India’s cancer incidence rate is on the rise annually due to population growth and better diagnoses, with projections of 2 million cases by 2040. To combat the disease’s rising burden, the Indian Cancer Congress (ICC) has called for more infrastructure and doctors…
Overall cancer incidence in India has not climbed as rapidly as in the West over the past two decades, but population growth and better diagnostics have boosted new cases annually. New cancer cases are predicted to reach 2 million (20 lakh) by 2040 from 1.4 million.
On Thursday, the first day of the Indian Cancer Congress (ICC) at BKC, experts underlined the need to enhance infrastructure and medical staff to battle the disease’s expanding impact. Over 5,000 oncologists attend the four-year ICC.
Northeastern states have some of India’s highest cancer rates. Mizoram’s capital, Aizawl, has the highest cancer rate among men at 269.4 per 100,000, while Arunachal Pradesh’s Papumpare district has the highest among women. Even the greatest cities have cancer incidence rates of 100-110 per 100,000. Male cancer incidence in Mumbai is 108 per 100,000, while females are 116, a constant figure since 2001.
Dr. Rajendra Badwe, Tata Memorial Centre Director, stated India hasn’t grown like the West or BRICS countries like Russia and South Africa. He suggested it could be because we focus on screening for the three primary malignancies—oral, breast, and cervical—rather than all forms of cancers.
Tata’s head of cancer epidemiology, Dr. Rajesh Dikshit, compared India to the UK and Canada, where cancer rates are higher (300-350 per 1,000). He noted that India’s cancer incidence is steady but varies at the micro level. Cervical cancer rates in India have dropped to 7-8 per 100,000, whereas breast, lung, and oral cancer rates continue to grow. Though cervical cancer incidence is falling, death remains high.
Dr. Sanjay Sharma, ICC Chairman, noted that even if the incidence rate remains unchanged, the rise in absolute numbers is straining healthcare systems. He suggested government subsidies for private cancer hospitals. Dr. Badwe said TMC added nine cancer hospitals and will add six more. He hoped India would have adequate cancer centers by 2033.
According to TMC’s Dr. Shripad Banavali, India today produces nearly 1500 oncologists for major cities, solving the gap. Doctors will need to move to smaller cities to support cancer center growth.
Conclusion
India’s cancer rate is rising due to population growth and better diagnostics. The Indian Cancer Congress (ICC) stresses the need to increase cancer infrastructure and medical staff to handle the growing illness load. Cancer rates are higher in the Northeast. Effective screening programs have reduced cervical cancer, but breast, lung, and oral cancers are rising. Experts recommend government subsidies for more public and private hospitals to meet rising cancer treatment needs. They encourage cancer professionals to go to smaller locations to boost cancer center development and promote equal distribution. Preventive measures, early detection, effective treatment, and palliative care are needed to battle cancer.
