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The statistics of cancer in India is baffling, with it reporting one of the highest cases after cardiovascular diseases. However, what is even more shocking is that one of the most prevalent diseases, cancer is non-communicable. Reports suggest that 11.57 lakh new cases were reported in 2019 alone with women being more affected than men in the country. While it’s important to consider that men constitute a slightly larger proportion than women in the country, women’s cancer cases are over 55% of the total cancer cases in the country. The statistics are absolutely shocking and we demystify the gender-based difference in the prevalence of cancer.
WHY WOMEN ARE AFFECTED MORE?
While women may be affected more by cancer, the mortality rate is higher in men from the menacing disease. With meticulous research, the reason can be narrowed down to the genetic pool of men and women. A female hormone, Estrogen attracts cancer but also plays a vital role in increasing her chances of survival.
Significant evidence reveals sex-related differences in the occurrence and mortality associated with various kinds of cancers. Lung, colorectal, and prostate cancer occur majorly in males, whereas lung, cervical, and breast cancer are predominant in females. The occurrence of thyroid cancer is also much higher in females than in men. Among all kinds of cancers among both genders, the occurrence of breast cancer is reported to be the highest at 1,44,937, followed by cervix cancer at 1,22,844 cases. These statistics explain the reason for the gender difference profusely. With modern scientific and healthcare technologies, breast and cervical cancer can be easily detected at an early age. However, the cancers predominant in men are convoluted to be detected, which clarifies the mortality rate.
Besides, women are exposed to more medical attention than men especially on account of pregnancy, child-birth, and rearing. Allowing them to discuss with a professional profusely.
COMPARING INDIA AND THE WORLD
One of the most perplexing facts when comparing cases in India and cancer worldwide is that whereas cancer is more prevalent in women in India, it is quite the opposite worldwide. This could be linked to the different lifestyle habits. In India, there’s an increase in risk factors such as high-fat diets and obesity, which can be linked to breast cancer.
However, if we compare it to developed economies such as the US, India’s cancer cases are still low. Nevertheless, education on cancer prevention and regular check-ups are crucial to keep up the socio-economic health of the country.
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SOURCES →
* NCBI
* BBC