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February 4, 2024
As cancer incidence continues to rise in India, experts on World Cancer Day emphasized the critical role of early detection in achieving higher cure rates. World Cancer Day, observed annually on February 4, centers this year’s theme on ‘Close the Care Gap.’
According to the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Cancer Registry Programme, the number of cancer cases in the country is projected to increase from 14.6 lakh in 2022 to 15.7 lakh in 2025. To address this concerning trend, medical professionals stressed the importance of educating people about getting screened for cancer before symptoms manifest.
Ashish Gupta, Chief Oncologist at Unique Hospital Cancer Center, Delhi, underscored the significance of early detection. “To win over cancer in India, the first step is educating people to get screened for cancer before they have any symptoms, which helps to find cancer early. If found early in stages I or II, most cancers are curable in more than 80 per cent of patients,” Gupta stated. He leads the Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign, a cancer awareness initiative aiming to reach one million people across India.
Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, highlighted the potential of multi-cancer early detection (MCED) tests, a type of liquid biopsy. These tests, utilizing machine-learning algorithms, identify the likely origin of tumors based on DNA and protein profiles, offering promise for revolutionizing cancer detection.
“By utilising machine-learning algorithms, these tests identify the likely origin of tumours based on DNA and protein profiles. MCED tests hold immense promise for revolutionising cancer detection,” said Bhargava.
Early detection not only increases the chances of cure but also reduces the need for costly advanced-stage treatments, benefiting healthcare systems and patients alike. Vineet Nakra, Radiation Oncologist at Max Super Speciality Hospital New Delhi, emphasized the challenge of late-stage diagnoses for cancers like ovarian and gastroesophageal, where symptoms often appear only in advanced stages.
Moreover, experts stressed the importance of the right treatment plan starting on day one after a cancer diagnosis. Modern medicines, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapies, have significantly improved cancer cure rates in recent years.
“Not only chemotherapy but also immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and hormonal therapies many of which were not available even 5 or 10 years ago, have drastically improved cancer cure rates,” Gupta concluded. As the fight against cancer intensifies, early detection and advanced treatment options emerge as key elements in improving outcomes and reducing the impact of this widespread disease.
