The Lancet Global Health has recently unveiled a report titled “Women, Power and Cancer” which puts the spotlight on how societal indifference towards women’s health obstructs their access to Cancer prevention. The study engaged in analyzing premature deaths at ages 30–69 years across 185 countries worldwide, discerning between preventable or treatable deaths.
2. Reviewing the Methodology of the Study
For detailed analysis, data related to estimated Cancer deaths by country, sex, age groups, and specific types of cancer were gathered from the International Agency for Research on Cancer’s GLOBOCAN 2020 database. This information was used to calculate Crude and age-adjusted cancer-specific Years of Life Lost (YLLs) for 36 cancer types.
3. Report Findings: A Global Perspective
In 2020, there were 5.28 million premature cancer-related deaths globally, with the victims aged between 30 and 69. These untimely deaths led to a loss of 182.8 million years of life, accounting for 68.8% of total YLLs from cancer across all age groups. However, a significant proportion of these premature YLLs could have been avoided – 68% through primary prevention or early detection, while 32% through effective evidence-based treatments.
4. Unveiling Gender Disparities Detected by the Report
The study revealed that men endured a higher proportion of avoidable premature YLLs as compared to women. However, more treatable premature YLLs were reported among women than men. Lower Human Development Index (HDI) countries also presented a higher proportion of YLLs.
5. Cancer Deaths Among Women in India:
In India, it emerged that approximately 63% of cancer deaths among women could have been evaded by reducing risk factors, encouraging regular screening or facilitating early diagnosis. Meanwhile, timely treatment could have negated 37% of these deaths.
6. Challenges in Accessing Cancer Care for Women in India
The societal neglect towards women’s health, lack of general awareness and dearth of quality healthcare at the primary level obstructed women’s access to cancer prevention, detection, and care. Gender-based disparities in healthcare further complicated matters – with many women’s concerns being dismissed or overlooked.
7. Leading Risk Factors Among Women in India:
The top three cancers among women in India are Breast, Cervical, and Ovarian Cancers. Infections, notably the HPV virus which leads to cervical cancer and Hepatitis B and C infections causing liver cancer, were the leading risk factor contributing to 23% of deaths. Other significant risk factors included tobacco usage, alcohol consumption and obesity.
8. Socio-economic Impact of Cancer:
Premature cancer deaths led to a loss of USD 46.3 billion in productivity for BRICS nations. Additionally, the unpaid caregiving provided by women to cancer patients was almost equivalent to 3.66 times India’s national health expenditure.
9. Recommendations of the Report:
The report advocates for a feminist and inclusive agenda focused on addressing gender disparities and hindrances that women encounter while seeking cancer prevention, detection, and treatment. It emphasizes the need for gender-focused policies and the eradication of discriminatory practices.
10. The Importance of Early Detection:
To address premature cancer inequalities, programs focusing on early detection, screening, risk factor reduction and vaccination are critical. Increased awareness about self-examination of breasts, routine mammography for women above 40 and regular pap smear tests for women aged between 25 and 65 can contribute to the early detection of breast and cervical cancers.
11. Challenges Faced by Women in Accessing Healthcare:
Many women in India are unable to access quality healthcare due to a myriad of issues including societal neglect, lack of awareness and quality healthcare at the local level. Early marriage, lack of education, financial dependence and delayed diagnosis further exacerbate the situation.
12. Government Initiatives Related to Cancer Treatment:
The Indian government has launched several initiatives like the National Programme for Prevention & Control of Cancer, National Cancer Grid, National Cancer Awareness Day, HPV Vaccine under Universal Immunization Programme (UIP), all aimed at combating this deadly disease.