Written by Rishika Singh New Delhi
8 Apr 2024
Chronic conditions like cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues, are reaching critical levels and significantly impacting the nation's health.
India has been labeled as the "cancer capital of the world" due to several factors contributing to the high incidence and prevalence of cancer within the country. Some of the key reasons include:
Population Growth and Aging: India's population is rapidly growing and aging, leading to a larger proportion of individuals in the age group more susceptible to cancer. With a large population base, even a relatively low cancer incidence rate translates to a significant number of cases.
Changing Lifestyles: Urbanization, sedentary lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, tobacco use, and alcohol consumption have become increasingly prevalent in India. These lifestyle factors are strongly associated with an increased risk of various types of cancer, including lung, colorectal, and breast cancer.
Environmental Factors: Pollution, industrialization, and exposure to environmental toxins contribute to the development of cancer. Poor air quality, contaminated water sources, and hazardous waste disposal practices expose individuals to carcinogens, increasing their risk of developing cancer.
Lack of Awareness and Screening Programs: Limited awareness about cancer symptoms, risk factors, and preventive measures often results in late-stage diagnosis and poor outcomes. Additionally, the lack of widespread cancer screening programs means that many cases go undetected until they reach advanced stages.
Limited Access to Healthcare Services: Despite efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure, access to quality cancer treatment and care remains limited in many parts of India, particularly in rural areas. A shortage of oncologists, diagnostic facilities, and treatment centers further exacerbates the challenges faced by cancer patients.
Genetic Predisposition: Certain genetic factors and hereditary conditions increase the risk of developing cancer. In some cases, individuals may have a genetic predisposition to specific types of cancer, leading to higher incidence rates within certain populations or communities.
Tobacco Epidemic: India is one of the largest consumers of tobacco globally, with a significant proportion of the population using tobacco in various forms. Tobacco consumption is a leading cause of several types of cancer, including lung, oral, and throat cancer.
Poverty and Socioeconomic Disparities: Poverty and socioeconomic disparities contribute to a higher burden of cancer in India. Limited access to nutritious food, clean water, and healthcare services, coupled with inadequate sanitation and hygiene, increases the risk of cancer and other non-communicable diseases among disadvantaged populations.
Addressing the challenges associated with cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment requires comprehensive public health initiatives, including awareness campaigns, tobacco control measures, improved healthcare infrastructure, and access to affordable cancer care services. Efforts to reduce the cancer burden in India must focus on addressing the root causes of the disease and promoting holistic approaches to cancer prevention and control.
https://indianexpress.com/article/lifestyle/health/india-cancer-capital-world-why-9257847/