India's cancer deaths rose 21% in last 3 decades: Study
What's the story
Cancer cases in India have risen by 26% over the last three decades, a new study published in The Lancet has revealed. The study found that cancer incidence increased from 84.8 per lakh population in 1990 to 107.2 per lakh population in 2023. Despite advancements in treatment, deaths due to cancer also rose by 21% during this period.
Global comparison
US, China witness decline in cancer rates
In stark contrast, both the United States and China have witnessed a decline in cancer incidence and mortality rates over the same period. The US recorded a 20% drop in new cancer cases and a 33% fall in deaths. Meanwhile, China saw a 19% decrease in new cases and an impressive 43% reduction in deaths due to cancer.
Preventable risks
Study links preventable risk factors to cancer deaths
The study estimates that out of the 10.4 million cancer deaths worldwide in 2023, around 42% (or 4.3 million) were linked to potentially preventable or controllable risk factors. These include lifestyle changes such as reducing tobacco use, improving diet, limiting alcohol consumption, controlling obesity, and increasing physical activity. The study also found that behavioral risk factors were responsible for most cancer deaths globally, with tobacco use alone accounting for 21% of all such deaths.
Prevention measures
Need for India to strengthen risk prevention strategies
Dr. Abhishek Shankar, a radiation oncologist at AIIMS Delhi, emphasized the need for India to strengthen risk prevention strategies and expand evidence-based screening programs. He said, "For India to reverse its trajectory, we must urgently strengthen risk prevention strategies." The study's lead author, Dr Lisa Force from the University of Washington, also stressed global health priorities, saying that cancer control policies remain under-prioritized in many settings despite their anticipated growth over the coming decades.
Risk factors
Tobacco use, obesity, infections major contributors
The study also highlighted that behavioral risk factors contributed to the most cancer deaths across all country income levels in 2023. Tobacco use was the leading risk factor globally, except in low-income countries, where unsafe sex accounted for 12.5% of all cancer deaths. In India, high tobacco use, obesity, and infections are major contributors to rising cancer rates, along with limited access to early detection services.