The World Health Organisation (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), its specialized unit, have recently released two critical reports. The release aligns with World Cancer Day, observed annually on 4th February. These documents focus on setting the worldwide cancer agenda, rallying stakeholders, and assisting countries in determining investment priorities in cancer control and universal health coverage.
Global Cancer Scenario
The WHO report has issued a stern warning, stating that 20% of people around the globe will receive a cancer diagnosis during their lifespan. It predicted an alarming 60% surge in global cancer cases by 2040. Tobacco use, a preventable cause, was identified as being responsible for one-fourth of the world’s cancer deaths.
Areas of disparity were evident in the report. It pointed out that less than 15% of low- and middle-income nations provide comprehensive cancer treatment services through public health systems – in stark contrast to high-income countries. High-income countries have observed a 20% reduction in mortality from 2000 to 2015 due to better cancer treatment facilities. However, only a 5% decrease was recorded in low and middle-income nations during the same period.
Rising Cancer Cases in Low and Middle-Income Countries
The lack of prevention strategies and care investment are leading causes for the predicted 81% surge in cancer incidents in low and middle-income countries by 2040. However, identifying suitable scientific strategies for each country, reinforcing cancer responses based on universal health coverage, and uniting diverse stakeholders could save at least seven million lives over the next decade.
National Cancer Scenario: India’s Case
The report also provided some national-level findings, particularly for India, revealing that one in ten Indians is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, and one in fifteen will die due to the disease. The country records an estimated 1.16 million new cancer cases every year, with around 784,800 resulting in death.
Breast, oral, cervical, lung, stomach, and colorectal cancers are among the most prevalent in India, collectively accounting for 49% of all new cancer diagnoses. Alarmingly, tobacco-related cancers constitute between 34-69% and 10-27% of all cancers in men and women, respectively, across most Indian regions.
World Cancer Day
Globally recognized on February 4, World Cancer Day is an initiative by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC). It presents an opportunity for the international community to rally against preventable cancer affliction. The theme for 2020 is ‘I Am and I Will’, emphasizing that every individual has the power to contribute towards easing the cancer burden.
About International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)
Formed in 1965 via a resolution of the World Health Assembly, IARC operates as WHO’s specialized cancer agency. Its primary objective is to foster international collaboration in cancer research. With India as one of its 27 member nations, IARC is headquartered in Lyon, France.
