Apollo Hospitals Report Names India 'Cancer Capital of the World,' Know Preventive Measures Here

Cancer Capital of the World: According to a PTI article, a recent assessment on the state of health in India revealed concerning trends in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with the number of cancer cases increasing dramatically throughout the nation. India was named the "cancer capital of the world" in the fourth edition of Apollo Hospitals' Health of Nation Report, which was published on World Health Day in 2024.

Alarming Health Statistics

Two out of every three Indians are pre-hypertensive, one in ten have depression, and one in three are pre-diabetic, according to the survey. The incidence of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) such diabetes, cancer, hypertension, heart disease, and mental health issues has reached critical proportions, greatly affecting the health of the country.

What is especially concerning is the increase in cancer cases, which is above the global average and has made India the "cancer capital of the world." Pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, and mental health disorders are among the illnesses that the research says could lead to a future healthcare crisis because they often appear earlier in life.

Gender Disparities and Common Types

In India, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer are the three most frequent cancers among women. The three most frequent cancers among males are prostate, lung, and oral cancers. According to the release, cancer screening rates in India are still quite low even though the country has a lower median age for cancer diagnosis than other nations.

The study found that among Indians, there is a noteworthy rise in obesity, hypertension, and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea. The percentage of people who are obese increased from 9% in 2016 to 20% in 2023. Over the same time span, the percentage of instances of hypertension has climbed from 9 to 13 percent. Additionally, a large percentage of Indians had an increased risk of Obstructive Sleep Apnea.

Importance of Routine Health Exams

The analysis underscores the significance of routine health exams and their role in mitigating the risk of cardiac-related illnesses by closely monitoring blood pressure and body mass index values. Although the significance of health checkups is becoming more widely recognised, more has to be done to make them available throughout India.

Preventive Measures

Healthy Lifestyle: Living a healthy lifestyle can dramatically lower one's risk of developing cancer. This entails reducing processed foods, red meat, and sugar-filled beverages while keeping a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. It's also critical to engage in regular physical activity, abstain from tobacco use, and limit alcohol intake.

Regular Screening: Frequent screenings for specific malignancies, such as those of the breast, cervix, colon, and prostate, can aid in the early detection of cancer when it is most curable. It's important to talk to your healthcare practitioner about screening choices based on your age, gender, and family history.

Sun Protection: Skin cancer risk can be decreased by shielding your skin from UV radiation's damaging effects. This include donning high-SPF sunscreen, looking for cover during the hottest parts of the day, donning protective gear, and avoiding tanning inside.

Vaccination: There are vaccines available to stop some malignancies brought on by infectious diseases. For instance, the hepatitis B vaccination lowers the incidence of liver cancer while the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine helps prevent cervical, anal, and other cancers.