There are times in the grand fabric of life when we are forced to reevaluate our very being and muster the courage to persevere. The struggle against cancer is one of many examples of the human spirit’s resilience and strength. We now focus on India, a country with variety, strength, and the drive to always move forward.

The fight against cancer is a never-ending symphony reverberating through every crevice of a country whose traditions stretch millennia and whose cultures mingle beautifully. It’s a rallying cry that cuts across professional and institutional lines, bringing together healthcare providers, scientists, patients, and loved ones in the name of a better tomorrow.

One of India’s leading causes of death, the cancer epidemic, is wreaking havoc on the social fabric. Cancer is India’s second leading cause of death, behind only heart disease. More than 1,800 Indians lose their lives to cancer every single day. Predictions put the increase in new cancer cases at 25% by 2025. Cancer is rapidly expanding as a major cause of death. The rising cancer rate in India necessitates investigating the factors contributing to this problem.

The increasing prevalence of cancer is a serious public health problem and one of India’s leading causes of mortality. The Indian Council for Medical Research (ICMR) predicts that by 2025, the number of Indians diagnosed with cancer will have increased to 29.8 million from 26.7 million in 2021. 

The North and the Northeast had the greatest incidence rates last year, with 2,408 and 2,177 new cases per 100,000 people. According to the report, seven cancer types are responsible for more than 40% of all cases. Lung (10.6%), breast (10.5%), esophagus (5.7%), mouth (5.7%), stomach (5.2%), liver (4.6%), and cervix uterine (4.3%) are all common sites for malignancies.

Various Cancer-Inducing Genes 

Cancer-causing genetic changes affect pro-oncogenes, tumor-suppressor genes, and DNA repair genes. These shifts are sometimes referred to as cancer’s “drivers.” 

There is a role for proto-oncogenes in regular cell division and proliferation. If altered in certain ways or made more active than usual, these genes can turn into cancer-causing genes (or oncogenes) and promote cell growth and survival in situations where they shouldn’t. 

Cell proliferation and development regulation is another function of tumor suppressor genes. Mutations in tumor suppressor genes can trigger unchecked cell proliferation.

There are genes whose job is to fix messed-up DNA. These cells are predisposed to developing mutations in other genes and chromosomal abnormalities like duplications and deletions because of the presence of these genes. When these changes occur in concert, the cells may develop malignant characteristics.

Types of Cancer

More than a hundred distinct cancers have been identified. Common cancer names refer to the affected organ or tissue. Cancers like lung cancer and brain cancer both start in their respective organs. Cancers can also be categorized according to the damaged cell type (epithelial, squamous, etc.).

Cancers that begin in particular cell types can be categorized as follows:

Carcinoma Sarcoma Leukemia Lymphoma Multiple Myeloma Melanoma Brain and spinal cord tumors

The following are some other varieties of tumors:

Germ Cell Tumors Neuroendocrine Malignancies Carcinoid Tumors

Causes of India’s rising cancer rate

 

Tobacco intake: One of the leading causes of cancer among Indian males is their habitual use of alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs. Furthermore, women and children are particularly vulnerable to the negative health effects of passive smoking. Smoking tobacco is extremely common in Indian culture. Fertilizers: Using fertilizers without proper precautions in farming has been linked to cancer. Many people with cancer travel from Punjab to Rajasthan. Pregnant women are particularly vulnerable to and at risk of harm from fertilizers. Changing lifestyle: Obesity and cancer are facilitated by a fast-paced culture that leaves little room for good habits like regular exercise and whole foods. Risk factors for stomach cancer in India include eating lots of red chilies, eating food at high temperatures, and drinking a lot of alcohol. Pollution: Rising pollution levels and hazardous environmental substances irritate the body and raise the risk of lung cancer. Accessibility: Lack of access to medical care and inadequate diagnostics contribute to cancer’s progression to later, more difficult-to-treat stages. Despite the well-documented advantages of screening, only a small percentage of Indian women undergo it. Treatment is out of reach due to prohibitive out-of-pocket costs. Poor public healthcare: Since private hospitals can provide better care than the public system, they are being used. Approximately 10 million people live with cancer in India, but only 2,000 cancer doctors treat them. In addition, much work must be done on the infrastructure supporting cancer research.

