A recent study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal revealed that India recorded approximately 12 lakh new cancer cases and 9.3 lakh deaths in 2019, emerging as the second-highest contributor to the disease burden in Asia for that year.
The study, conducted by an international team of researchers, including experts from the National Institute of Technology Kurukshetra and All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) Jodhpur and Bathinda, identified India, China, and Japan as the three leading countries in Asia in terms of both new cases and deaths related to cancer.
While China contributed the most with 48 lakh new cases and 27 lakh deaths, Japan recorded about nine lakh new cases and 4.4 lakh deaths. The study highlighted that tracheal, bronchus, and lung (TBL) cancer was the leading cancer type in Asia, resulting in an estimated 13 lakh cases and 12 lakh deaths. Notably, it was most frequent in men and the third most frequent in women.
Highest Risk of Cervical Cancer in Women
The researchers emphasized the significance of cervical cancer among women in various Asian countries and highlighted the effectiveness of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in preventing the disease and reducing related deaths.
In terms of risk factors, smoking, alcohol consumption, and ambient particulate matter (PM) pollution were identified as dominant contributors to the rising cancer burden in Asia. The researchers expressed concern about the increasing cancer burden due to rising ambient air pollution in the region.
Asia, home to five of the top 10 countries with the highest population-weighted annual average of PM2.5 in 2019, faces challenges associated with industry-led economic growth, urbanization, rural-to-urban migration, and the growing use of motor vehicles.
Leading cause: Smokeless Tobacco
The study also highlighted the public health concern of smokeless tobacco (SMT) in South Asian countries, such as India, Bangladesh, and Nepal. Smokeless tobacco, including products like khaini, gutkha, betel quid, and paan masala, accounted for a significant portion of lip and oral cavity cancer cases and deaths.
The researchers underscored the need for prioritizing timely cancer screening and treatment availability, especially in low- and medium-income countries of Asia where oncologic infrastructure is often scarce or unaffordable, particularly in rural areas. The study emphasized the importance of addressing these challenges to improve survival rates and overall cancer outcomes in the region.
