MUMBAI: The burden of tobacco-related cancers in India seems to be increasing, shows data from Tata Memorial Hospital in Parel released ahead of the World No-Tobacco Day on May 31.
While the number of lung cancer registered at the cancer hub was 1,985 in 2021, it rose to 2,383 in 2022 and climbed by another 9% (2,600 cases) in 2023.
However, while the cases have increased, the number of people undergoing surgery hasn’t increased, according to Dr Sabita Jiwnani from the hospital’s surgical oncology department.Dr Jiwnani said that of the 2,600 registered lung cancer patients in 2023, only 140 underwent surgical intervention because the rest reported in such an advanced stage that surgery was no longer an option. “Even out of 140 lung cancer patients, barely 10 patients were in the first stage,’’ she said.
The doctor said that the above numbers highlighted the need for early screening and detection. In Maharashtra, where 27% of the adults use some form of tobacco (as per the Global Adults Tobacco Survey 2), the doctor said there is an urgent need to ensure that school and college students are not exposed to tobacco products. “There is a need to prevent students from initiating the use of tobacco,” she added.
The problem with early detection of lung cancer in India is the fact that many of its initial symptoms are common with tuberculosis. Symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath are common to both TB and lung cancer. “At present, patients stay on anti-TB regimen for three to four months before they are sent for cancer tests when they show no improvement,’’ said the doctor. If symptoms don’t come under control within three weeks of anti-TB medicine, then doctors should order a CT scan and a biopsy for cancer.
While the number of lung cancer registered at the cancer hub was 1,985 in 2021, it rose to 2,383 in 2022 and climbed by another 9% (2,600 cases) in 2023.
However, while the cases have increased, the number of people undergoing surgery hasn’t increased, according to Dr Sabita Jiwnani from the hospital’s surgical oncology department.Dr Jiwnani said that of the 2,600 registered lung cancer patients in 2023, only 140 underwent surgical intervention because the rest reported in such an advanced stage that surgery was no longer an option. “Even out of 140 lung cancer patients, barely 10 patients were in the first stage,’’ she said.
The doctor said that the above numbers highlighted the need for early screening and detection. In Maharashtra, where 27% of the adults use some form of tobacco (as per the Global Adults Tobacco Survey 2), the doctor said there is an urgent need to ensure that school and college students are not exposed to tobacco products. “There is a need to prevent students from initiating the use of tobacco,” she added.
The problem with early detection of lung cancer in India is the fact that many of its initial symptoms are common with tuberculosis. Symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, and shortness of breath are common to both TB and lung cancer. “At present, patients stay on anti-TB regimen for three to four months before they are sent for cancer tests when they show no improvement,’’ said the doctor. If symptoms don’t come under control within three weeks of anti-TB medicine, then doctors should order a CT scan and a biopsy for cancer.