Recent Governmental Initiatives:

The NPCDS is a national initiative to reduce the prevalence of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and stroke by the National Health Mission (NHM). The main features include spreading knowledge about the need for cancer screenings and early diagnosis and connecting those in need with the resources they need to get well. The ‘Tertiary Care for Cancer’ program was initiated to establish standalone facilities in each of the 50 states. The government has initiated the National Tobacco Control Program to lower the demand for and supply of tobacco products. The Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) program was established to address the monetary constraints associated with cancer care.

The latest discovery of medication for breast cancer patients will be able to increase survival rates. The medicine has potential benefits over current treatment, including fewer side effects than chemotherapy.

Why are some tumors dropping and others rising?

Over the past half-century, India has seen a decline in the rate of new cases of cervical cancer, from 45 to 10 cases per 100,000 people. Late marriages, fewer children, improved cleanliness, and vaccination (human papillomavirus vaccine) contribute to the drop.

Breast cancer rates, however, are rising, especially in major cities (45 per 100,000 in Hyderabad). The same factors (which contributed to the drop in cervical cancer) are at play here: later marriages, later first births, less nursing, and a higher protein diet. Because its causes are unknown, screening is the only effective strategy for breast cancer.

Tobacco regulations prohibiting smoking in public places have also contributed to decreasing the rates of tobacco-related malignancies (oral, oesophageal).

Despite this, lung cancers should still be approached with caution. Although pollution does play a part, the biggest offender here is smoking. For instance, residents of Arunachal Pradesh have a higher risk of developing lung cancer since they keep fireplaces lit inside their homes throughout the winter. A lung cancer diagnosis often occurs late, lowering the patient’s chance of survival.

Is there any new knowledge about how to treat cancer?

With advances in cancer treatment, yes. For instance, the cure rate of pancreatic cancer has increased from 3% to 6% in the past 50 years. Increase from 60% to 100% in cases of prostate cancer. Newer treatments have increased breast cancer survival rates from 50% to 90%.

Use Caution and Common Sense

The three most common forms of cancer in India—breast, cervical, and oral—are preventable and treatable. Understanding where the disease comes from and how it manifests itself can be extremely helpful in thwarting its progression or stopping it altogether. If you experience any warning signals related to cancer, you should make an appointment with a doctor as soon as possible. Make a pact with both yourself and the people you care about to do everything in your power to fight cancer.

A Glimpse of Hope

Several government programs operate in isolation from one another. Coordinating current initiatives is necessary to reduce incidence and mortality.

In conclusion, the high cancer rate in India remains a major problem, yet there is light at the end of the tunnel. India is entering a new era of hope and healing because of the development of medical technology and the popularity of natural treatments like Ayurvedic cancer treatment.

The emergence of the best Ayurvedic cancer hospitals in India has revolutionized the landscape of cancer care. Armed with ancient wisdom and modern techniques, these institutions provide a holistic approach to cancer treatment that focuses on eradicating the disease and rejuvenating the mind, body, and spirit.

India’s Ayurvedic cancer hospitals blend traditional therapies with state-of-the-art medical facilities, ensuring the best of both worlds for patients. Experienced and compassionate medical professionals guide patients through personalized treatment plans targeting cancer cells and strengthening the immune system, minimizing side effects, and enhancing overall well-being.

Statistics further emphasize the potential of Ayurvedic cancer treatment in India. According to recent studies, the survival rates of patients undergoing Ayurvedic treatment have shown remarkable improvements, surpassing expectations and painting a good picture for the future.

As we stand at the cusp of a new era, it is heartening to witness the resilience and determination of cancer patients in India. They refuse to let the disease define them and instead embrace a holistic approach to their healing journey. With the best cancer hospitals in India at their disposal, armed with Ayurvedic expertise and unwavering support, these patients find solace in the fact that they are not alone in their fight.