{"id":24446,"date":"2026-03-01T00:37:17","date_gmt":"2026-02-28T19:07:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/?p=24446"},"modified":"2026-03-01T00:37:17","modified_gmt":"2026-02-28T19:07:17","slug":"cancer-in-india","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/?p=24446","title":{"rendered":"Cancer in India"},"content":{"rendered":"

Cancer in India<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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Author- Vedanti Manoj Jamkar<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Literature Review:<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

1.\u00a0 Cancer survivors in India- <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

The study by Aravinda, M. G.<\/span> et al. (2022)<\/span><\/strong>,<\/b> published in BMC Cancer<\/span>, examines the health status and associated factors among middle-aged and older adult cancer survivors in India using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). The research highlights that cancer survivors often experience poorer physical and mental health outcomes compared to individuals without cancer, including higher levels of functional limitations, chronic conditions, and psychological distress. The study identifies key influencing factors such as age, socioeconomic status, gender, education level, and access to healthcare services. It emphasizes the growing need for comprehensive survivorship care, improved healthcare access, and targeted policy interventions to enhance quality of life and long-term wellbeing among India\u2019s ageing cancer survivor population.<\/span><\/p>\n

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2.<\/span><\/b>\u00a0 Community-Based Strategy for Improving Early Cancer Detection in Rural India-<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n

A<\/span><\/span> study by Arunah et al. (2025) published in E cancer medical science <\/span>describes<\/span><\/span> a<\/span> protocol<\/span> for<\/span><\/span> formative phase implementation research aimed at <\/span>facilitating<\/span><\/span> access<\/span><\/span> and <\/span>early<\/span><\/span> diagnosis<\/span><\/span> of<\/span><\/span> breast<\/span><\/span>, <\/span>cervical<\/span><\/span>, and <\/span>oral<\/span><\/span> cancers in rural<\/span> settings<\/span> in<\/span><\/span> India. The <\/span>actively involve community members, local leaders, and healthcare workers in planning and designing the intervention. The goal is to develop a health promotion model that fits the community\u2019s needs, beliefs, and resources, making it practical, acceptable, and culturally suitable for the local population. Barriers<\/span><\/span><\/span> to <\/span>early<\/span><\/span> cancer<\/span><\/span> diagnosis<\/span>,<\/span><\/span> including<\/span><\/span> low<\/span><\/span> awareness<\/span> in<\/span> the<\/span> community<\/span><\/span>, <\/span>limited<\/span><\/span> screening services, and <\/span>delays<\/span><\/span> in<\/span><\/span> receiving<\/span><\/span> a<\/span><\/span> diagnosis<\/span><\/span> will<\/span><\/span> thus<\/span><\/span> be<\/span><\/span> addressed<\/span><\/span>. The <\/span>authors<\/span><\/span> highlight<\/span><\/span> community engagement, <\/span>strengthening<\/span><\/span> healthcare<\/span><\/span> systems<\/span><\/span>, and <\/span>developing<\/span> specific<\/span><\/span> intervention models to enhance early <\/span>diagnosis<\/span><\/span> of<\/span> cancers<\/span> in<\/span> these<\/span> underserved<\/span> populations<\/span><\/span> and<\/span>,<\/span><\/span> in<\/span> turn<\/span>,<\/span><\/span> reduce cancer morbidity and mortality.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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3.\u00a0 <\/span><\/b>Burden of Tobacco-Related Cancers in India- <\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

Asthana, S et al. (2016) <\/span>conducted<\/span> a<\/span> review<\/span><\/span> in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology <\/span>regarding<\/span><\/span> the <\/span>incidence<\/span><\/span> and<\/span><\/span> prevalence<\/span> of<\/span><\/span> cancers<\/span> associated<\/span> with<\/span> tobacco<\/span><\/span> in India<\/span>,<\/span><\/span> based<\/span><\/span> on<\/span><\/span> population-based cancer registries. The <\/span>authors<\/span><\/span> findings<\/span><\/span> indicate<\/span><\/span> that<\/span><\/span> both smoking and smokeless <\/span>tobacco<\/span><\/span> use<\/span><\/span> are<\/span><\/span> major<\/span><\/span> contributors<\/span><\/span> to <\/span>cancer<\/span><\/span> of the oral cavity, <\/span>lungs<\/span><\/span>, oesophagus, and<\/span> several<\/span><\/span> other sites. <\/span>They<\/span><\/span> explain<\/span><\/span> that <\/span>the<\/span><\/span> majority<\/span><\/span> of<\/span> the<\/span><\/span> preventable cancer cases<\/span> in<\/span> India<\/span> are<\/span><\/span> due to <\/span>the<\/span> high<\/span> prevalence<\/span> of<\/span><\/span> tobacco <\/span>use<\/span><\/span> (<\/span>especially<\/span><\/span> in<\/span><\/span> men<\/span>)<\/span><\/span>. <\/span><\/p>\n

