India grapples with second highest cancer burden in Asia, new study reveals

India emerged as the second-highest contributor to the disease burden in Asia in 2019, with an estimated 1.2 million new cases and 930,000 deaths, according to a new study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal.

This alarming statistic places India alongside China and Japan as the three Asian countries bearing the brunt of the disease. The three nations collectively account for a staggering 9.4 million new cases and 5.6 million deaths in 2019.

The study, led by researchers from National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), paints a grim picture of the disease’s rapid rise in the region.

Tracheal, Bronchus, and Lung (TBL) cancer emerges as the undisputed leader, claiming 1.3 million cases and 1.2 million lives across Asia. This form of cancer disproportionately impacts men, ranking first among them and third among women.

However, cervical cancer poses a different threat to women, ranking as the second or top-five concern in several Asian countries. Fortunately, the 2006 introduction of the HPV vaccine offers hope, demonstrating its effectiveness in reducing HPV-related deaths and overall cervical cancer burden.

While TBL, breast, colon and rectum (CRC), stomach, and non-melanoma skin cancer dominate the top five diagnosed cancers in 2019, the study also highlights the presence of leukemia, prostate, liver, and pancreatic cancers in some countries.

The study sheds light on the key risk factors, with smoking, alcohol consumption, and ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution emerging as the unholy trinity. This is particularly concerning for countries like India, Nepal, Qatar, Bangladesh, and Pakistan, where rising air pollution levels add another layer of complexity to the battle against cancer.

Furthermore, the rampant use of smokeless tobacco (SMT) like khaini, gutkha, betel quid, and paan masala in South Asian countries like India adds another layer of concern. A staggering 32.9% of global deaths and 28.1% of new cases of lip and oral cavity cancer in 2019 can be attributed to SMT consumption in India alone.

The study also reveals an interesting trend: as development progresses, younger age groups experience a decline in cancer burden, while the burden associated with longer lifespan cancers like prostate, pancreatic, and breast cancer increases.

However, the researchers warn that the mere availability of cancer screening is insufficient.

This is especially true for low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) in Asia, where oncologic infrastructure is often scarce, unaffordable, and concentrated in urban areas. This, coupled with weak referral systems, leads to delayed diagnosis and treatment, ultimately resulting in lower survival rates.

The study concludes with a call for comprehensive action. Emphasizing the need to go beyond diagnosis, it urges policymakers to prioritize affordable and accessible treatment options, while also addressing the issue of cost-effectiveness and coverage of treatment expenses.

India’s battle against cancer is far from over. This new study urges the nation to prioritize cancer prevention and treatment while addressing the underlying risk factors and ensuring equitable access to healthcare services.

Only through a concerted effort on multiple fronts can India hope to conquer the formidable challenge of cancer and offer its citizens a healthier, brighter future.