NEW DELHI: The states which recorded the most cases of common cancer in 2018 — Gujarat, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and West Bengal — also recorded a significant jump in cases as compared to the previous year, according to National Health Profile, 2019 data. For instance, the number of people diagnosed with common cancer in Gujarat jumped from 3,939 in 2017 to 72,169 in 2018, recording 68,230 new cases, whereas the number of those visiting clinics increased by only 24%.
Even states like Andhra Pradesh and UP, where the numbers of diagnosed cases were comparatively less, reported a significant jump in 2018 as compared to the previous year.
“Consumption of tobacco products is a major factor contributing significantly to oral cancers, especially when it is coupled with alcohol, the risk and incidence is much higher. Besides, a sedentary lifestyle and rising rate of obesity are causing a rapid increase in all kind of cancers,” says Dr Harpreet Singh, senior consultant oncologist at Action Cancer Hospital.
Doctors also strongly recommend breastfeeding to counter the incidence of breast cancer.