Cancer- a word that is enough to shake even the mightiest of souls. Though humans have devised cutting-edge technologies to combat this deadly disease, there is no permanent cure known to the doctors even in the most scientifically advanced era we live in today. What is more alarming is that the number of cancer cases is on a rampant rise.
In 2017, more than 70,000 new clients were referred to Tata Memorial Hospital, the renowned institute for Cancer in Mumbai, and admitted to the hospital. Of the 70,000 patients, about 42,000 patients were diagnosed with different types of cancers. About 24 thousand people sought a second opinion with further investigations from Tata Hospital, while 6 thousand of them passed away during the diagnosis process. As per Tata Hospital, the figures have increased slightly compared to the previous years. And if Tobacco consumption is encouraged to be cut down, the cancer statistics can go down by 30%.
There are four types of Cancers- Carcinoma, sarcoma, lymphoma and leukaemia. Carcinoma is the most prevalent type and one of the 200 types of Cancers in India.
Carcinoma is most common among women, examples being breast cancer and cervical cancer which often lead to miscarriage and infection of other organs attached to the female reproductive system. While lung cancer and oesophagus cancer are the most common types among men.
At present, there are approximately 1.2 million new cancer cases registered in India of all types. One can contract Cancer at any point of times, irrespective of his age, gender and lifestyle. Retinoblastoma, Wilms tumour and leukaemia are the common types of cancer among children.
It’s never too late to seek treatment for Cancer. Many a times, a life is lost because the patient is afraid to undergo the treatment process, or feels ashamed. They are then brought to the hospital past the third or fourth stage, during which it gets very difficult for the doctors to treat the disease. In some types of cancers, the signs start to show early; for example uterus cancer, cervical cancer, and breast cancer. If the disease is brought to the notice of a doctor and diagnosed on time, the treatment can be made more effective and there is also a chance that the person can lead a cancer-free life again.
“As breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in women, it’s important for them to get themselves screened for the disease every year. The most conspicuous signs of cancer can also be detected by self-examination. In an instance of an anomaly, they must immediately consult a gynecologist. The symptoms can be highlighted with a colonoscopy of the uterine wall, followed by a biopsy which enables the doctors to detect cancer at the earliest and initiate treatment,” as told by Rajshree Katke, Medical Superintendent, Cama Hospital.
Patients across all states in India come to Tata Hospital for their cancer treatment. Most of these patients are from the north-eastern part of the country, Bihar etc.
Tobacco consumption in any form is most widely the cause of cancer. There are many types of cancer caused by HPV, (Human papillomavirus), obesity, abdominal obesity. However, 30 percent of cancers can be prevented due to cutting down consumption of tobacco products.
One of the reasons why cancer has been on a shocking increase in India is the ever-growing population in the country due to which women are most likely to have breast cancer. Cervical cancer is also prevalent as a result of changing lifestyle and obesity. Women with problems like infertility possess high risks of uterine cancer.
Tata Hospital provides affordable treatment for cancer, hence the institute attracts patients in thousands from all over the country. During cancer treatment, a patient’s body undergoes several minor changes. “In the present times, there has been a mass awareness about cancer,” Tata Memorial Hospital's Head and Oncologist Dr. Rajendra Badve told Mumbai Live. It is very important to limit the consumption of tobacco, alcohol and avoid obesity in order to make India cancer-free. Tata Hospital has been fighting for many years to ban tobacco products," he added.
According to Indian Council Medical Research (ICMR) estimates that by 2020, there will be 17.3 lakh new cases of cancer in India and 8.8 lakhs of deaths due to cancer. This will not only affect individual health, cancer patients' families, but adversely affect the country's economy.
The intensity of cancer is more than AIDS, Tuberculosis, and Malaria combines. According to the World Economic Forum (WEEF) report - "Cancer is one of the three biggest threats to the world economy." Cancer is one of the 10 leading causes of death in India.
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