Health

India’s younger population is experiencing an increase in cancer cases; 60% of patients under 40 are men, according to a study

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According to data from the organisation, 20% of cancer patients who called an NGO-run helpline to get a second opinion were under 40, suggesting a surge in cancer cases among younger individuals. A group of doctors founded the Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation, which records 1,368 callers between March 1 and May 15.

According to the report, men made up 60% of cancer patients under the age of 40.

Additionally, it was discovered that the most common types of cancer cases were head and neck cancer (26%), which was closely followed by gastrointestinal cancers (16%), breast cancer (15%), and blood cancers (9%).

According to an NGO statement, Hyderabad received the most calls, followed by Meerut, Mumbai, and New Delhi.

The hotline number, 93-555-20202, was established to enable patients to obtain a free second opinion. It is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Cancer sufferers can make a video call or give the helpline number a call to talk with renowned oncologists firsthand about their treatment options.

The principal investigator and senior oncologist leading the Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign, Dr Ashish Gupta, stated that nearly hundreds of calls are received daily on the helpline, which has proven to be a valuable support system for cancer patients in India since its introduction.

“This research enables us to develop a more focused cancer treatment strategy and establish India as ‘Cancer Mukt’. The most common disease, according to our research, is head and neck cancer, which is almost totally avoidable with lifestyle changes, immunisations, and screening techniques. Early detection of cancer can be achieved by highly successful screening procedures for both breast and colon cancers. Regretfully, as is typical of the Indian community as a whole, we discovered that about two thirds of malignancies were discovered later than expected, most likely because of low adoption of appropriate screening,” stated Dr. Gupta.

Additionally, the study discovered that 27% of cancer cases identified in India are in stages 1 and 2, while 63% of cases are in stages 3 or 4. Seeking a second opinion and verifying if their cancer therapy was appropriate and current were the most often asked questions by cancer patients. According to him, some people also look for the most recent cancer treatment or medication available, as new medications are approved nearly every week.

The second most frequent query we observed was from patients inquiring about the stage of their disease, highlighting the significance of information for cancer patients. Thirdly, patients frequently asked questions about their family members. Actions that can be taken to stop cancer stressing the value of cancer screening and education, he stated.

According to Dr. Gupta, the goal of the Cancer Mukt Bharat campaign is to use early detection and education to lower the incidence of cancer as well as its effects on people and communities.

Additionally, the analysis revealed that 67% of cancer patients who contacted the organisation were receiving treatment from private hospitals. According to him, 33% of patients were receiving care from government hospitals.

Dr. Ashish Gupta went on to say, “In our nation, rising obesity rates, dietary changes—particularly the uptake of ultra-processed foods—and sedentary lifestyles are linked to increased cancer incidence. In order to lower the risk of cancer in the younger generation, we need to follow a healthy lifestyle and abstain from alcohol and tobacco.”

According to him, the helpline number provides individuals navigating the complexity of cancer diagnosis and treatment with vital support by offering a free opinion from renowned oncologists.

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