India Ranks Second in Cancer Deaths in Asia, Lancet Study Reveals
India’s staggering cancer burden has been highlighted in a recent Lancet study examining cancer prevalence and fatalities across Asia. The research, led by a global team including experts from prestigious institutions like AIIMS, Jodhpur, sheds light on India’s significant contribution to the continent’s cancer crisis.
In 2019 alone, India recorded 12 lakh new cancer cases, resulting in 9.3 lakh deaths, placing the country as the second highest contributor to cancer-related deaths in Asia. The study identified China, Japan, and India as the leading nations grappling with this alarming health threat.
The prevalence of cancers such as tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL), particularly affecting men, emerged as a major concern, responsible for an estimated 13 lakh cases and 12 lakh deaths. Additionally, cervical cancer ranked prominently among women in several Asian countries, emphasizing the importance of interventions like the HPV vaccine.
The study underscores critical risk factors like smoking, alcohol consumption, and air pollution—highlighting the concerning rise of cancer linked to ambient air pollution in Asia. It identifies India among the top countries facing elevated levels of PM2.5 pollution, urging attention to the health repercussions of increased industrialization and urbanization.
Furthermore, the research emphasizes the pressing need for improved oncologic infrastructure and affordable treatment accessibility, especially in rural areas, to ensure timely diagnosis and intervention for better survival rates.
Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach—prioritizing policy initiatives aimed at both prevention strategies and equitable access to cost-effective cancer screening and treatment across all socioeconomic strata.
