Oral Cancer: Tobacco Linked to Majority of Oral Cancer Cases in Central India

As students preparing for competitive exams, it is essential to stay informed about the latest developments in the field of healthcare, particularly in the context of cancer. A recent study by the Rashtra Sant Tukadoji Regional Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (RSTRCH) in Nagpur, Central India, has shed light on the alarming prevalence of cancer in the region. The study, registered with the Hospital-Based Cancer Registry (HBCR), reveals a significant disease burden, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and early detection initiatives.

The data collected from various hospitals in Vidarbha, including RST Hospital, Jawaharlal Nehru Medical College, Mahatma Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences, NKP Salve Institute of Medical Sciences and Research Centre, HCG-NCHRI Cancer Hospital, National Cancer Institute, and GMCH Nagpur, highlights the crucial role of tobacco consumption in cancer prevalence. According to Dr. Kartar Singh, head of the radiotherapy department and principal investigator for HBCR at RSTRCH, “Nearly 40% of all cancers and a staggering 80% of oral cancers in our region are directly linked to tobacco consumption.”

The study also provides insights into the national trends, with five states – Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bengal, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu – bearing the highest cancer burden in India. In Nagpur, oral cancer topped the list with 3,541 cases (32%), followed by breast cancer with 1,579 cases (14%) and cervical cancer with 1,555 cases (14%). The data raises concerns about late detection, with majority of patients (37%) coming from the age group 41-50, followed by 51-60 (26%) and 61-70 years (19%).

Experts urge a multi-pronged approach to address the issue, emphasizing the importance of preventive strategies. Dr. BK Sharma, honorary consultant and principal investigator for population-based cancer registry (PBCR) at RST Cancer Hospital, stresses that “Cancer is preventable and controllable through evidence-based interventions in prevention, screening, early detection, treatment, and palliative care.”

It is essential to note that national estimates suggest that cancer cases could rise from 14.6 lakh in 2022 to 15.7 lakh by 2025. Breast cancer remains the most common, followed by oral cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, and esophageal cancer. As students, it is crucial to understand the causes and consequences of cancer, as well as the initiatives being taken to combat the disease.

Key Takeaways:

• Tobacco consumption is linked to 80% of oral cancers in Central India.
• Five states – Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bengal, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu – bear the highest cancer burden in India.
• Oral cancer is the most common type of cancer in Nagpur, followed by breast and cervical cancer.
• Late detection is a major challenge, with majority of patients coming from the age group 41-50.
• Cancer is preventable and controllable through evidence-based interventions.

Why is this important for competitive exams?

• Understanding the causes and consequences of cancer is crucial for competitive exams, as it tests your knowledge of healthcare and medical issues.
• The study highlights the importance of preventive measures and early detection initiatives, which is a critical aspect of healthcare.
• The data provides insights into the national trends, emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the issue.

By staying informed about the latest developments in the field of healthcare, you can demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of the subject, making you a stronger candidate for competitive exams.

Historical Context:

The study conducted by the Rashtra Sant Tukadoji Regional Cancer Hospital and Research Centre (RSTRCH) in Nagpur, Central India, highlights the alarming prevalence of cancer in the region. Cancer has been a significant public health concern globally, with the World Health Organization (WHO) estimating that there were 18.1 million new cases and 9.6 million cancer-related deaths in 2018. In India, cancer has been a growing concern, with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimating that there were 14.6 lakh new cases in 2022, and the number is expected to rise to 15.7 lakh by 2025.

The study’s findings on the link between tobacco consumption and oral cancer are particularly significant, as tobacco use has been a major public health concern in India. According to the WHO, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable deaths worldwide, accounting for more than 7 million deaths annually. In India, tobacco use is a major risk factor for oral cancer, with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimating that tobacco use is responsible for 30% of all cancer deaths in the country.

Summary in Bullet Points:

• A recent study by RSTRCH in Nagpur, Central India, reveals a significant disease burden, emphasizing the need for preventive measures and early detection initiatives.
• Tobacco consumption is linked to 80% of oral cancers in Central India.
• Five states – Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Bengal, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu – bear the highest cancer burden in India.
• Oral cancer is the most common type of cancer in Nagpur, followed by breast and cervical cancer.
• Late detection is a major challenge, with majority of patients coming from the age group 41-50.
• Cancer is preventable and controllable through evidence-based interventions.
• The study highlights the importance of preventive measures and early detection initiatives, which is a critical aspect of healthcare.
• The data provides insights into the national trends, emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the issue.

Why is this important for competitive exams?

• Understanding the causes and consequences of cancer is crucial for competitive exams, as it tests your knowledge of healthcare and medical issues.
• The study highlights the importance of preventive measures and early detection initiatives, which is a critical aspect of healthcare.
• The data provides insights into the national trends, emphasizing the need for a multi-pronged approach to address the issue.
• Staying informed about the latest developments in the field of healthcare demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of the subject, making you a stronger candidate for competitive exams.