Low awareness & late detection - the two main reasons behind the rise of cancer cases

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Across India, cancer cases and mortality are escalating among women, primarily due to low awareness and late detection.

India accounts for the third highest number of cancer cases among women after China and the US, nd is growing annually at 4.5-5 percent, according to new data.

According to Call for Action: Expanding cancer care for women in India, 2017, cancer among women in India is estimated at 0.7 million.

However, these numbers may be the tip of the iceberg, for they refer to registered cases.

There will be multiple cases where the woman is not diagnosed.

Reports say between 1 and 1.4 million cases may go undiagnosed or unreported.

Indian mortality rates for breast and ovarian cancer are also the highest in the world.

Data reveals that the mortality rates for cervical and breast cancer in India are 1.6 to 1.7 times higher than maternal mortality.

The country has also reported the second highest incidence for ovarian cancer globally.

The prime reasons for these scary statistics are the lack of awareness, suboptimal medical infrastructure, less availability of screening, and low doctor-patient ratio.

The other reasons are low socio-economic status of the patient, the taboos involved with sexual organs, and low priority given to women’s health.

The report, released by E&Y in association with Ficci Flo, revealed the cancer incidence among women in India –cancers of the breast (19 percent), cervix uteri (14 percent) and ovary (7 percent) contributed to 40 of all cancers among women.

Kerala, Tamil Nadu and Delhi reported the highest incidence of these cancers.

More than 50 percent of the cases in India are diagnosed in stage 3 or 4, which decreases the patients’ chances of survival.

Reports say India has the highest mortality-to-incidence ratio in the whole world.

There is a need for a holistic approach towards cancer treatment in India.

We need a well-planned treatment pathway - from prevention to early detection and complete treatment, apart from affordability and accessibility.

India will be able to show better figures in cancer care if we primarily focus on “prevention”.

Burning issues like obesity, which is not only a primary cause of all kinds of significant cancer but also many other diseases like diabetes, hypertension and heart diseases, should be handled more prudently.

Proper screening and awareness among women can help them to be diagnosed early.

Last but not the least, we need to ensure affordability of treatment as the cost of cancer treatment is significantly higher than that of other diseases.

(Source - an article by Dr Namita Pandey in Your Story)

Courage and Commitment in the Face of Adversity.

Some individuals showcase extraordinary courage and determination when facing life's most daunting challenges.

One such story unfolds at the intersection of a chemotherapy chair and a voting booth.

This narrative is a tribute to those who honour their right to vote, even amidst personal battles with illness.

Courage at the Ballot Box

Imagine a sweltering day where the sun's rays magnify the weight of a weakened, aching body.

Now, picture someone in this condition, not seeking refuge in the comfort of their home but standing in line at a polling station. 

This is the remarkable story of Smita (name changed), a patient who, before heading to her chemotherapy session, made her way to cast her vote.

As I prepared to insert her IV line, I noticed the black ink on her left index finger - a symbol of her recent civic duty.

The surprise and admiration were palpable among my staff and me.

Despite the physical challenges and the heightened risk of infection in a public space, Smita chose to exercise her right to vote.

Her act of courage is nothing short of inspiring.

A Commitment to Democracy

Smita's story is not an isolated case.

Another patient, Mrs Uma, a 76-year-old woman battling a relapse of breast cancer, displayed similar determination.

Undergoing her second line of chemotherapy, Mrs Uma faced her situation with a question that resonated deeply: "Why shouldn't I?"

When Mrs. Uma felt well enough to perform her daily activities, she didn't see her illness as a reason to shirk her civic responsibilities.

Her determination astonished the polling booth authorities, who responded with kindness and cooperation, minimizing her waiting time.

In one instance, a patient was even given a standing ovation by the authorities—a testament to the respect and admiration they earned.

The Importance of Every Vote

Voting while undergoing chemotherapy imbues patients with confidence, inclusivity, and accomplishment. 

It reminds us that every vote matters and that participation in the democratic process is properly worth upholding, regardless of personal health challenges.

To support such courageous individuals, we must advocate for more community assistance. 

This can include transportation services, volunteer support, or awareness campaigns to facilitate their journey to the polling stations.

An Inspiration to All

The resilience and commitment of these patients inspire not only those undergoing similar treatments but also those in perfect health who might otherwise skip the polls.

Their actions are a potent reminder of the importance of civic engagement and the strength of the human spirit.

In closing, our heartfelt gratitude goes out to these patients.

Their bravery and dedication are a beacon of hope and a call to action.

Let us uplift and support those facing health challenges in their efforts to participate in our democracy.