Cancer Awareness
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Cancer Awareness
Cancer Awareness and Prevention in India – Brief Overview
Current Scenario
- Rising burden: Over 1.5 million new cases annually; expected to double by 2040.
- Low awareness: Many cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages due to lack of awareness and screening.
- High mortality: Especially for preventable or treatable cancers (e.g., cervical, breast, oral).
- Major cancers in India: Oral, breast, cervical, lung, esophagus, stomach, colorectal.
Common Risk Factors in India
Modifiable Risk Factors
Details
Tobacco use
Major cause of oral, lung, esophageal, bladder cancers
Alcohol
Increases risk of liver, esophagus, breast, head & neck cancers
Diet and Obesity
High-fat, low-fiber diets and sedentary lifestyles contribute
Infections
HPV (cervix), Hepatitis B & C (liver), H. pylori (stomach)
Poor hygiene and sanitation
Linked to cervical and GI cancers
Environmental exposure
Pesticides, air pollution, industrial carcinogens
Primary Prevention
Strategy
Details
Tobacco and alcohol control
Strict laws, cessation programs, public education
Vaccination
HPV vaccine (cervical cancer), Hepatitis B vaccine (liver cancer)
Healthy lifestyle
Diet, physical activity, weight management
Safe sex and hygiene
Prevent HPV and other infections
Environmental safety
Regulation of industrial and vehicular emissions
Secondary Prevention (Early Detection & Screening)
Cancer Type
Recommended Screening
Cervical cancer
VIA (Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid), Pap smear, HPV test
Breast cancer
Breast self-exam, clinical breast exam, mammography
Oral cancer
Visual examination, especially in tobacco/alcohol users
Colorectal
Occult blood testing, colonoscopy (for high-risk)
- Government initiatives like the NPCDCS (National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke) aim to promote screening and prevention.
Cancer Awareness Strategies
- Public health campaigns through TV, radio, social media, schools, and community programs
- Cancer awareness days (e.g., World Cancer Day, No Tobacco Day)
- NGOs and hospitals conduct awareness camps, screenings, and education drives
- Integration into primary healthcare to reach rural and underserved populations
Key Points
- Many cancers in India are preventable or curable if detected early
- Tobacco control and HPV vaccination are key preventive strategies
- Public awareness and accessible screening can reduce cancer burden significantly
- Collaborative efforts are needed across healthcare, education, and policy sectors