World Cancer Day 2024: Cancer Cases Rising in India, 9.1 lakh Deaths

India had more than 14.1 lakh new cancer cases and over 9.1 lakh deaths due to the disease, and breast cancer was the most common, according to the latest estimates of the disease's global burden by the World Health Organization (WHO).

World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4th, is a solemn occasion that brings attention to the growing global burden of cancer. This day serves as a rallying point for the international community to raise awareness, encourage prevention, and foster early detection and treatment.

The latest statistics from 2022, as reported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), highlight the alarming prevalence and impact of cancer on a global scale.

World Cancer Day underscores the urgent need for concerted efforts to address the escalating global cancer crisis. The alarming statistics demand heightened awareness, preventive measures, and accessible healthcare services.

By supporting initiatives like the Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative and fostering international collaboration, we can aspire to reduce the burden of cancer and ensure a healthier future for generations to come. The fight against cancer requires a united front, and World Cancer Day serves as a reminder that collective action can make a significant impact on this global challenge.

In August 2020, the World Health Assembly adopted the Global Strategy for cervical cancer elimination. The initiative, termed the WHO Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative, urged all countries to reach and maintain an incidence rate of below 4 per 1 lakh women.

For achieving the goal, the UN agency strongly advised fully inoculating 90 per cent of girls with the human papilloma virus (HPV) vaccine before they turned 15 years old, screening 70 per cent of women by the age of 35 and again by 45, and treating 90 per cent of women with pre-cancer, along with managing 90 per cent of women with invasive cancer.

Each country should meet these 90-70-90 targets by 2030 to get on the path to eliminate cervical cancer within the next century, the WHO said in the initiative. Continent-wise, the IARC found that the age-standardised incidence rate for all cancers was the highest in Oceania with 409 per 1 lakh people, followed by Northern America and Europe with 365 per 1 lakh people and 280 per 1 lakh people, respectively.

World Cancer Day 2024: India's Cancer Landscape

• New cases: Over 14.1 lakh
• Deaths: More than 9.1 lakh
• Most common: Breast cancer

Prevalence in Men

Lip, oral cavity, and lung cancers are predominant.
Account for 15.6% and 8.5% of new cases, respectively.

Prevalence in Women

Breast and cervix cancers are most frequent.
Constitute nearly 27% and 18% of new cases, respectively.

World Cancer Day 2024: Global Impact

Estimated 2 crore new cancer cases globally in 2022.
97 lakh deaths reported worldwide.
Approximately 5.3 crore people survive within 5 years of diagnosis.

World Cancer Day 2024: Risk Factors

Globally, 1 in 5 individuals develops cancer in their lifetime.
Approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women succumb to the disease.

World Cancer Day 2024: Challenges and Initiatives

Many countries, including India, struggle to finance priority cancer and palliative care services. Only 39% cover basic cancer management in their core health services.

Ten types of cancer comprise two-thirds of global cases and deaths. Lung cancer tops the list, constituting 12.4% of new cases and 19% of total cancer deaths.

Cervical Cancer Elimination Initiative: WHO's initiative targets the elimination of cervical cancer as a public health problem. Aims to maintain an incidence rate below 4 per 1 lakh women.

Global Strategy Implementation: Urges countries to achieve 90-70-90 targets by 2030. Focuses on HPV vaccination, screening, and treatment to eliminate cervical cancer.

World Cancer Day 2024: Regional Disparities

Incidence Rates: Oceania has the highest age-standardized incidence rate (409 per 1 lakh). Followed by Northern America and Europe with 365 and 280 per 1 lakh, respectively.

Death Rates: Europe leads with 82 deaths per 1 lakh, followed by Africa (72) and Asia (69).

Risk Assessment: Oceania has the highest risk of developing cancer before 75 (38%). Europe has the highest death risk (11.5%).

World Cancer Day 2024: Future Projections

Projected Cases in 2050: IARC predicts over 35 million new cancer cases, a 77% increase from 2022. Attributes the surge to population aging, growth, and changing risk factors.

Contributing Factors: Tobacco, alcohol, and obesity identified as key contributors to rising cancer incidence. Air pollution remains a significant environmental risk factor.