identify the signs and symptoms of cancer early on. Early diagnosis will lead to timely treatment and the mortality will come down.
(Dr Naresh Purohit is Advisor-National Cancer Control Programme. The views expressed here are of the author)