20% of Indian cancer cases below 40 years, reveals study

New Delhi: A recent National Cancer Study conducted by the Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation has shed light on a concerning trend of increasing number of cancer cases among individuals below the age of 40 in India.

According to the study, 20% of cancer patients in India fall into this younger age group, with 60% being male and 40% female. The findings indicate a rising incidence of cancer among the younger generation, mirroring a global shift reported by the American Cancer Society in the United States.

The study, which surveyed 1368 cancer patients across India from March 1st to May 15th, 2024, revealed that the most prevalent cancer types were head and neck cancer (26%), followed by gastrointestinal cancers (16%), breast cancer (15%), and blood cancers (9%). These findings align with data from Globocan national India.

One of the key revelations from the study is the stage at which cancer is diagnosed. Alarmingly, 63% of cases were detected at stage 3 or 4, indicating late diagnosis, while only 27% were diagnosed at stage 1 or 2. This highlights the urgent need for increased cancer awareness and screening initiatives.

A significant development in the fight against cancer is the launch of the Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign’s free National Cancer Helpline Number 93-555-20202. Operational from 10 am to 5 pm, Monday to Saturday, the helpline provides cancer patients with access to leading oncologists for expert guidance and support. It has already become a vital support system for cancer patients across India, receiving hundreds of calls daily.

Dr. Ashish Gupta, Principal Investigator and Senior Oncologist leading the Cancer Mukt Bharat Campaign, emphasized “Since the launch of free of cost National Cancer Helpline Number 9355520202, it is proving to an support system for cancer patients across India and we are getting almost hundreds of calls every day from across all the Indian states. This study helps us make more targeted cancer approach towards cancer treatment and make India Cancer Mukt.”

He added, “In our country escalating rates of obesity, change in dietary habits, specifically the increase in consumption of ultra processed food, and sedentary lifestyles also are associated with higher cancer rates. We must adopt a healthy lifestyle and avoid use of tobacco and alcohol to prevent the risk of cancer in younger generation.”