India ranks third in the number of cancer cases around the world after the US and China. Even after having advanced medical science, cancer is believed to be one of the most feared diseases throughout the world. According to the National Cancer Registry Programme Report, Indians suffer from various types of cancer every year. The rise in urban pollution has led to an increased rate of obesity, tobacco, and alcohol consumption. As a result, the rate of cancer is growing in India. The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) studies predict a possible 12% rise in cancer rates in India by the next five years.

Most common cancers in India

Breast cancer – Generally seen in women, the cancer cells start from the breasts and then spread to other body parts through the blood or lymph system. Women over the age of 50 are most prone to getting breast cancer. Other than that, genetic mutation and issues with the menstrual cycle often result in causing this cancer.

According to a WHO report, more than 2.3 million women were diagnosed with breast cancer. Currently, it causes 685,000 deaths as of 2020 in the global aspect. However, about 7.8 million women have survived breast cancer in the past five years. Approximately only 0.5%-1% of breast cancer cases are seen in men.

Breast cancer in India contributes to 25%-32% of the overall female cancer cases. As per the 2018 report, 162,468 new cases of breast cancer were registered and 87,090 reported deaths in India because of breast cancer. More than 50% of Indian women suffer from stages 3 and 4 of breast cancer. Post-cancer survival among Indian patients is currently at 60%.

Oral cancer - Cancer cells mainly start developing from the mouth or throat tissues in oral cancer. When it comes to the risk factors, men are more prone to developing oral cancer. Notably, people over 45 years old might be at higher risk. Moreover, a lack of oral hygiene and dental care might also cause this condition. Poor nutrition and the weak immune system of individuals can also cause this cancer.

Studies suggest nearly 4 per 100,000 people are diagnosed with oral cancer in the global arena. The standardized death rate is about 1.9 per 100,000 people. According to a GLOBOCAN 2012 report, the estimated mortality and 5-year survival rate are 45,328(1.8%) and 702,149(2.2%), respectively.

Oral cancer cases have been increasing in India. Studies reveal that there are currently 77,000 new cancer cases. Deaths because of this cancer have increased to 52,000 in India. The 5-year survival rate has reduced to 20%.

Cervical cancer - This type of cancer occurs in the cells of the cervix. Human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection, is often responsible for causing this cancer.

People over the age of 30 years are more prone to developing this condition. Women who smoke are at higher risk. Furthermore, women using oral contraceptive pills are also at increased risk.

As per the 2018 study, there have been about 570,000 cases of cervical cancer across the globe. The death rate has increased to reach almost 311,000. About 99% of all these cases are connected to HPV.

In India, about 122,844 cervical cancer cases are reported annually. India is considered accountable for about one-third of the global deaths because of cervical cancer. Approximately 6%-29% of all cancers in Indian women turn out to be cervical.

Lung cancer - People addicted to smoking are at the highest risk of developing this cancer. Furthermore, even people exposed to excessive passive smoking can develop this condition. As per the study, there have been 2 million new lung cancer cases as of 2018. This cancer contributes to nearly 11.4% of the worldwide cancer crisis. In addition, there has been an estimated 1.8 million deaths because of this cancer.

In India, lung cancer predominates in states like Manipur and Mizoram. About 9.3% of the cases end in death. According to a GLOBOCAN study, there are about 70,275 lung cancer cases in India, irrespective of age and gender. It means 6.9 people out of 1,00,000 Indian people have this disease.

Gastric cancer - Stomach cancer is the third most deadly cancer across the globe. It has caused nearly 7,83,000 deaths as of 2018. In addition, it contributes to 5.7% of all cancer diagnoses, causing 1 million cases annually.

In the Indian context, there are currently about 34,000 gastric cases with a male predominance, according to recent data. Every year, India reports nearly 50,000 new cases of gastric cancer. The 5-year survival rate is about 27%.