Cancer Expected To Rise Up To 20 Lakh Cases Per Year By 2026, Data Warns
According to the Global Cancer observatory (GLOBOCAN) estimates, there were 19.3 million incident cancer cases worldwide for the year 2020. India ranked third after China and USA. In India, the incidence of cancer cases is likely to increase from 1.46 million in 2022 to 1.57 million in 2025.
GLOBOCAN predicted that cancer cases in India would increase to 2.08 million accounting for a rise of 57.5 per cent in 2040 from 2020. In females, breast is the most common site of cancer followed by cervix, ovary and uterus. In males, lungs followed by mouth and tongue remain the most common sites of cancer. These common cancers are either lifestyle, tobacco or ageing related and can be prevented by making simple lifestyle changes and are curable if detected early. Below are mentioned few healthy habits which helps in primary prevention of cancer.
Cessation of smoking and tobacco (Gutka, pan masala, betelnut etc)
Avoid second hand smoking and air pollutants
Engaging in regular physical activity and maintaining a healthy weight
Limiting alcohol consumption
Consuming lot of fresh green leafy vegetables and fruits
Avoiding canned, processed, smoked food
Replacing red meat and refined carbohydrates and sugars with fish, nuts, legumes
Consider taking vitamin D supplements
Protecting yourself from UV rays by using sunscreen and avoiding midday sun
Get vaccinated against hepatitis B virus and Human Papilloma virus
Avoiding high risk behaviour like sharing needles, multiple sex partners and use of barrier contraceptives.
Secondary prevention aims at detecting and treating precancerous condition. For example
Cervical cancer screening WHO recommends HPV DNA as a primary screening test starting at the age 30 and to be done every 5 to 10 years. Pap smear and VIA (visual inspection with acetic acid) are the other screening tests available
Breast cancer screening according to ACS (American Cancer Society) average risk women between the age 40 to 54 should have yearly mammogram and 55 and above can switch to mammogram every other year.
If any individual has nonhealing ulcer, lump, persistent cough, change in voice, unusual bleeding or discharge, difficulty in swallowing and indigestion, unexplained weight loss, change in bowel or bladder habits should meet physician immediately. With early detection and diagnosis it is possible to conquer cancer.
