Cancer affects men and women equally. However, the risk factors differ between males and females. Tobacco consumption is one of the major causes of cancer in both men and women. Men have a higher incidence of oral cavity cancer than women. Lung cancer is more common among men while breast cancer is more prevalent among women. Women are at greater risk of developing cervical cancer, whereas men are more prone to prostate cancer. By seeing this government of India launched a cancer awareness program about cancer in 2005. More info about this program Below
Cancer Awareness Program (CAP)
India’s Cancer Awareness Program (CAP) was launched in 2005. According to data released by the Fortis memorial research Institute (FMRI), India has the highest number of cancer cases in the world. In 2010, about 2.6 million people were diagnosed with cancer. There were 1.24 lakh deaths due to cancer. About 70% of these deaths occurred in rural areas where access to healthcare is poor.
The CAP program aims to reduce the burden of cancer-related morbidity and mortality in India. It focuses on prevention, early detection, treatment, rehabilitation, and palliative care. The CAP program provides free screening services for cancers such as breast, cervix, colon, lung, stomach, mouth, esophagus, liver, kidney, bladder, pancreas, ovary, testis, thyroid gland, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, leukemia, Kaposi sarcoma, skin, head and neck, bone and soft tissue sarcomas, eye, brain, neuroblastoma, retinoblastoma, Wilms tumor, congenital malformations, and childhood cancers.
The NCRP reports that India has the highest number of cancer cases in the world and the second highest number of cancer deaths worldwide. It further states that about 80% of cancer cases occur in rural areas where access is poor to quality healthcare facilities.
In 2010, about 1.25 lakh people died of cancer in India. Of them, about 67,000 were women and 56,000 were men. According to the NCRP, the top five leading causes of cancer death in India in 2010 were lung, stomach, colorectal, liver, and cervical cancers.
According to the WHO, tobacco use is responsible for about 5.4% of global cancer deaths. Tobacco is the single largest preventable cause of cancer. Smoking is directly linked to many types of cancer including lung, larynx, pharynx, esophagus, stomach, rectum, pancreas, urinary tract, and mouth.
The WHO estimates that tobacco kills about 6 million people each year. More than 90% of those who die from smoking-related illnesses are in low-income countries.
Tobacco use is the biggest avoidable cause of cancer. Many smokers start using tobacco before they reach adulthood. Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to initiation of smoking.
If you want to quit smoking, then do it today! You can live longer without cigarettes and enjoy a healthier lifestyle. If you already smoke, quitting is even easier. Quitting reduces your risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and certain forms of cancer.
You don’t need to stop cold turkey. Try gradual reduction over several weeks. You’ll find it much easier if you make a plan first. Find out how to cut down on the amount you smoke and what to do instead of smoking. Talk to your family doctor or call the helpline.
You can also read: Why Blood Cancer Needed