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They<\/span><\/span> emphasize<\/span><\/span> the need for <\/span>more<\/span> effective<\/span><\/span> tobacco control <\/span>measures<\/span><\/span>, public <\/span>education<\/span><\/span> campaigns<\/span><\/span>, and early detection <\/span>programs<\/span><\/span> to <\/span>decrease<\/span><\/span> the<\/span><\/span> incidence and mortality <\/span>rates<\/span><\/span> of<\/span><\/span> tobacco<\/span>–<\/span>related<\/span><\/span> cancers<\/span><\/span> in <\/span>India<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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4.\u00a0 <\/span><\/b>Gastric Cancer in India-<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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The <\/span>article<\/span><\/span> by <\/span>Dikshit,<\/span> Garima Mathur, et al. (2011), <\/span>which<\/span> appeared<\/span><\/span> in the Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, <\/span>is<\/span><\/span> an epidemiological review of gastric cancer in India. The authors <\/span>reviewed<\/span> the<\/span> data<\/span> available<\/span> from<\/span> the<\/span> cancer<\/span> registry<\/span> to<\/span> look<\/span> at<\/span> the<\/span><\/span> incidence <\/span>frequency<\/span><\/span>, <\/span>geographic<\/span><\/span> distribution<\/span><\/span>, risk factors, and trends <\/span>for<\/span><\/span> survival<\/span><\/span> for<\/span><\/span> people<\/span><\/span> diagnosed<\/span><\/span> with<\/span><\/span> gastric<\/span><\/span> cancer<\/span><\/span> over<\/span><\/span> time<\/span>.<\/span><\/span> Gastric<\/span><\/span> cancer shows <\/span>a<\/span> wide<\/span> range<\/span> of<\/span><\/span> geographic <\/span>variation<\/span><\/span> across<\/span><\/span> the<\/span> country<\/span><\/span>, with<\/span> a<\/span><\/span> higher <\/span>incidence<\/span><\/span> of<\/span> disease<\/span><\/span> in certain <\/span>areas<\/span><\/span>, <\/span>with<\/span><\/span> the<\/span><\/span> risk factors <\/span>being<\/span><\/span> food<\/span><\/span> consumption<\/span><\/span> patterns<\/span><\/span>, tobacco <\/span>smoking<\/span> behaviour<\/span>,<\/span> previous<\/span> exposure<\/span> to<\/span><\/span> Helicobacter pylori<\/span> (<\/span>the<\/span> germ<\/span> that<\/span> causes<\/span> an<\/span><\/span> infection<\/span>)<\/span><\/span> and socioeconomic <\/span>status<\/span><\/span>. The <\/span>authors<\/span><\/span> concluded<\/span><\/span> that<\/span><\/span> improved surveillance<\/span> or<\/span> documentation<\/span> of<\/span> gastric<\/span> cancer<\/span><\/span>, early detection <\/span>methods<\/span><\/span>, and<\/span> addressing<\/span> risk<\/span> factors<\/span> through<\/span><\/span> public health interventions <\/span>would<\/span><\/span> help<\/span><\/span> improve<\/span> the<\/span> management<\/span><\/span> and <\/span>provide<\/span> solutions<\/span> for<\/span> reducing<\/span><\/span> the <\/span>impact<\/span><\/span> of gastric cancer in <\/span>India<\/span><\/span>.<\/span><\/span><\/p>\n

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5.\u00a0 <\/span><\/b>Psychosocial Effects of Breast Cancer Treatment in India-<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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Khan et al. (2010), in the Indian Journal of Cancer<\/span>, investigated the psychosocial impact of postoperative chemotherapy and radiotherapy among 97 Indian women with breast cancer. The participants were divided into two groups: one receiving chemotherapy with radiotherapy and the other receiving chemotherapy alone. Using structured questionnaires and standardized scales, the study assessed anxiety, stress, depression, and social and emotional adjustment before and after counselling interventions. The results showed that a significant proportion of patients experienced high anxiety and moderate stress, while many had borderline levels of depression. Psychological reactions such as fear of pain, concerns about family and treatment costs, and emotional distress were common. However, differences between the two treatment groups were not statistically significant. Although about 65% of patients adjusted within 4\u201312 weeks after supportive counselling, the intervention did not significantly reduce overall psychological morbidity. The study concludes that while breast disfigurement and sexual concerns were less prominent in the Indian context, continuous psychological and social support is essential to improve coping, rehabilitation, and overall quality of life in breast cancer patients.<\/span><\/p>\n

