WHO’s Cancer Agency, International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), released Latest Estimates of Global Burden of Cancer

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Key Findings
- Global level: In 2022, there were an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and over 9 million deaths globally.
  - Global cancer cases may rise 77% by 2050, deaths by 50%.
  - About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women die from disease.
- Indian Scenario: India reported over 14 lakh new cancer cases and about 9 lakh deaths in 2022.
  - Cancer cases in women marginally outnumbered those in men.
  - Breast, Lip and oral cavity, Cervix uteri, Lung are top 4 leading cancers.

About Cancer (World Cancer Day on 4th February )
- Cancer is caused by an uncontrolled, abnormal growth of cells in the body that causes lump or tumour in most causes.
  - If left untreated, tumours can grow and spread to other body parts and affect all body functions.

Measures Taken by India to Address Rising Cases of Cancer
- Diagnosis and Treatment under Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres.
- India’s first indigenously developed vaccine, “CERVAVAC” for prevention of Cervical Cancer.
- National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority put out list of 390 anti-cancer non-scheduled medicines with MRP reduction up to 87% in 2019.

Kill Switch For Cancer Cells: Scientists have identified a crucial epitope (a protein section that can activate the larger protein) on the CD95 receptor that can cause cells to die.
2018 Nobel Prize in Medicine: For discovery of cancer therapy by inhibition of negative immune regulation.
CAR-T Cell Therapy: Involves removing and genetically altering immune cells, called T cells, from cancer patients.