A recent Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) study, published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia, reveals that three out of five cancer patients in India succumb to the disease post-diagnosis. The findings highlight that India ranks third globally in cancer incidence, after China and the US, and accounts for over 10% of global cancer-related deaths. Notably, women bear a disproportionate burden, with breast and cervical cancers contributing significantly to cancer-related fatalities.

Key Highlights:
India's Cancer Mortality Rate Compared to Other Countries

• In India, 3 in 5 cancer patients die post-diagnosis.

• In China, the ratio is 1 in 2.

• In the US, the ratio is 1 in 4, indicating better survival rates due to early detection and improved treatment access.

Cancer Trends and Gender Disparities in India

• Breast cancer remains the most prevalent cancer across genders, contributing to 13.8% of new cases.

• Women are disproportionately affected, with breast cancer making up nearly 30% of new cases and 24% of related deaths.

• Cervical cancer ranks third most prevalent (9.2%) and accounts for 19% of new cases and 20% of cancer-related deaths in women.

Among men, the most common cancers include

• Oral cancer (16% of new cases)

• Respiratory cancers (8.6%)

• Esophageal cancer (6.7%)

Age-Wise Cancer Trends in India

• Geriatric Age Group (70+ years) has the highest cancer burden.

• Reproductive Age Group (15-49 years) ranks second in incidence and is responsible for one-fifth of cancer-related deaths.

Middle- and older-age individuals (50-70 years)

• 8-10% higher risk of developing cancer

• 5.5-7.7% risk of succumbing to it

Future Cancer Burden Projections

• Cancer cases in India are expected to rise by 2% annually over the next two decades as the population ages.

• 70% of cases and deaths occur in the middle- and older-age groups, emphasizing the need for urgent interventions.

Statements from Researchers
ICMR Report Summary
"Approximately three out of five individuals diagnosed with cancer in India would be expected to succumb to mortality, highlighting critical gaps in early detection, treatment accessibility, and cancer care infrastructure."The study calls for urgent targeted interventions to address the growing cancer burden in India. Efforts should focus on early detection, increased screening for high-risk groups, improved access to cancer care, and gender-specific strategies to reduce mortality rates.