Estimated proportion of top 10 leading sites of cancer in India by sex – 2022. Breast Cancer: A Growing Concern Among Indian Women Breast cancer has emerged as one of the most significant health concerns among Indian women across all age groups. It accounts for a large percentage of all female cancers. Though less common, men can also develop breast cancer.
Doctors point to factors such as late marriages, fewer childbirths, absence of breastfeeding, and lifestyle changes contributing to the rise in breast cancer cases. Mammography remains one of the most effective diagnostic tools, capable of detecting breast cancer even before any noticeable lump forms.
Early detection remains the primary defense in preventing advanced breast cancer. Screening modalities include the following:
Ultrasonography and MRI are more sensitive than mammography for invasive cancer in nonfatty breasts. Combined mammography, clinical examination, and MRI are more sensitive than any other individual test or combination of tests.
Oral Cancer: India’s Growing Crisis India is increasingly being referred to as the oral cancer capital of the world
Apart from tobacco use, poor oral hygiene and unhealthy dietary habits also contribute to the problem. Health experts emphasize the urgent need for robust tobacco control measures, strict regulation on tobacco sales, and widespread public education to curb the rising cases.
Your dentist may spot potential oral cancer during one of your regular checkups. They may follow up with preliminary tests or refer you to an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or head and neck surgeon. These specialists are also called ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialists.
Oral cancer tests include:
Physical examination : Your healthcare provider will look at the entire inside of your mouth and might feel around your mouth. They’ll also examine your head, face and neck for potential signs of pre-cancer or cancer.Brush biopsy also called scrape biopsy or exfoliative cytology : Healthcare providers use a small brush or spatula to gently scrape the area in question to obtain cells examined for cancer.Incisional biopsy : Your healthcare provider will remove small pieces of tissue to get cells to be examined for cancer.Indirect laryngoscopy and pharyngoscopy : Your healthcare provider uses a small mirror on a long thin handle to look at your throat, the base of your tongue and part of your larynx (voice box).Direct (flexible) pharyngoscopy and laryngoscopy : They may use an endoscope to look at areas of your throat and mouth that can’t be seen with mirrors. An endoscope is a thin, flexible tube with an attached light and viewing lens.Lung Cancer: The Silent Killer Lung cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths in India. The growing number of cases is largely attributed to tobacco use and environmental pollution.
If a person has lung cancer symptoms or if screening shows something unusual, a healthcare professional may recommendTrusted Source
Doctors may use the following imaging tests to reveal areas of lung tissue with cancer:
Scans can help track treatment progress and reveal changes to bones and other organs if the cancer has spread.
A healthcare professional may wish to take a biopsy using a fine needle or a bronchoscope to check for cancer cells.
For less accessible lesions, they may use a more invasive surgical procedure, such as thoracoscopy or video-assisted thoracic surgery, to remove lung tissue.
Laboratory tests can also reveal whether or not cancer is present in the following:
pleural effusion, which is the fluid that collects around the lungs sputum blood This information can help confirm whether cancer is present and, if it is, determine its type and stage.
Cervical Cancer: Preventable Yet Prevalent Cervical cancer ranks as the second most common cancer among Indian women, following breast cancer. In 2023 alone, India saw an estimated 127,526 new cases , with numbers continuing to rise. The country also records the highest incidence of cervical cancer in Asia.
Fortunately, cervical cancer is largely preventable through HPV vaccination, routine screening (Pap smears and HPV tests), and early treatment of precancerous lesions . Public health experts urge women to prioritize regular screenings and vaccinations to reduce risks.
Screening Tests
Pap test :This test collects cells from the cervix to check for abnormal changes that may indicate precancerous or cancerous cells. HPV DNA test:
This test detects the presence of specific HPV strains that are known to increase the risk of cervical cancer.
Colposcopy: A magnifying glass is used to examine the cervix and identify any abnormal areas.
Biopsy: A tissue sample is taken from the cervix for examination under a microscope to confirm the presence of cancer.
Endocervical curettage: A tool is used to collect cells or tissue from the cervical canal.
Cone biopsy: A cone-shaped piece of tissue is removed from the cervix and cervical canal.
Imaging: MRI, PET-CT, and other imaging techniques may be used to determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Given the current state of rising cancer disease burden and sub-optimal quality of outcomes, there is a significant need to understand the current challenges and tailor make interventions across the different stages of disease management with a deep focus on:
1. Awareness and prevention – Modifying exposure to risk factors that potentially lead to cancerDetection and diagnosis – Ensuring early detection and accurate staging of the diseaseTreatment including palliative care – Driving multidisciplinary approach to treatment with focus on affordability, equitable access, quality of outcomes and palliative care
A comprehensive cancer control framework aims to reduce cancer incidence, morbidity, and mortality, while improving the quality of life for cancer patients. It involves a multi-faceted approach, encompassing prevention, early detection, diagnosis, treatment, palliative care, and ongoing research. This framework should address all levels of the health system to reach the entire population, including those at high risk and those diagnosed with cancer.
Key components of a cancer control framework include:
Prevention and Early Detection:
This involves reducing exposure to known risk factors, such as tobacco use and excessive sun exposure, and implementing screening programs to detect cancer early, when it is often more treatable.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Clinical Trials:
Ensuring accurate diagnosis, providing access to effective treatments, and participating in clinical trials to improve outcomes and develop new therapies are crucial.
Supportive Care:
Addressing the physical, emotional, and social needs of cancer patients throughout their journey, including palliative care for those with advanced disease, is vital for improving quality of life.
Awareness and Education:
Raising public awareness about cancer risk factors, prevention strategies, early detection methods, and the importance of seeking timely care is essential.
Governance and Policy:
Establishing clear policies, funding mechanisms, and regulatory frameworks to support cancer control efforts at all levels of the health system is necessary.
Surveillance and Research:
Monitoring cancer incidence and mortality patterns, evaluating the effectiveness of interventions, and conducting research to improve cancer prevention and treatment are crucial for continuous improvement.
Physical Activity and Cancer Control (PACC):
This framework highlights the importance of physical activity for cancer prevention and treatment, with recommendations for specific levels of activity for different cancer stages and populations.
Genomics in Cancer Control:
Incorporating genomics into cancer control efforts can help identify individuals at higher risk, personalize treatment plans, and develop new diagnostic tools.
In summary, the cancer incidence burden is continuing to increase in India. Among the top five cancers in females, breast cancer was found to be the highest, followed by three female genital organs cervix, ovary and corpus uteri. Among males, three sites; lung, mouth and tongue were limited with tobacco-related cancers. A preventable measure needs to be taken for reducing the future burden of cancer. The new estimates are helpful for cancer prevention and control activities through the intervention of early detection, risk reduction and management in India. Appropriate research is, however, needed to delve deeper into the reasons of cancer burden and provide affordable solutions.
