CNBC TV18
By Priyanka Deshpande
Published Jan 4, 2024
India recorded 12 lakh new cancer cases in 2019, the Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia Journal revealed. Here are some key takeaways from the study.
Cancer claimed 9.3 lakh lives in 2019 making it the second leading contributor to Asia's disease burden.
China, Japan and India are leading countries in Asia for new cancer cases and deaths.
China takes the lead with 48 lakh new cases and 27 lakh deaths followed by India and then Japan at 9 lakh new cases and 4.4 lakh deaths.
Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancer account for around 1.3 million cases and 1.2 million deaths in Asia, predominantly affecting men and ranking as the third most common cancer in women.
Cervical cancer among women ranked second or among top 5 in several Asian countries.
Human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine introduced in 2006 reduced HPV related deaths.
Other frequent cancers in the region include breast, colon, rectum, stomach and skin.
Smoking, alcohol, and air pollution are some of the key reasons for the rising cancer levels in Asia.
Use of smokeless tobacco such as gutkha and paan masala in South Asian countries like India, Bangladesh, and Nepal is a concern.
India alone recorded 32.9% of global deaths and 28.1% new cases of lip and oral cavity cancer in 2019.
Need to focus on timely cancer screening and treatment availability, especially in low and medium income countries of Asia, to improve survival rates and overall cancer outcomes in the region.
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