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6.\u00a0 Changing Trends of Smoking and Non-Smoking-Associated Lung Cancer in India-<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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Krishnamurthy et al. (2012), published in the Indian Journal of Cancer<\/span>, conducted a retrospective analysis of 258 lung cancer patients treated between 2003 and 2007 at a tertiary cancer center in Chennai, India. The study aimed to evaluate clinical and epidemiological trends in lung cancer with special emphasis on smoking practices.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The median age of patients was 56 years, with a male predominance. Non-small-cell lung cancer was the most common type, particularly adenocarcinoma, followed by squamous cell carcinoma. Notably, 39.5% of patients were never-smokers, indicating a significant proportion of non-smoking-associated lung cancer in India. Adenocarcinoma was more common among non-smokers, whereas squamous cell carcinoma was strongly associated with smokers. Most patients presented at advanced stages and there was no significant difference in overall survival between smokers and non-smokers. The study suggests a shifting epidemiological pattern in India, with a rise in adenocarcinoma and an increasing burden of lung cancer among non-smokers, highlighting the need for larger population-based studies and stronger public health strategies.<\/span><\/p>\n

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7.\u00a0 Role of Dental Colleges in Oral Cancer Control-<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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Kuruvilla (2008), published in the Indian Journal of Dental Research<\/span>, discusses the growing burden of oral cancer in India and proposes the strategic use of dental colleges for its prevention and control. The article highlights that oral cancer accounts for nearly 20\u201330% of all cancers in India, largely due to the high prevalence of tobacco use, especially smokeless forms such as gutka and pan masala. The author argues that India\u2019s 240 dental colleges- the highest number in the world represent a powerful yet underutilized resource in combating this epidemic. He also suggests implementing structured programs within dental institutions that focus on oral cancer screening, tobacco cessation counselling, community outreach, surveillance, research, early diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation. By integrating preventive and curative services under one system, dental colleges can play a critical role in early detection and reducing the future burden of oral cancer. The study concludes that while dental institutions can significantly contribute to control efforts, strong government regulation of tobacco production and usage is essential for long-term success.<\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Rising Burden of Pediatric Cancer in India-<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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Pathan et al. (2025), published in Health Science Reports<\/span>, highlight the rising burden of pediatric cancer in India, where childhood cancers account for about 4% of all cancer cases. The authors note increasing incidence rates, particularly for leukemia and central nervous system tumors, and emphasize challenges such as delayed diagnosis, limited rural healthcare access, socioeconomic barriers, and inadequate specialized treatment facilities. They also discuss environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors as possible contributors. The paper calls for a comprehensive national strategy focused on early detection, improved infrastructure, research, public awareness, and stronger policy support to reduce disparities and improve survival outcomes for children with cancer in India.<\/span><\/p>\n

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9.<\/span><\/b> Poor Cancer Screening in Uttar Pradesh-<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n

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Priyal Chakravar et al. (2024), published in e cancer medical science<\/span>, analysed district-wise cancer screening uptake among women aged 30\u201349 years in Uttar Pradesh using data from the National Family Health Survey-5 (2019\u20132021). The study assessed participation in cervical, breast, and oral cancer screening across 71 districts and estimated the number of women screened using population projections for 2021. The findings revealed extremely low screening coverage: only 1.5% of women reported ever undergoing cervical cancer screening, 0.4% for breast cancer, and 0.6% for oral cancer. Several districts reported almost no screening uptake. Despite the Government of India\u2019s population-based screening program launched in 2016, participation remains critically low, particularly in rural areas. The authors emphasize the urgent need to strengthen district-level implementation, address barriers such as low awareness and accessibility issues, and enhance community-based strategies to improve early detection and reduce the burden of preventable cancers.<\/span><\/p>\n

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10.\u00a0 Smoking and Prostate Cancer Risk-<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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Sundaresan et al. (2025), published in Genes and Environment<\/span>, present a comprehensive review of the association between smoking and prostate cancer risk. The authors examine global epidemiological data, biological mechanisms, and clinical outcomes to evaluate how tobacco use influences prostate cancer development and progression. Evidence from cohort studies and meta-analyses indicates that current smokers have a higher risk of aggressive prostate cancer, increased mortality, recurrence, and poorer treatment outcomes compared to non-smokers. The review explains that tobacco smoke contains carcinogens that cause DNA damage, oxidative stress, hormonal imbalance, and inflammation, all of which may promote prostate tumour growth. Genetic susceptibility and environmental factors may further modify risk. Importantly, the authors highlight that smoking cessation significantly reduces prostate cancer risk and mortality, with long-term quitters approaching the risk level of never-smokers. The study concludes that targeted smoking cessation strategies, public health interventions, and further longitudinal research are essential to reduce the global burden of prostate cancer.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Conclusion-<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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Cancer in India is a growing and multifaceted public health challenge influenced by demographic, behavioural, socioeconomic, and healthcare system factors. Studies show that cancer survivors often experience long-term physical and psychological complications, emphasizing the need for comprehensive survivorship care. Tobacco remains a major preventable risk factor, contributing significantly to oral, lung, gastric, and prostate cancers, while changing epidemiological patterns indicate a rise in non-smoking-associated lung cancers and pediatric cancers. Geographic and socioeconomic disparities strongly affect cancer incidence, early detection, treatment access, and outcomes, particularly in rural areas and large states such as Uttar Pradesh where screening uptake remains critically low.<\/span><\/p>\n

