Global Cancer Crisis/ Global Burden of Cancer

07-02-2024

Context

Ahead of World Cancer Day, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) which is a part of the World Health Organization (WHO), released the latest estimates of the global burden of cancer.

IARC coordinates and conducts research on the causes of human cancer and mechanisms of carcinogenesis (the formation of a cancer) and it aims to develop scientific strategies for cancer control.

New cases of cancer among men mainly affect the lip, oral cavity, and lungs, comprising 15.6% and 8.5% respectively.
Among women, breast and cervical cancers (develops in a woman's cervix, the entrance to the uterus) are most frequent, accounting for approximately 27% and 18% of new cases respectively.
WHO's survey results from 115 countries show that many countries do not adequately finance priority cancer and palliative care services as part of universal health coverage (UHC).
1. Palliative care is a type of medical care that provides physical, emotional, and spiritual support for people with chronic conditions (continues over a long period of time) or serious illnesses.
2. Universal health coverage (UHC) means that all people have access to the full range of quality health services they need, when and where they need them, without financial hardship.
In India in 2022, nearly 32.6 lakh people survived within 5 years of a cancer diagnosis. The risk of developing cancer before an age of 75 was 10.6%, with a 7.2% risk of death from cancer by the same age.

Global estimates: Around 2 crore new cancer cases and 97 lakh deaths were reported, with approximately 5.3 crore people surviving 5 years post-diagnosis.
Global cancer cases may rise 77% by 2050, with deaths increasing by 50%.
Incidence: 1 in 5 (around 20%) people worldwide develops cancer in their lifetime, with 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women dying from the disease.
Cancer management: Only 39% of surveyed countries cover cancer management in their core health services, and 28% cover palliative care.
Common cancers: Lung cancer is the leading cause of global cancer deaths (19%), followed by breast cancer in women (7% of global cancer deaths), and cervical cancer ranks eighth globally.
Highest cancer death rates: Europe has the highest age-standardized rate (a weighted average of the age-specific mortality rates per 1,00,000 persons) of cancer deaths (82 per 1 lakh people).
Highest risk of developing cancer before the age of 75: Oceania (38%).
Highest death risk from cancer: Europe (11.5%).

Cancer is a condition caused by changes in genes that lead to uncontrolled cell division, known as metastasis. Metastasis involves the spread of cancer cells from one organ or tissue to another.
Treatment options vary depending on the type of cancer and may include surgery, radiotherapy (uses beams of intense energy to kill cancer cells), and systemic therapy (targets the entire body), along with palliative care.

Cancer develops as normal cells transform into tumor cells due to the interaction between genetic factors and three categories of external agents:
1. Physical carcinogens like ultraviolet and ionizing radiation.
2. Chemical carcinogens such as asbestos, tobacco smoke, alcohol, aflatoxin, and arsenic.
3. Biological carcinogens like certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites.
Prevention Strategies
1. Maintaining a healthy weight, consuming fruits and vegetables, and engaging in regular exercise are effective preventive measures.
2. Limiting or avoiding alcohol consumption and getting vaccinated against HPV (a group of more than 200 related viruses) and Hepatitis B (a liver infection caused by the hepatitis B virus) can reduce cancer risk.
3. Minimizing exposure to ultraviolet radiation, both from the sun and artificial tanning devices, is crucial.
4. Ensuring safe use of radiation in healthcare and minimizing occupational exposure to ionizing radiation are important.
5. Limiting exposure to outdoor and indoor air pollution, including radon, is recommended.

The National Cancer Grid coordinates cancer care and research nationwide.
The National Tobacco Control Programme raises awareness about tobacco's harmful effects.
The Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi addresses the financial needs of cancer treatment.
The government supports the HPV vaccine program for cervical cancer prevention.
FSSAI's labelling regulations target cancer-causing chemicals in food.

The WHO Global Action Plan for NCDs offers policy options to reduce cancer burden.
Observance of World Cancer Day on February 4th raises awareness.
Emphasis on scientific research aids in treating various cancer types.