Head and neck cancer cases are increasing rapidly in India. According to a new study, about 26 percent of cancer patients in the country have been found to have tumors in the head and neck. The study conducted by Cancer Free India Foundation analysed data of 1,869 patients. Tobacco consumption and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are believed to be the major reasons for this increase. Let’s know here..
The study was conducted on 1,869 cancer patients across the country and its results were released on the occasion of World Head and Neck Cancer Day. Cancer Free India Foundation, a Delhi-based non-profit organisation, conducted the study. It collected data of calls received on its helpline from March 1 to June 30.
Know the reason for the increase
Dr. Ashish Gupta, who heads the Cancer Free India campaign, said head and neck cancer cases are on the rise in India, especially among the youth, because of increased tobacco use and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection. Head and neck cancer is followed by gastrointestinal cancer at 16 per cent. Breast cancer accounts for 15 per cent of cancers in India and blood cancer accounts for 9 per cent.
Know how to avoid it
Dr Gupta said, "About 80-90 percent of oral cancer patients have been found to use tobacco, whether in the form of smoking or chewing. Most head and neck cancers are preventable, and lifestyle changes are necessary. Awareness needs to be raised for quitting tobacco and early detection."About two-thirds of cancer cases in India are detected late, possibly due to lack of proper screening. The Cancer Free India campaign aims to reduce the impact of cancer on individuals and communities through education and early detection. Dr Gupta said that if head and neck cancer is detected in the early stages (stage 1 or 2), more than 80 percent of patients are curable.
Know its treatment
He said, "Every week we get new medicines for cancer treatment, which can treat cancer better. Head and neck cancer can be treated in many ways, such as surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy and immunotherapy. New cancer treatments not only cure the disease, but also ensure that the quality of life of patients remains good.
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