A recent report by Apollo Hospitals revealed a concerning statistic: In 2020, 14 lakh individuals in India were diagnosed with cancer, a number projected to increase to 15.7 lakh by 2025. K Srinath Reddy, former president of the Public Health Foundation of India, emphasized the urgent need for action, stating that cancer cases and fatalities are expected to escalate over the next two decades.
Cancer manifests in various forms, disrupting the normal cellular division process and spreading uncontrollably throughout the body. Among women, breast, cervix, and ovarian cancers are prevalent, while men commonly face lung, oral, and prostate cancers.
Recent estimates by the Global Cancer Observatory for 2022 indicate that breast, oral, and cervical cancers collectively account for 32% of new cancer cases in India. Interestingly, the number of cancer cases among women slightly surpasses that among men, with 7,22,138 affected women compared to 6,91,178 affected men.
To combat the rising tide of cancer, it is imperative for individuals to adopt healthy lifestyle choices, including avoiding tobacco and alcohol, maintaining a balanced diet rich in fruits and vegetables, managing weight, and engaging in regular physical activity. Additionally, proactive health screenings and early detection play a crucial role in improving cancer outcomes.
As India grapples with the escalating burden of cancer, raising awareness about preventive measures and promoting proactive healthcare interventions are essential steps towards mitigating this growing public health challenge.
