Cancer risk factors: Here's why Indians are at a higher risk of the disease | Health - Hindustan Times
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Cancer risk factors: Here's why Indians are at a higher risk of the disease

ByZarafshan Shiraz, Delhi
Feb 05, 2023 07:08 PM IST

Health experts reveal Indian population specific risk factors that lead to a higher incidence of cancer and tips to identify and address these risk factors and reduce the disease burden from cancer

There is an increasing trend of cancer incidence and deaths due to cancer in India and according to Indian Council of Medical Research's (ICMR) study, one in every nine Indians will develop cancer during their lifetime. The study also states that one in every 68 men will develop lung cancer and one in every 29 women will develop breast cancer.

Cancer risk factors: Here's why Indians are at a higher risk of the disease (Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels)
Cancer risk factors: Here's why Indians are at a higher risk of the disease (Photo by Tara Winstead on Pexels)

These statistics are concerning, particularly given the fact that many cancer cases go undetected until they reach advanced stages but late detection jeopardises treatment and support and often has a devastating effect on the patients and their families. In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr (Prof) Vijay Patil, Consultant (Medical Oncology) at PD Hinduja Hospital and Medical Research Centre in Khar, shared, “The risk factors for cancer are the same globally. The risk factors proportion differs globally and is due to predilection for different habits and lifestyle.”

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According to him, the modifiable risk factors which are high in Indians can lead to cancer are discussed below:

1. Alcohol- In 2020, >50,000 cancer cases in India were attributable to alcohol consumption. India was globally the second country (just behind China) in the number of cancer cases, which were attributed due to alcohol. The comments cancers attributable to alcohol were oral cavity -38.7%, Oesophagus -26.4%, Pharynx-12.4%, Larynx-6.2%, Liver 6% and others-10.3%

2. Obesity- In 2020, In Asia, India ranked 3rd in obesity attributed cancers. We were behind China & Japan. Comments cancers attributable to obesity were endometrial cancer (Corpus uteri), Breast cancer, Colon cancer, Gallbladder cancer, Kidney cancer, Rectal cancer, Pancreatic cancer, esophageal adenocarcinoma and ovarian cancer.

3. Infection- In 2020, Asia topped the chart of infection related cancer, Asia contributed to 1500000 new cases of cancer, which were attributed to cancer. The common infection, which led to cancer, were helicobacter pylori (52.1%), HPV virus (19.1%), Hepatitis B virus (10.8%), Hepatitis C virus (7.5%) and others (10.6%).

4. Tobacco related cancers- India has a huge burden of tobacco related cancers. Lung cancer and head and neck cancers top the list.

Talking about how can we address these risk factors and reduce the disease burden from cancer, he said, “It is said that of all cancers, 40% of cancers can be avoided, as these are due to modifiable risk factors.” He revealed that these avoidance or prevention can be put in 3 steps:

1. Primordial prevention- As a society we can educate the students so that they never take up bad habits and have healthy lifestyles. These bad habits not only predispose to cancer but other diseases like cardiovascular disorders, diabetes and metabolic issues.

2. Primary Prevention - This is applicable when people have developed bad habits or unhealthy lifestyles but yet have not developed cancer. Counselling and guiding these people will reduce the incidence of cancer

3. Secondary prevention- This is applicable if a person has already developed cancer but is not knowing about it. Screening for cancers helps in this situation. The cancers are mostly diagnosed with screening in early stage and hence the cure rates are very high

Dr Abhijit Patil, VP - Radiology at Krsnaa Diagnostics Ltd, highlighted, “We all know the well-known saying ‘Procrastination is the Thief of Time’, the same applies to cancer surveillance in high-risk individuals. Research has proven that genetic factors play an important role in most of the diseases hence, it is important for those with family history of cancer to undergo consultation and proper tests for surveillance/screening for early detection and treatment and wherever possible take prophylactic measures. With the change in environmental factors and lifestyle, these are playing a cumulative effect on the incidence of cancer as these are predisposing to genetic mutations.”

He added, “Research has also proven that viral infection also plays an important role to cause cancer eg. HPV (Human Papilloma Virus) group of viruses has role in cancer of penis, vagina, vulva, mouth and throat; HBV and HCV (Hepatitis B and C) play important role in liver cancer, HIV (Human Immune deficiency Virus) to cervical cancer, Lymphoma etc. With vaccines and treatment available against these viruses, viral infection as a cause of cancer can be easily avoided. This holds true especially for the low socio-economic groups.”

He suggested, “With diagnostic kits/modalities and genetic labs becoming more accessible, it is important to spread awareness about screening/surveillance and early detection where good survival rate and even normal life expectancy can be achieved. Also, not to forget healthy lifestyle which is important for general immunity to resist infections and tolerate treatments.”

Insisting that digital health tools reduce the risk factors and prevent increase in cancer cases, Sigal Atzmon, CEO and Founder of Medix Global, explained, “A switch from a reactive to a preventive approach using digital tools is needed to address this issue. This would also enable people to receive a high standard of care that helps them make informed decisions about their health and well-being. It is not practical to set up screening camps and cancer treatment centres across the nation. Using digital health tools can help scale up early detection. Digital health can engage a larger audience and help them better understand their risk for cancer. It can provide them with access to comprehensive and accurate information about available treatment options.”

She elaborated, “By analysing the patient’s medical history and lifestyle, it is possible to develop a 'behavioural phenotype' to predict potential medical issues. This can allow a patient to take preventive steps and even seek personalised advice and customised care. Just monitoring and tracking common cancer risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol use, sun exposure, environmental pollutants and family history can significantly reduce the disease burden associated with cancer. Since each person is unique and their genetic makeup can contribute to different risk factors, it is important to have digital tools that allow healthcare professionals to analyse the data of each individual accurately and precisely. This is especially important when it comes to cancer, as its successful treatment often depends on early and correct diagnosis.”

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