A Lancet study report revealed that India was the second highest contributor to cancer cases in Asia 2019, which were about 12 lakhs and cancer-related deaths were about 9.3 lakhs. The study is titled “Temporal Patterns of Cancer Burden in Asia, 1990–2019: A Systematic Examination for the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study” and was published on January 2, 2024.
Researchers of the Lancet study discovered that with 94 lakh new cases and 56 lakh deaths in 2019, India, China, and Japan accounted for the three highest numbers of new cases and fatalities in Asia. As a result, they claim that cancer has grown to be a more serious public health concern in this region.
From these, the National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra and the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Jodhpur and Bathinda, contributed the most with 48 lakh new cases and 27 lakh deaths, while Japan recorded about nine lakh new cases and 4.4 lakh deaths.
Conclusions from the Lancet study
The Lancet study reveals a positive correlation between socio-demographic index (SDI) and age-standardized incidence rates (ASIRs) for most cancers, emphasizing the impact of development on cancer prevalence. In simpler terms, countries with higher levels of development are experiencing higher incidence rates of cancer.
The Lancet suggests the influence of societal and economic development on cancer prevalence. It could be attributed to various factors associated with development, such as changes in lifestyle, increased exposure to environmental risk factors, improved healthcare infrastructure leading to better detection and reporting, and an aging population.
Tobacco control emerges as a pivotal policy target, particularly for tobacco-related cancers. This has been influenced not only by smoking but also by rising air pollution. Alarmingly, cancer due to pollution has surged, with several Asian countries ranking high in population-weighted PM2.5 levels. Industry-led economic growth, urbanization, and increased motor vehicle usage contribute significantly to this environmental hazard.
Smokeless tobacco consumption, such as gutka, which is notably prevalent in South Asian countries, poses another public health concern. India alone accounts for a substantial share of global deaths and new cases of lip and oral cavity cancer, linked to the widespread use of smokeless tobacco. Inadequate control policies contribute to the persistent burden of smokeless tobacco-induced diseases.
Breast Cancer
Breast cancer is a major concern, with over 300,000 deaths and 900,000 cases annually in Asia. The study emphasizes the need for cost-effective screening strategies due to the limitations of mammographic screening in low-resource places.
Gastrointestinal cancer
Gastrointestinal cancers remain a significant challenge, driven by modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, obesity, and infections. Economic growth has led to improved sanitation and water access, reducing the prevalence of Helicobacter pylori bacteria and subsequently, stomach cancer.
The impact of changing lifestyles due to economic growth is evident in the rising burden of colorectal cancer (CRC). Screening for CRC is highlighted as crucial but owing to the challenges in infrastructure, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, the effective diagnosis and treatment of the disease gets hindered.
As life expectancy increases, there is a shift in cancer burden, with a reduction in cancers affecting younger age groups and an increase in those associated with longer lifespans. The study emphasizes the role of vaccination, such as the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, in preventing cervical cancer.
The Lancet study results suggest that screening alone is not enough and that there is a need for better accessibility to healthcare, especially in lower and middle-income countries. Furthermore, cancer treatments need to be affordable and feasible for everyone.
In conclusion, combating the increasing cancer burden in Asia demands comprehensive strategies addressing the risk factors, effective screening, and improvements in diagnostic and therapeutic services. The importance of accurate cancer registration and diagnostic facilities is underscored for informed policy-making in the region’s fight against cancer.
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