One in 10 Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime: WHO report

News: WHO and International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) have released two reports to mark World Cancer Day (4 February): “Report on Cancer: Setting priorities, investing wisely and providing care for all” and “World Cancer Report: Cancer research for cancer prevention”

Facts:

Key takeaways: World Cancer Report: Cancer research for cancer prevention

Global:

• In 2018, the WHO registered 18.1 million new cancer cases worldwide. The figure might reach between 29 and 37 million cases by 2040.
• Cancer cases will increase by 81% by 2040 in low- and middle-income countries due to insufficient resources for prevention

India:

• In 2018, there are about 1.16 million new cancer cases, 784,800 cancer deaths, and 2.26 million 5-year prevalent cases
• In India, the six most common cancer types were breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, stomach cancer, and colorectal cancer.

Key Recommendations from “Report on Cancer: Setting priorities, investing wisely and providing care for all”

•  controlling tobacco use (responsible for 25% of cancer deaths),
• vaccinating against hepatitis B to prevent liver cancer,
• eliminating cervical cancer by vaccinating against HPV,
• screening and treatment,
• implementing high-impact cancer management interventions that bring value for money
• Ensuring access to palliative care including pain relief.