• World Cancer Day which is held every year on February 4, is a global initiative by the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC).

• The theme for 2022-2024 is “Close the Care Gap”.

• WHO’s cancer agency, the International Agency for Research on Cancer reported:

• 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths globally, in 2022.

• 14.13 lakh new cancer cases and 9.16 lakh deaths in India.

• The top five cancers among Indian women are those of

1. Breast (26.6%),

2. Cervix(17.7%),

3. Ovary (6.6 %),

4. Mouth, and colorectum.

• The top five cancers among Indian men are those of the

1. Oral cavity (15.6 %),

2. Lung (8.5 %),

3. Oesophagus (6.6 %),

4. Colorectum, and stomach.

• Breast cancer followed by cancer of the oral cavity and cervix is the leading cause of cancer deaths in India.

• A total of 35 million new cancer cases are predicted by 2050 – a 77% rise from the estimated 20 million in 2022.

• To curb the rising cancer cases, the strategies that need to be adopted:

1. Healthier lifestyle.

2. Strengthening healthcare facilities for cancer prevention and early detection.

3. Easy availability of drugs.

4. Capping prices of drugs, equipment, and procedures.

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