Cancer is one of the deadliest diseases in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), it is estimated that the prevalence of cancer in India is 6.3 million, and the number of deaths due to cancer is estimated to be around 8.7 lakhs, making it the second leading cause of death in India.
There are many types of cancer, and the most common ones in India are breast, lung, cervical, and oral cancers. All of these cancers are life-threatening and can cause severe health issues, including death. In this article, we will focus on the four deadliest cancers that have been identified in India and their symptoms.
1. Breast Cancer: Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer in India, accounting for about 27% of all cancer cases. It starts in the cells of the breast and can spread to other parts of the body. The most common signs and symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, changes in the size or shape of the breast, nipple discharge, and changes in the skin of the breast. It is important to get regular mammograms to detect breast cancer in its early stages.
2. Lung Cancer: Lung cancer is the second most common type of cancer in India, accounting for about 17% of all cancer cases. It starts in the cells of the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. The most common signs and symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and weight loss.
3. Cervical Cancer: Cervical cancer is the third most common type of cancer in India, accounting for about 12% of all cancer cases. It starts in the cells of the cervix and can spread to other parts of the body. The most common signs and symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal bleeding from the vagina, pelvic pain, and pain during intercourse. It is important to get regular Pap tests to detect cervical cancer in its early stages.
4. Oral Cancer: Oral cancer is the fourth most common type of cancer in India, accounting for about 7% of all cancer cases. It starts in the cells of the mouth and can spread to other parts of the body. The most common signs and symptoms of oral cancer include a sore in the mouth that doesn’t heal, a lump in the neck, difficulty in swallowing, and changes in the voice. It is important to get regular dental checkups to detect oral cancer in its early stages.
These are the four deadliest cancers in India and their symptoms. It is important to get regular screening tests and medical checkups to detect these cancers in their early stages and to improve the chances of successful treatment. If you have any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.