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It also underscores the importance of community-based interventions, strengthening primary healthcare systems, improving awareness, and integrating culturally sensitive approaches to promote early diagnosis. Institutional resources, such as dental colleges, and national programs must be effectively utilized to enhance screening and prevention efforts. Overall, reducing India\u2019s cancer burden requires a comprehensive strategy that includes tobacco control, early detection programs, improved healthcare infrastructure, survivorship support, public education, and strong policy implementation to ensure equitable and accessible cancer care across the country.<\/span><\/p>\n

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References-<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n

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1. Aravinda, M. G., Selvamani, Y., Maclennan, S. J., & Dilip, T. R. (2022). Health status and associated factors of middle-aged and older adult cancer survivors in India: Results from the longitudinal ageing study in India. BMC Cancer, 22, 1\u201312. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s12885-022-10111-7<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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2. Arunah, C., Ishu, K., Kunal, O., Isaac, R., Mallafr\u00e9-Larrosa, M., Sathishrajaa, P., \u2026 Partha, B. (2025). Co-designing and evaluation of a context-appropriate strategy to improve access to early detection and care of oral, breast and cervical cancers in rural India: A formative phase implementation research protocol. Ecancermedicalscience, 19. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3332\/ecancer.2025.1849<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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3.<\/span> Asthana, S., Patil, R., & Labani, S. (2016). Tobacco-related cancers in India: A review of incidence reported from population-based cancer registries. Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, 37(3). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0971-5851.190357<\/span><\/p>\n

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4. Dikshit, R., Mathur, G., Mhatre, S., & Yeole, B. (2011). Epidemiological review of gastric cancer in India. Indian Journal of Medical and Paediatric Oncology, 32(1), 3\u201311. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0971-5851.81883<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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5. Khan, M., Bahadur, A., Agarwal, P., Sehgal, A., & Das, B. (2010). Psychosocial disorders in women undergoing postoperative radiation and chemotherapy for breast cancer in India. Indian Journal of Cancer, 47(3), 296\u2013303. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0019-509X.64729<\/span><\/p>\n

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6.Krishnamurthy, A., Vijayalakshmi, R., Gadigi, V., Ranganathan, R., & Sagar, T. (2012). The relevance of \u201cnonsmoking-associated lung cancer\u201d in India: A single-centre experience. Indian Journal of Cancer, 49(1), 82\u201388. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0019-509X.98928<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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7. Kuruvilla, J. (2008). Utilizing dental colleges for the eradication of oral cancer in India. Indian Journal of Dental Research, 19(4), 349\u2013353. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.4103\/0970-9290.44541<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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8. Pathan, S. R., Bhende, V. V., Sharma, K. B., Chowdappa, R. G., Patel, V. A., Gangoda, D. M., & Sharma, T. S. (2025). Addressing the alarming rise in pediatric cancer prevalence in India: A call to action. Health Science Reports, 8(2). https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1002\/hsr2.70429<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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9. Priyal, C., Patel, K. K., Atul, B., Divya, K., Pankaj, C., Satyajit, P., \u2026 Rajendra, B. (2024). Cancer screening uptake by women from India\u2019s largest state Uttar Pradesh: District-wise analysis from the fifth round of national family health survey (2019\u20132021). Ecancermedicalscience, 18. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.3332\/ecancer.2024.1742<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

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10.<\/span> Sundaresan, I., Palanisamy, N., & Saraswathy, R. (2025). Smoking and the risk of prostate cancer: A review of risk and disease progression. Genes and Environment, 47, 1\u201316. https:\/\/doi.org\/10.1186\/s41021-025-00338-8<\/span><\/p>\n

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Cancer in India \u00a0 Author- Vedanti Manoj Jamkar Literature Review: 1.\u00a0 Cancer survivors in India- The study by Aravinda, M. G. et al. (2022), published in BMC Cancer, examines the health status and associated factors among middle-aged and older adult cancer survivors in India using data from the Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI). The… Continue reading Cancer in India<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":140151,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-24446","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized","entry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24446","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/140151"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=24446"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24446\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":24447,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/24446\/revisions\/24447"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=24446"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=24446"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"http:\/\/www.sachdevajk.in\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=24446"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}