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February 12, 2024
Recent data from the Indian Council of Medical Research’s (ICMR) national cancer registry has unveiled a concerning trend in Uttar Pradesh, highlighting tobacco as the primary culprit behind a staggering proportion of cancer cases among men in the state.
According to the ICMR report, tobacco consumption emerges as the sole cause of cancer in every second male patient in Uttar Pradesh, with more than 53 percent of all cancers in men directly linked to tobacco usage. In contrast, the corresponding figure for women stands at about 15 percent, contributing to an average of 37.5 percent of all cancer cases in the state.
The majority of these tobacco-related cancers manifest in the oral cavity, lungs, and upper aerodigestive tract, reflecting the dire consequences of tobacco addiction on various organ systems.
Despite advancements in medical care, a significant challenge persists as a substantial number of patients seek medical attention in advanced stages, limiting the effectiveness of curative therapies.
Experts from the Department of Radiotherapy and Medical Oncology at SGPGIMS underscored the critical importance of preventive measures, emphasizing the need for self-restraint to combat the burgeoning cancer crisis.
“Embracing self-restraint and distancing oneself from tobacco remains the simplest and most effective preventive strategy,” remarked Punita Lal, a senior faculty member, highlighting the urgency of adopting lifestyle modifications to stem the tide of tobacco-related cancers.
Uttar Pradesh grapples with an estimated 2.1 lakh new cancer cases annually, the highest among Indian states, further underscoring the magnitude of the public health challenge.
Among men, oral cavity cancer emerges as the most prevalent form (20.4 percent), while breast cancer ranks as the leading cancer site among women (23.9 percent), delineating the gender-specific nature of cancer burden in the state.
Tragically, the mortality rate among cancer patients in Uttar Pradesh remains alarmingly high, with approximately 55 percent succumbing to the disease across all categories.
Shaleen Kumar, another prominent cancer expert, revealed that the thematic focus for 2024 is to ‘close the care gap,’ underscoring the global imperative to address disparities in cancer care urgently.
Director Prof. RK Dhiman emphasized the universal right to comprehensive care for every cancer patient, irrespective of socioeconomic status, calling upon healthcare providers to recognize and address the unique needs of each individual.
As Uttar Pradesh grapples with the formidable challenge of rising cancer incidence, concerted efforts towards tobacco control and holistic healthcare provision emerge as indispensable pillars in the fight against cancer, offering hope for a future where cancer-related morbidity and mortality are significantly reduced.
