Dr Rajeev Gupta
drrajeevgupta1@gmail.com
Cancer is an abnormal growth of a body cell or group of cells. If it is not destroyed or removed, cancer can spread very rapidly, and eventually lead to death. There are billions of cells in the human body. Normally, they grow in a well-regulated pattern. Sometimes normal cells undergo alterations “transforming” them into cancerous. Cancer continues to be a major public health challenge worldwide, contributing substantially to morbidity and mortality. The global cancer burden is influenced by demographic transitions, population ageing, lifestyle changes, environmental exposures, and disparities in healthcare access. According to GLOBOCAN 2022, an estimated 19.96 million new cancer cases were diagnosed worldwide, with approximately 9.74 million cancer-related deaths recorded during the same year. The lifetime risk of developing cancer globally is estimated to be one in five individuals, underscoring the magnitude of the disease burden. In terms of incidence, lung cancer emerged as the most commonly diagnosed cancer globally, accounting for approximately 12.4% of all new cases, followed by female breast cancer and colorectal cancer. Lung cancer also remained the leading cause of cancer-related mortality, reflecting its aggressive nature and late stage at diagnosis in many regions. The global five-year prevalence indicated tens of millions of individuals living with cancer, placing a significant strain on healthcare systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.
Cancer Incidence and Prevalence in India
India bears a substantial proportion of the global cancer burden. As per GLOBOCAN 2022, the country reported 1,413,316 new cancer cases and 916,827 cancer-related deaths in 2022. The estimated five-year prevalence was 3,258,518 individuals, indicating a large population requiring ongoing cancer care, surveillance, and survivorship support.
The age-standardized incidence rate (ASR) for all cancers combined was 98.5 per 100,000 population, with a slightly higher incidence among females (100.8 per 100,000) compared to males (97.1 per 100,000). India ranked among the top three countries globally in terms of absolute cancer incidence, largely due to its population size.
The pattern of common cancers in India shows distinct gender-specific variations. Among males, cancers of the lip and oral cavity, lung, and esophagus were the leading sites, reflecting high tobacco consumption in both smoking and smokeless forms. Among females, breast cancer was the most commonly diagnosed malignancy, followed by cervical cancer and ovarian cancer. Notably, India exhibits a relatively high mortality-to-incidence ratio, suggesting late presentation, limited screening coverage, and unequal access to timely and effective treatment.
Cancer Burden in Jammu & Kashmir
While GLOBOCAN does not provide state-level estimates, regional cancer patterns in Jammu & Kashmir can be inferred from data reported by the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and state cancer institutes. In 2022, Jammu & Kashmir reported approximately 13,395 new cancer cases, with a steady rise observed over recent years. Cancer incidence in the region has shown an upward trend, increasing from around12,726 cases in 2020 ,13744 cases in 2023to 141 While GLOBOCAN does not provide state-level estimates, regional cancer patterns in Jammu & Kashmir can be inferred from data reported by the National Cancer RegistryProgramme (NCRP), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), and state cancer institutes.
In 2022, Jammu & Kashmir reported approximately 13,395 new cancer cases, with a steady rise observed over recent years. Cancer incidence in the region has shown an upward trend, increasing from around 12,726 cases in 2020, 13,700 cases in 2023, to 14112 cases in 2024, indicating an average annual rise of nearly 3%. Over a five-year period, more than 67,000 individualshave been diagnosed with cancer in the Union Territory.
Cancer Burden in Jammu Region
State Cancer Institute, Jammu was inaugurated on world cancer day 2022 i.e on 4th feburary and till now more than 18,000 cancer patients have been registered and around 16,000 cancer patients have received chemotherapy based treatment free of cost under PMJAY Scheme in the department of Medical Oncology
Also , it has facility of Super speciality teaching & research programme in medical oncology , PET CT scan imaging , Cervical Cancer Vaccination .
A decade-long analysis by Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR) at State Cancer Institute, Jammu has revealed that 19,549 cancer patients were registered between 2015 and 2024, with males accounting for a higher share of cases at 56.6 percent compared to 43.4 percent females. The site-wise distribution of cancer cases indicates that lung cancer is the most prevalent, accounting for 14.72 percent of the total cases. This is followed by head and neck cancers, which affected 10.90 percent patients. Breast cancer ranks third contributing 7.94 percent. Hepatobiliary cancers account for 6.85 percent), while genitourinary cancers making up 6.63 percent. Haematological cancers affected 6.20 percent.
