Cancer spreads its tentacles in India

India is likely to have over 17.3 lakh new cases of cancer and over 8.8 lakh deaths due to the disease by 2020 with cancers of breast, lung and cervix topping the list, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR).

Cancers of oral cavity and lungs in males and cervix and breast in females account for over 50% of all cancer deaths in India.

The top five cancers in men and women account for 47.2% of all cancers; these cancers can be prevented, screened for and/or detected early and treated at an early stage.

Over 7.36 lakh people are expected to succumb to the disease in 2016 while the figure is estimated to shoot up to 8.8 lakh by 2020. Data also revealed that only 12.5 per cent of patients come for treatment in early stages of the disease. Among females, breast cancer topped the list and among males mouth cancer, the study said.

A new study has formulated a blood test that can help in detecting the majority of cancers, including four of the biggest cancer killers: breast, colon, lung and ovarian cancer. Scientists have discovered that dying tumor cells release small pieces of their DNA into the bloodstream. “These pieces are called cell-free circulating tumor DNA and can be identified through this blood test. However, the test is still a long way from being used to screen for cancer, but the study shows that we can get there soon,” Dr Shivani Sharma, Pathologist, CORE Diagnostics.

Then what is the need to go through so much of testing?

Although, the new cancer blood test promises to be a new milestone in medical science, it is currently at a preliminary stage and its application on the population is still to be measured. Scientists are working towards it and everyone is waiting to see how it will work. As of now, screening tests continue to be the leading detection mechanism for various kinds of cancers.

Cancer Statistics in India

Estimated number of people living with the disease: around 2.5 million

Every year, new cancer patients registered: Over 7 lakh

Cancer-related deaths: 5,56,400

Deaths in the age group between 30-69 years

Total: 3,95,400 (71% of all cancer related deaths)

Men: 2,00,100

Women: 1,95,300