According to the Lancet's latest Global
Burden of Disease report, while cancer incidence and mortality rates are
declining globally, India is experiencing an increase. India is projected to
see an estimated 1.5 million new cancer cases and over 1.2 million deaths by
2023.
Key findings on the
global state of cancer
¨
Global incidence increases: The global cancer incidence rate has
declined from 220.6 cases per 100,000 population in 1990 to 205.1 in 2023 and
is projected to reach 192.9 by 2025. However, population growth and aging are
expected to cause a sharp increase in total cancer cases and deaths by 2050.
¨ Trends in cancer
rates: The cancer incidence rate in India increased
from 84.8 per 100,000 population in 1990 to 107.2 in 2023, while the mortality
rate increased from 71.7 to 86.9 per 100,000 during the same period.
¨ Disproportionate
disease burden on low- and middle-income
countries: The study warns that more than half of new cancer cases and
two-thirds of deaths are estimated to occur in low- and middle-income countries
(LMICs) like India.
¨ Modifiable
risk factors: Globally, approximately 42% of cancer deaths are linked to
modifiable risk factors such as tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, and
infections. In India, the share of deaths related to these factors could be as
high as 70%.
¨
Future Predictions: According to the report, by the year 2050, approximately
30.5 million new cancer cases are expected worldwide, while cancer deaths are
expected to increase by 75% to reach 18.6 million. The leading causes of cancer
deaths in India are breast, lung, esophagus, mouth, cervix, stomach, and colon
cancers.
What factors are
responsible for the increase in cancer cases in India?
1.
Changing Demographics - Aging: Due to the increase in both life expectancy
and population in India, the number of elderly people is increasing rapidly,
which is also increasing the population vulnerable to cancer. As a result,
despite the rate per 100,000 population remaining stable, the total number of
cases is increasing. Longer life expectancy has increased the prevalence of
non-communicable diseases, of which cancer is a major one.
2. Adoption of Unhealthy
Lifestyles: In India, high
tobacco use, unhealthy diets, sedentary lifestyles, and alcohol consumption
increase the risk of lung, mouth, throat, esophagus, pancreas, and liver
cancers.
3. National Health
System Deficiencies: Most
cancers are diagnosed late (in stage 3 or 4). Lack of oncologists and
radiotherapy machines, as well as high health expenditure, leads to delayed
treatment, poor outcomes, and increased cancer mortality.
4. Carcinogenic
Environmental Exposure: Outdoor
air pollution (PM2.5, a Class I carcinogen), indoor air pollution from solid
fuels, and industrial and chemical exposure increase the risk of lung cancer.
5. Economic Hardship
from Treatment: The high
cost of cancer treatment, surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy limits access
to health care. This leads many people to delay or avoid treatment, leading to
increased cancer incidence and mortality.
6.
Rising Infection-Linked Cancers: Infections contribute significantly to the
rise in cancer cases, including Human Papillomavirus (HPV), cervical cancer,
hepatitis B and C viruses (liver cancer), and H. Pylori (stomach cancer).
