More than 3.5 crore new cancer cases are predicted in 2050, a 77% rise from the estimated 2 crore cases in 2022, according to the latest estimates released by the World Health Organization (WHO)’s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC).
The report further reveals concerning cancer statistics for 2022. Ten types of cancer make up two-thirds of new cases and deaths globally, with lung cancer being the most common and deadly overall, attributing it to continued tobacco use in Asia. Additionally, breast cancer is said to be the biggest threat for women, while prostate and colorectal cancers are most common for men.
In light of these alarming data and ahead of World Cancer Day 2024, OnlyMyHealth spoke to Dr Vinay Samuel Gaikwad, Director, Surgical Oncology (Oncology Centre), CK Birla Hospital, Gurugram, who listed five of the most common cancers in India and shared some intriguing facts and preventive measures around them.
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Lung Cancer
Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, accounting for 11.2% of all cancer cases in men and 5.3% in women, said Dr Gaikwad.
According to the WHO, smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, responsible for approximately 85% of all cases.
Unfortunately, only about 25% of the cases are diagnosed in the early stages, leading to lower survival rates.
However, some of the common symptoms that can help detect the disease include persistent coughing, chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, and unexplained weight loss.
Primary prevention usually involves quitting smoking and avoiding secondhand smoking, whereas secondary prevention comprises getting regular screenings, which help detect the disease in its early stages.
Breast Cancer
Worldwide, breast cancer accounted for a whopping 20.3 lakh cases and more than six lakh cases in 2020, as per the WHO. In India, it accounts for 26% of all cancer cases, shared Dr Gaikwad.
From family history to obesity, late childbearing, and a lack of breastfeeding, many factors increase the risk of breast cancer in women.
The doctor advised regular self-examination, mammograms, and other screening methods for early diagnosis and warned against any symptoms, such as lumps or thickenings in the breast, changes in breast shape or size, nipple discharge, and skin changes on the breast.
Oral Cancer
Oral cancer ranks first among cancers in men and third in women, accounting for 5% of all cases, according to Dr Gaikwad.
It can manifest in several ways, including a mouth sore that doesn't heal, a white or reddish patch on the inside of your mouth, a growth or lump inside the mouth, pain, ear pain, and difficulty or pain while swallowing or chewing food.
As per the doctor, tobacco use in any form, including smoking and chewing, is a major risk factor for the disease, which is why quitting tobacco and maintaining good oral hygiene can significantly reduce the risk.
The good news is that oral cancer is highly treatable if detected early, but a late diagnosis often leads to poor outcomes.
Also Read: What Is Oral Cancer? Symptoms And Causes By Expert
Cervical Cancer
Globally, cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer among women, with an estimated six lakh new cases and more than three lakh deaths in 2020.
In India, it is the second most prevalent cancer among women, accounting for 22.8% of all cancer cases, Dr Gaikwad told OnlyMyHealth.
According to him, Human Papillomavirus (HPV), which is a common Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), is the primary cause of cervical cancer. In fact, HPV infection is responsible for about 5% of all cancers worldwide, with an estimated 6.25 lakh women and over sixty thousand men getting HPV-related cancer each year, as per the WHO.
HPV vaccination and regular Pap smears can prevent cervical cancer or detect it early. An HPV vaccine is recommended for all girls aged 9–14 years before they become sexually active. However, women can continue to get the vaccine when they’re in their 20s.
Stomach Cancer
Another common cancer in India is stomach cancer, which accounts for 8.5% of all cancer cases, as per Dr Gaikwad, who further shared that high consumption of salt-preserved foods and infection with Helicobacter pylori bacteria can significantly increase the risk of the disease.
According to him, symptoms of stomach cancer are often vague and appear late in the disease, making early detection difficult. These usually include persistent indigestion, abdominal pain, bloating, unexplained weight loss, and blood in the stool.
By avoiding salt-preserved foods, maintaining a healthy diet, and managing H. pylori infection, one can reduce their stomach cancer risk.
Conclusion
Cancer is one of the most dreaded diseases in the world and for reasons that are quite valid. While early detection presents great outcomes, unfortunately, most cancers are ‘silent’ and therefore overlooked, leading to delayed diagnosis and poor survival rates. So, the key is to get regularly screened, assess your risk factors, get necessary vaccinations, and maintain a healthy lifestyle.