Cancer Cases Projected to Surge in India by 2045

October 16, 2024

A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research predicts a sharp increase in cancer cases and deaths in India and South Africa from 2022 to 2045. This rise is linked to longer life expectancies in these countries, similar to trends in other BRICS nations (Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa). The growing number of cancer cases presents a major public health issue that needs urgent attention.

Expected Increase in Cancer Cases

The study projects a 12.8% increase in cancer cases in India by 2025 compared to 2020. This ongoing rise is largely driven by two key factors:

Increased life expectancy (people living longer means more people are at risk of developing cancer).
Socioeconomic factors (including lifestyle changes and access to healthcare).

Most Common Types of Cancer in India

In men, the most common cancers are:

Prostate cancer.
Lung cancer.
Colorectal cancer (cancer in the colon or rectum). A large number of men also suffer from lip and oral cavity cancer, which is strongly linked to tobacco use.

In women, the leading types of cancer are:

Breast cancer.
Cervical cancer (cancer of the cervix).

Socioeconomic Factors and Cancer

People with low socioeconomic status are at higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as oral cancer, due to lifestyle choices like tobacco and alcohol use. Economic development in BRICS countries also plays a role, as it can change people’s lifestyles and influence cancer trends.

Comparing Global Cancer Trends

The BRICS countries represent a large share of the global cases of breast cancer and related deaths. Across the world, lung cancer is the leading cause of death from cancer, except in India, where breast cancer is the most common cause of cancer deaths in women.

Importance of Cancer Control Plans

While economic growth and cancer control programs are being introduced in BRICS countries, more focus is needed on identifying risk factors (like tobacco use and poor diet) and improving healthcare systems. This approach is essential to manage the growing number of cancer cases and improve treatment outcomes.

As life expectancy increases, so do cancer cases in India and South Africa, making it critical for these countries to strengthen prevention and treatment strategies to reduce the impact of cancer on their populations.

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