Bharat, often referred to as the cancer capital of the world, faces a concerning escalation in cancer cases and non-communicable diseases or NCDs, as highlighted in the recent Health of Nation Report by Apollo Hospitals. Released on World Health Day 2024, the report sheds light on worrisome trends in public health across the country.
The findings present sobering statistics: one in three Indians is pre-diabetic, two in three are pre-hypertensive, and one in 10 grapples with depression. The pervasive prevalence of NCDs, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders, underscores significant challenges to India’s healthcare system.
Of particular concern is the exponential rise in cancer cases, surpassing global rates and earning Bharat the disconcerting title of the cancer capital of the world. The report raises alarms about a potential healthcare crisis as conditions such as pre-diabetes, pre-hypertension, and mental health disorders manifest at increasingly younger ages.
Among the most prevalent cancers in Bharat are breast cancer, cervix cancer, and ovarian cancer among women, alongside lung cancer, mouth cancer, and prostate cancer among men. Despite the relatively younger median age for cancer diagnosis compared to other nations, cancer screening rates in Bharat remain notably inadequate.
The report underscores the critical importance of regular health screenings in mitigating the risk of cardiac-related ailments by monitoring blood pressure and body mass index levels. While awareness of health checks is gradually increasing, concerted efforts to expand their accessibility nationwide are imperative.
Apollo Hospitals Vice Chairperson Dr Preetha Reddy stresses the necessity for collaborative action to effectively address NCDs. She underscores the urgency of nationwide interventions through education and personalized preventive healthcare initiatives.
Apollo Hospitals President & CEO Dr Madhu Sasidhar emphasizes the significance of innovation in preventive healthcare and improved accessibility. He advocates for harnessing technology to bolster disease prevention, accurate diagnosis, and patient-centric treatment modalities, ensuring holistic advancements in Bharat’s healthcare landscape.
