New Delhi: The challenge of cancer in India is becoming increasingly serious. The concern is not only about the rising number of patients, but also about the fact that a large number of patients are diagnosed with the disease only after it has progressed significantly. The cost of tests, medications, hospital stays, and frequent travel increases the hardship on families. According to the GLOBOCAN 2022 estimates of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), 14.13 lakh new cases of cancer were reported in India and 9.16 lakh people died due to it.
Nearly one in 10 Indians is at risk of developing cancer before the age of 75. New projections for 2024 predict an estimated 1.6 million new cases in India. Experts predict that population growth and a growing elderly population could push the annual number of new cases to nearly 2.8 million by 2050.
Now younger patients are also coming forward
According to doctors, the age-related picture of cancer patients is changing. Patients in their 30s and 40s are now seeking treatment. Factors such as tobacco use, poor diet, lack of physical activity, and pollution can increase the risk of cancer. The disease is no longer limited to metropolitan areas; patients are also emerging in smaller cities and towns.
Late recognition is proving costly
Experts say that many of the patients he sees are in stage 3 or 4 cancer. Treatment becomes more complex and costs can increase in this situation. Symptoms such as lumps, wounds that don’t heal, unexplained weight loss, and abnormal bleeding should not be ignored. Patients often go from one specialist to another, delaying proper diagnosis and treatment.
Screening in women and ignoring testing in men
According to experts, many men don’t get tested until symptoms become severe. Besides tobacco and alcohol, hesitation to discuss urinary and sexual health issues is also a factor. The HPV vaccine and regular screening are crucial for preventing cervical cancer in women. Despite this, many women don’t get a Pap smear or HPV test. Symptoms like abnormal bleeding and persistent discharge are also often overlooked. Postponing screening even if a lump is found in the breast can be detrimental.
Leaving home for treatment, and on top of that, huge expenses
Even after a cancer diagnosis, patients’ hardships don’t end. Radiation, surgery, and modern treatment facilities are concentrated in larger cities. Patients in smaller cities must repeatedly travel long distances for chemotherapy or radiation. According to Dr. Pratik Patil, living near the hospital, taking time off work, and covering travel expenses forces many families to take out loans. Some patients abandon treatment due to financial difficulties.
