As per the analysis conducted by the Global Burden of Disease Cancer Collaborators, at least 30.5 million people worldwide are forecast to receive a new cancer diagnosis in 2050.
Key findings of the study
- Modifiable risk factors: At least 42% deaths globally in 2023 were attributable to 44 potentially modifiable risk factors, including tobacco use, an unhealthy diet and high blood sugar.
- It represents enormous opportunity for prevention.
- Deadliest cancers worldwide: Lung cancer, Breast cancer, Stomach cancer, Prostate cancer and Cervical cancer respectively.
- Increases in deaths are greater in low-income and middle-income countries compared with high-income countries.
- Finding related to India
- India ranks 168th out of 204 countries for cancer death rates.
- Breast cancer and Lung cancer major contributors in India.
Primary Causes of cancer
- Occupational risks: Workplace-related exposures, Air pollution.
- Infections: Unsafe sex, HPV (cervical cancer risk).
- Lifestyle changes: Rising obesity, High blood sugar, High alcohol use, changing diets affecting breast cancer risk.
- Cultural, Geographic factors
- Betel nut/Pan consumption: Direct link to high oral cancer rates.
- Hot beverages: Oesophageal cancer.
- Tobacco: Smoking, chewing, bidis (lung, oral cancers).
Initiatives to curb cancer in India
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