Rising Trend: Younger Demographics Account for 20% of Cancer Patients in Major Indian Cities
Rising Trend: Younger Demographics Account for 20% of Cancer Patients in Major Indian Cities
Survey Reveals Alarming Shift Towards Early-Onset Cancer, Urging Action and Awareness Efforts
5 June 2024
A recent study found that a significant portion, around 20%, of cancer patients in major Indian cities are below the age of 40. This suggests a growing trend of cancer affecting younger demographics. The survey conducted by the Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation involved 1,368 participants from across India who contacted the foundation’s cancer helpline between March 1st and May 15th. Notably, Hyderabad had the highest number of calls with 145 calls, followed by Meerut with 96, Mumbai with 76, and New Delhi with 74. Looking at data from the American Cancer Society, the age group of cancer patients is rapidly shifting from the older age group to the middle aged people.
In response to this concerning trend, the Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign has introduced a nationwide toll-free helpline (93-555-20202) where patients can seek advice from oncologists and even schedule free video consultations. The patient can contact the helpline at any given time, and they are open from Monday to Saturday, 10am to 11pm, also consulting over video calls if need be.
The study also revealed that head and neck cancer was the most common type among patients, summing up to 26% of them , followed by gastrointestinal (16%), breast (15%), and blood cancers (9%). Most cases were diagnosed in advanced stages, indicating the need for improved screening and awareness. Additionally, the study discovered that 63% of cases were in stages III or IV of cancer, whereas just 27% of cases were detected in stages I and II. The majority of people who contacted the helpline were looking for a second opinion.
Oncologists emphasised the importance of seeking second opinions due to the frequent advancements in cancer treatment options. Additionally, patients often inquired about their cancer stage and preventive measures for themselves and their families. Education on this topic seems to be of primary concern as patients inquiring about the stage of their cancer ranked as the second most frequent inquiry in the research. Thirdly, it is noteworthy that patients frequently inquire about their family members’ health and possible preventive measures, underscoring the significance of cancer screening and education.
Dr. Ashish Gupta, a senior oncologist leading the campaign, highlighted the link between rising cancer rates and factors such as obesity, unhealthy diets, and sedentary lifestyles. Encouraging healthier lifestyles and avoiding tobacco and alcohol are crucial steps in reducing cancer risk among younger generations.