Cervical cancer accounted for 5.70 percent, followed by esophageal cancer with 5.21 percent. Lower gastrointestinal cancers were reported in 4.90 percent, and oral cancers constituting 4.67 percent of the total, reflecting a diverse burden of cancer types with lung and head-and-neck cancers dominating the overall distribution.
On the occasion of world Cancer Day, I would like to shed some light on cancer & shatter some wrong notions that are prevalent amongst general population, since early detection is cure and wrong ideas (myths) about cancer can lead to needless anxiety and even hinder good prevention and treatment.
Who Is at Risk of Cancer?
Lifetime risk of cancer refers to the probability that an individual will develop cancer or die from it at any point during their lifetime.
* In the United States, the lifetime risk of developing lung cancer is approximately 7.7% in men (about 1 in 13).
* In India, the lifetime risk of developing cancer is approximately 1 in 12 men and 1 in 13 women.
Cancer can affect people of all ages, sexes, and backgrounds, although risk increases with advancing age and certain lifestyle and environmental exposures.
What Are the Common Symptoms of Cancer?
Cancer symptoms are often non-specific and may resemble common illnesses such as tuberculosis, typhoid fever, recurrent mouth ulcers, indigestion, or chronic infections. Persistence of symptoms over a prolonged period, especially despite appropriate treatment, should raise suspicion and prompt further evaluation. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the following warning signs of cancer:
* Change in bowel or bladder habits
* A sore that does not heal
* Unusual bleeding or discharge
* Thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere
* Indigestion or difficulty swallowing
* Obvious change in a wart or mole
* Persistent cough or hoarseness of voice
Is Cancer a Modern Disease?
No. Cancer is not a modern disease. Evidence of bone cancer has been found in Egyptian mummies dating back to 3000 B.C.However, the incidence of cancer is increasing worldwide, largely due to:
* Tobacco and alcohol use
* Sedentary lifestyle
* Unhealthy diet (processed and junk foods)
* Obesity
* Environmental pollutions
* Increased life expectancy
Cancer is therefore often considered a lifestyle-related disease in modern times.
Is Cancer Contagious?
Cancer is not contagious and does not spread from person to person through contact.However, certain infections increase cancer risk:
* Human Papillomavirus (HPV): increases risk of cervical, anal, and some head and neck cancers
* Hepatitis B and C viruses: increase risk of liver cancer
These viruses are transmitted through sexual contact, blood exposure, or infected needles-not through casual contact.
Is Cancer Inherited?
Having a family history of cancer increases risk, but it does not guarantee that a person will develop cancer.
* Only 5-10% of cancers are hereditary
* Most cancers result from genetic mutations acquired during life due to:
* Tobacco use
* Ultraviolet (UV) radiation
* Environmental and occupational exposures
Importantly, about 40% of cancers are preventable through:
* Healthy diet
* Regular physical activity
* Maintaining a healthy weight
* Limiting alcohol intake
* Avoiding tobacco
For individuals with known inherited cancer syndromes, preventive (prophylactic) surgery or medications may be advised to reduce cancer risk.
Is Cancer Always Painful?
No. Cancer itself and treatments like chemotherapy are not inherently painful.
Pain usually occurs when cancer:
* Spreads to bones
* Compresses or infiltrates nerves
Up to 95% of cancer-related pain can be effectively controlled with medications and other pain-management strategies. Patients should always report pain to their healthcare team.
Is Cancer a Death Sentence?
Absolutely not. Advances in early detection, diagnosis, and treatment have significantly improved survival. More than 60% of cancer patients survive five years or longer after diagnosis, and many are cured.
Are Some People Too Old for Cancer Treatment?
There is no upper age limit for cancer treatment. Treatment decisions are based on:
* Overall health
* Functional status
* Presence of other medical conditions
Can Herbal Products Cure Cancer?
No. No herbal or alternative therapy has been proven to cure cancer.
Some complementary therapies may help manage symptoms or treatment side effects, but certain herbal products can interfere with chemotherapy or radiation and may be harmful. Always consult a healthcare professional before using them.
World cancer day on 4th February, is an initiative of the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC), Switzerland and theme for 2026 is ” united by unique ” reminds us that diversity strengthens our global response to cancer. By respecting individual differences while standing together in solidarity, we can reduce disparities, improve outcomes, and build a future where everyone-regardless of who they are or where they live-has access to quality cancer care.
(The author is working as Senior Consultant & Head, Department of Medical Oncology at State Cancer Institute, Government Medical College, Jammu)
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