Understanding the Preventable Burden of Cancer

Context

Cancer is a major cause of mortality in the entire world; however, a historic study by WHO and IARC in 2026 shows that of all new cancer cases in 2022, more than a third or 37% were associated with preventable and modifiable risk factors. With the increase in burden related to non-communicable diseases (NCD), especially in third world countries such India, primary prevention will be the most cost-effective and sustainable approach to lower mortality and morbidity.

Major Preventable Risk Factors

The WHO review came up with 30 risk factors that are modifiable and when controlled would significantly reduce the cancer burden.

• Tobacco Use: The most prevalent one, contributing 15 percent of all new cancer cases in the world. It is the main cause of lung, oral cancers, and throat cancers.
• Infections: It causes one out of ten cancers in the world. Major contributors include chronic infections including Human Papillomavirus (HPV) (cervical cancer), Hepatitis B and C (liver cancer) and Helicobacter pylori (stomach cancer).
• Lifestyle and Diet: High Body Mass Index (obesity), alcohol use (3% of cases), physical inactivity, and unhealthy diet are some of the causes of breast, colon, endometrial cancer.
• The Environmental Factors: The air pollution, UV radiation and the occupational exposure to the carcinogens (e.g. asbestos) play an important role, especially in the industrializing countries.

Gender and Regional Variations

• Men: In 2022 there were 45.4% of cancer incidences in men attributed to preventable risk factors, with the overwhelming factor of smoking.
• Women: The prevalence of cancers in women is about 30% preventable. One of the primary risk factors is infections (such as HPV), which should be the focus of special screening and vaccination.
• Location: Infection contributes to the occurrence of cancer more in India and other low-to-middle-income countries than in the West.

Key Areas for Action in India

• Tobacco Control: Enhancement of the COTPA (Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act) 2003, enhanced taxation and stringent bans on smoking in the community.
• Vaccination and Screening: Extending HPV immunization against cervical cancer under the Universal Immunization Programme and increasing the access to Hepatitis B immunization.
• Lifestyle Change: Physical exercise, low intake of processed foods, alcohol and creating awareness such as Ayushman Bharat-Health and Wellness Centres.

Conclusion

With over 40% of cancer deaths being preventable, the focus must shift from solely curative treatment to comprehensive prevention strategies. Governments can achieve a big outcome by a reduction in the cancer burden through the treatment of tobacco addiction, the enhancement of vaccination rates, and the implementation of healthier lifestyles, which will save the lives of millions of people and decrease the economic impact of healthcare systems.

Source: pressreader

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the role of awareness, early screening, and policy interventions in reducing the preventable burden of cancer in developing countries like India.

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