Why in News? Increasing number of people, especially children, in India are being diagnosed with cancer, marking the fastest rise in cases worldwide.

What the Data Highlights? A report released by the Apollo Hospitals, labeled India as “the cancer capital of the world.” The report projected the number of annual cancer cases to rise from almost 1.4 million in 2020 to 1.57 million by 2025. Breast, cervix, and ovarian cancer are the most common forms of cancer affecting women. And among men, they are lung cancer, mouth cancer, and prostate cancer.

Why are Cancer Cases Soaring in India? Contributory factors to rising incidence are advancing age, unhealthy diets with ultra-processed foods stoking inflammation, exposure to air pollution laden with carcinogens and climate change with increased exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

How Certain Cancers are Affecting Younger People? The median age for lung cancer is 59 in India, but it is 70 in the US, 75 in the UK and 68 in China. Around a million new cases of cancer are diagnosed in India every year, of which about 4% are in children.

What are the Hurdles While Diagnosing Children? There is a shortage of pediatric oncology facilities in the country. For example, only 41% of public hospitals have dedicated pediatric oncology departments. Additionally, a lack of funds and access to care, as well as social stigma, are big hurdles for many affected families.

What Needs to be Done? According to experts, low health screening rates in the country pose a significant challenge for the fight against cancer, and stress the importance of preventive health care measures. Also, there is a need for policies to impart financial protection and expand the screening and curative services for cancer.