Cancer is a rapidly increasing disease worldwide, every year millions of people die due to cancer. Lung-mouth and prostate cancer in men, while breast and cervical cancer cases have been reported the most in women. The recent cancer information is even more worrying. A study has found that cases of head and neck cancer are increasing rapidly in India. 26 percent of the total cancer patients have this problem.
World Head and Neck Cancer Day is celebrated every year on 27 July. The findings of the study released on this occasion state that the number of cancer patients in these two organs is increasing in the country.
A Delhi-based non-profit organization conducted this study by collecting data from calls received on its helpline number from March 1 to June 30. It includes data from 1,869 cancer patients across the country. Researchers found that cases of these cancers are increasing rapidly in the young population, especially in men, which is quite worrying.
What is the main reason for increasing cancer?
Senior oncologist Dr. Ashish Gupta, who is leading the 'Cancer Free India Campaign' in India, said in the report that cases of head and neck cancer are increasing, especially among young men who are at higher risk. Tobacco consumption or human papillomavirus (HPV) infection can be considered the reason for these. Dr. Ashish said that about 80-90 percent of mouth cancer patients have been seen to have the habit of consuming tobacco, whether it is smoking or the habit of chewing tobacco.
Most cases of head and neck cancer can be prevented by changing lifestyle.
Lack of timely diagnosis of cancer is a matter of concern
The worrying thing is that about two-thirds of cancer cases in India are detected only when they reach the last stages. From here, both treatment and saving the patient's life become difficult. Dr Gupta said that this growing risk can be reduced by raising awareness about quitting tobacco and getting timely tests done for early detection of the disease.
After head and neck cancer comes gastrointestinal cancer, which accounts for about 16 percent of the patients. Fifteen percent of the cases in India are of breast cancer and about 9 percent are of blood cancer. Globocan Data International Agency for Research on Cancer has warned about the risk of cancer in the country. According to a recent report, 2.1 million (21 lakh) new cases of cancer may be reported in India by 2040.
Cure of more than 80% of patients is possible
Dr Gupta explains surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are used to treat head and neck cancer. The latest cancer treatment not only gives priority to curing the disease but also ensures a good quality of life for the survivors.
If cancer is detected even in the first or second stage, then treatment of head and neck cancer is possible in more than 80% of patients. In the field of cancer treatment, we have modern research-based medicines and treatment methods that can give better results and better quality of life.
Cancer patients can get help
To strengthen the fight against cancer in the country, under the Cancer Free India campaign, a free national helpline number (93-555-20202) was recently launched, which is operational from 10 am to 5 pm from Monday to Saturday. Cancer patients can call this number and talk directly to cancer specialists (oncologists) or discuss their treatment through video call at no charge.
Health experts say that the risk of cancer can be avoided by maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet. Apart from this, paying attention to the symptoms on time can help increase the chances of cancer treatment and saving lives.
(PC: ISTOCK)
