India ‘cancer capital of the world’, sees fastest rise in cases worldwide, says report

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cancer cases skyrocketing across the country, as per a PTI report. The 4th edition of Apollo Hospitals’ Health of Nation Report, released on World Health Day 2024, dubbed India the "cancer capital of the world". According to the report, one in three Indians is pre-diabetic, two in three are pre-hypertensive, and one in 10 suffers from depression.

The prevalence of NCDs such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders has reached critical levels, significantly impacting the nation's health. Of particular concern is the surge in cancer cases, surpassing global rates and earning India the title of the "cancer capital of the world." The report warns of a potential healthcare crisis as conditions like pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, and mental health disorders manifest at younger ages. The most common cancers in order of occurrence in India are breast cancer, cervix cancer and ovarian cancer among women.

For men, the most common cases are instances of lung cancer, mouth cancer and prostate cancer. Notably, the median age for cancer diagnosis in India is lower than in other countries, but despite this, cancer screening rates in the country still remain very low, the release stated. Highlighting the importance of regular health screenings, the report emphasises their role in reducing the risk of cardiac-related ailments by monitoring blood pressure and body mass index levels.

While there is a growing awareness of the importance of health checks, there remains a need to expand their reach across India. Dr Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, stressed the importance of addressing NCDs collectively. She underscored the need for nationwide efforts to combat these diseases