Context : Key Findings from ICMR & GLOBOCAN (2022)
- Cancer-related deaths have increased faster among women (1.2%-4.4% annual growth) compared to men (1.2%-2.4%) in the past decade.
- Three out of five individuals in India die after a cancer diagnosis.
- Cancer burden expected to rise due to demographic shifts, with more people moving into middle and geriatric age groups.
- Five most common cancers contribute 44% of India’s total cancer burden.
Relevance : GS 2(Health)
Gender Disparities in Cancer Incidence & Mortality
- Women have higher crude incidence & mortality rates compared to men.
- Population Factor (2022):
- Females: 0.676 billion
- Males: 0.731 billion
- Crude rates (new cases or deaths per population) show a significant cancer impact on women.
Age-Wise Cancer Risk
- Lowest risk: Childhood & reproductive age (0.08%-1.3%).
- Highest risk: Middle-aged & geriatric population, leading to an expected cancer epidemic in the near future.
Concerns & Implications
- Demographic Transition: India’s aging population may significantly increase cancer cases & deaths.
- Healthcare Preparedness: Rising cancer burden demands better screening, early detection, and treatment facilities.
- Gender-Specific Interventions: Need for targeted cancer awareness & healthcare strategies for women.
Conclusion
- Cancer mortality is rising at a faster pace among women, highlighting the need for improved cancer care, awareness, and policy interventions to address gender disparities in healthcare.
