Cancer is on the rise in Urban India, says a Metropolis Healthcare study

Urban India has a lot to worry and mend ways with reports throwing up data to back that Cancer is on the rise in our Indian cities. Terming it Crisis Dr. Sushil Shah, Chairman, Metropolis Healthcare Ltd. points at the gap with the number of onco-specialists that are available in the country. With the changing lifestyles, weather, pollution levels, stress and eating habits, it isn’t a surprise that health quality at large is at a crossroad.  

Reports published by Metropolis captures the growth in cancer detection over the past three years –

The study also shows that of the various types of cancer, the breast, oral cavity, gastrointestinal and hepato-billiary tract and cervix were the more commonly occurring. With cancers of the prostate, urinary bladder, hemato-lymphoid and lung showing an increase in the trend.

The samples tested were from Ahmedabad, Chennai, Delhi, Pune, Guwahati, Indore, Mumbai and Bangalore. The study also revealed urban cities demonstrating an upward trend in the number of overall cancer positivity.

Dr Kirti Chadha, Head of Oncology, Metropolis Healthcare said, “Some of the most common cancers affecting women in India are cancers of the breast and cervix. Men in India on the other hand mainly suffer from oral cancer, gastrointestinal tract, lung and prostate. One of the major reasons for the rise in these particular cancers is increase in tobacco and alcohol consumption and a sedentary lifestyle. We have noticed a gradual increase in cancer diagnosis cases during these three years, which is 7.32% in 2013 to 10.1% in 2015.  The important truth about cancer is that most of the cancers can be prevented or detected at an early stage and cured more effectively. At Metropolis, our goal with each sample is to offer conclusive diagnosis at an affordable cost.”

Where preventive tests may be necessary to identify the possible issue timely, the self enforced changes at the right time in our lifestyle is going to be critical.