A recent study has revealed that three out of every five cancer patients in India do not survive after diagnosis, highlighting a critical healthcare challenge. The report, published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia, also found that women bear a disproportionate burden of the disease.
The study compared India’s cancer mortality rates with global figures:
- In the United States, only one in four cancer patients dies.
- In China, the number is one in two.
- But in India, the survival rate is significantly lower, with three out of five patients succumbing to the disease.
Rising Cancer Cases, Limited Access to Care
India ranks third globally in cancer incidence, after China and the United States, and accounts for over 10% of the world’s cancer-related deaths. Researchers predict that cancer cases will increase by 2% annually over the next two decades, driven by an aging population and limited access to early detection and treatment.
Women Face Greater Risk
The study highlights that Indian women face a particularly high cancer burden:
- Breast cancer is the most common, making up 13.8% of all cases.
- Cervical cancer ranks third, with 9.2% of cases.
Need for Urgent Action
Health experts stress the importance of early diagnosis, better treatment facilities, and increased awareness to improve survival rates. The findings underline the need for stronger cancer prevention policies and enhanced healthcare infrastructure to tackle the growing crisis.
