A recent study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research has revealed alarming projections for cancer cases and deaths in India. According to the research, which examined cancer trends across the BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—cancer cases and fatalities in India are expected to surge between 2022 and 2045.
The study focused on cancer incidence, mortality, and the quality of life for patients, noting that both India and South Africa are likely to experience a significant rise in cancer cases. In India, the increase is particularly pronounced in mouth cancers, with men frequently diagnosed with lip and mouth cancer, while breast cancer remains the most common diagnosis among women.
The findings reflect a broader trend across the BRICS countries, which are facing growing cancer burdens. South Africa recorded the highest cancer death rates for both men and women, while Russia led in cancer-related deaths among women. South Africa also ranked highest for overall cancer deaths among women, signaling a shared public health challenge across these nations.
The research highlighted that lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in most BRICS countries, except for India. In India, breast cancer has emerged as the top cause of cancer-related deaths. This deviation underscores the importance of addressing the specific cancer profiles of each country when developing prevention and treatment strategies.
The researchers also noted the impact of cancers on the loss of life years, with lung-related cancers such as trachea and bronchus cancers being the most significant contributors across the BRICS nations. The study emphasized that socioeconomic factors play a crucial role in cancer incidence and outcomes, particularly in low- and middle-income countries like India and South Africa.
According to the study, "A prior review indicated that BRICS countries accounted for 33.6% of new breast cancer cases worldwide and 36.9% of global breast cancer deaths." This data further highlights the growing burden of cancer in these emerging economies, which face challenges in healthcare infrastructure and access to treatment.
While the BRICS countries are poised for sustained economic growth and have made strides in implementing cancer control strategies, the study stressed the need for further investigation into cancer risk factors and health system capacities. Researchers called for an in-depth examination of the underlying causes driving the rise in cancer cases, as well as a review of health systems to ensure they can handle the projected increase in cancer incidence and related deaths.
The ICMR study serves as a wake-up call for policymakers and healthcare providers to strengthen cancer control measures in India. As the country prepares to face a growing cancer burden, there is an urgent need for enhanced public health strategies, including increased awareness, early detection, and improved access to cancer care, particularly for high-risk cancers such as breast and lung cancer.
Addressing these challenges will require a coordinated effort between government agencies, healthcare providers, and the public. With effective interventions, it is possible to mitigate the projected rise in cancer cases and improve outcomes for patients across the country.
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