Why has India been named the cancer capital of the world

A new study on India’s health paints a worrying picture. Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are on the rise, with cancer cases exploding nationwide. The report, released by Apollo Hospitals for World Health Day 2024, has given India the grim title of “cancer capital of the world.”

The numbers don’t lie: one-third of Indians are pre-diabetic, two-thirds are pre-hypertensive, and one in ten struggles with depression. These chronic conditions, including cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and mental health issues, are reaching critical levels and significantly impacting the nation’s health.

Of particular concern is the skyrocketing number of cancer cases, exceeding global averages. The report also warns of a looming healthcare crisis as pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, and mental health disorders are increasingly diagnosed in younger age groups.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), the incidence of cancer in India has been steadily increasing over the years. Dr Nikhil S Ghadyalpatil, director of medical oncology, senior consultant medical oncologist & hemato-oncologist, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad, said addressing the challenges requires a multi-faceted approach involving various stakeholders including government agencies, healthcare providers, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), researchers, and the community.

A perfect storm of risk factors

The high incidence of cancer in India stems from a confluence of lifestyle, environmental, and socioeconomic challenges. Rampant tobacco use, both smoking and smokeless varieties, significantly elevates the risk of lung, oral, and throat cancers, as highlighted by Dr Chinnababu Sunkavalli , clinical director-surgical oncology, sr. consultant surgical oncology and robotic surgical oncology, Yashoda Hospitals Hyderabad. Furthermore, air pollution from vehicles and industries exposes vast swathes of the population to carcinogenic substances, increasing the risk of various cancers.

Socioeconomic disparities deepen the divide (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)

Dr Sachin Marda, senior oncologist and robotic surgeon in the same department, emphasised the role of unhealthy dietary habits. The shift towards processed foods and declining physical activity levels contribute to rising obesity rates, which in turn are linked to breast, colorectal, and endometrial cancers.

Missed opportunities for early detection

Limited awareness of cancer symptoms and a lack of widespread screening programs create a critical gap in early detection. This results in diagnoses often occurring at later stages, significantly reducing the chances of successful treatment.

Dr Naren Bollineni, consultant surgical oncologist and robotic surgeon, CARE Hospitals Hyderabad, underscored the impact of this, particularly in rural areas where access to quality healthcare is limited.

Socioeconomic disparities deepen the divide

Socioeconomic inequalities further exacerbate the problem. As Dr Ghadyalpatil pointed out, economic disparities create barriers to accessing quality healthcare, especially for marginalised communities. Inadequate awareness and societal stigma surrounding cancer also play a role in delayed diagnosis and treatment.

Enhancing healthcare infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, is crucial. (Representational image/Pixabay)

A multi-pronged approach for a brighter future

Combating this complex issue requires a multi-pronged strategy. Experts like Dr. Sunkavalli advocate for nationwide awareness campaigns to educate people about the dangers of tobacco and the importance of healthy lifestyles. Additionally, promoting regular screenings, particularly in rural areas, would enable early detection and improve treatment outcomes.

Dr Marda highlighted the need for stricter tobacco control policies, including higher taxes and bans on public smoking. This, alongside public education campaigns promoting balanced diets and regular exercise, could significantly reduce the risk factors associated with cancer.

Investing in healthcare infrastructure and research

Enhancing healthcare infrastructure, especially in underserved areas, is crucial. Dr Bollineni emphasised the need for more cancer specialists, diagnostic facilities, treatment centers, and affordable medications. Dr Ghadyalpatil further noted the importance of research and innovation in cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment.

India’s fight against cancer is a complex one, but with a multi-faceted approach, the tide can be turned. By addressing the root causes, investing in healthcare infrastructure and research, and empowering communities with knowledge, India can move towards a future with a lower cancer burden and a healthier population.

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