Reducing India’s Cancer Burden

Context: Rising cases of cancer in India needs immediate attention. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) National Cancer Registry Programme Report of August 2020 has estimated that the number of cancer cases in India in 2020 is 13.9 lakh. 

Statistics of cancer cases in India

• Estimated number of cancer cases in India in 2020 is 13.9 lakh. - National Cancer Registry Programme Report of August 2020 by The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

• Cancer burden increased 2.6 times and deaths due to cancers doubled, between 1990 and 2016.

• Late Stage: Almost two-thirds of cancer cases are at late stages

Risk factors

• Tobacco use, alcohol use, inappropriate diet, low physical activity, obesity, and pollution.

Three key aspects of cancer prevention:

• Risk reduction

• Early detection

• Programmatic and policy solutions

Ways to focus on these aspects

• Community empowerment and awareness:

• Community empowerment through a multisectoral approach that brings together government, private practitioners and civil society to increase health literacy and promote certain behaviour can go a long way in reducing potential risk factors.
• Improve awareness  to prevent stigma

• Strengthen Health systems: 

• Ensure that health systems are strengthened so that there is greater access to screening and vaccination, early detection, and timely, affordable treatment.

• Data-driven programmatic and policy-level solutions:

• National Cancer Registry Programme has been used effectively over the years to advocate for better access to screening, early detection, referral, treatment and palliative care services. 

Government Initiatives and achievements:

• Sustainable Development Goal: India is committed to achieving a one-third reduction in cancer-related deaths by 2030 as part of the Sustainable Development Goals

• Improvements:  India has improved in some areas, such as personal hygiene