63 Of Every 100 Cancer Deaths In Indian Women Are Preventable: Lancet Study

The most recent Lancet Commission report on gender and cancer treatment, utilizing data from 2020, has brought to light a startling statistic: nearly 63 percent of cancer-related deaths among women in India could have been averted through the reduction of risk factors, improved screening, and diagnosis, while an additional 37 percent of these fatalities could have been prevented through timely and appropriate treatment.

The data presented in the report reveals a staggering reality - approximately 6.9 million cancer-related deaths among women in India were potentially preventable, while 4.03 million of these deaths could have been treatable with timely interventions.

Titled "Women, Power, and Cancer," the report underscores the pressing issues that plague women's health in India. It sheds light on the unfortunate combination of societal indifference, limited awareness, and the lack of access to quality healthcare at the primary care level, all of which have collectively contributed to delayed cancer prevention, detection, and care for women in the country.

The Lancet Commission's report on gender and cancer care in India spotlights a poignant case study that encapsulates the stark gender disparities prevalent in the country's approach to cancer treatment. A 36-year-old woman residing in Mumbai's Nala Sopara area serves as a representative example. Unbeknownst to her, persistent headaches were indicative of an evolving brain cancer. Her husband, consumed by alcoholism and indifference, dismissed her ailment as unworthy of medical attention, callously stating, "If you die, then die. If you live, then live." Trapped in an abusive environment, she endured physical and emotional trauma. A local doctor misdiagnosed her condition as a mere eye problem. It was her father-in-law, a humble vendor, who recognized the gravity of the situation and ensured she received proper medical attention and diagnosis.

Tragically, many women like her grapple not only with cancer but also with domestic violence and poverty. They often find themselves unable to access timely treatment and deteriorate rapidly into the advanced stages of the disease.
Dr. Ishu Kataria, Commissioner at Lancet, underscored a grim statistic from 2020 - more than half of the women diagnosed with cancer in India succumbed to the disease due to a complex interplay of family apathy, their own indifference, limited access to medical facilities, and financial constraints.

Dr. Kataria stressed the urgency of adopting a "feminist" approach to cancer care. She emphasized the need for cancer to be prioritized within the broader context of women's health, considering that women interact with cancer in various roles, from patients and caregivers to advocates, healthcare providers, researchers, and policymakers. However, they often encounter gender bias and discrimination stemming from age, ethnicity, socio-economic status, gender identity, or sexual orientation, which impede their ability to access quality care for diagnosis and treatment.
Regarding cancer-related deaths among women in India, official data for 2020 reveals that breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers were the top three culprits. Infections remain the most significant risk factor, contributing to 23 percent of cancer-related deaths, with HPV and Hepatitis B and C infections being notable culprits. Tobacco use follows closely, accounting for six percent of these deaths, while alcohol and obesity each contribute one percent to cancer mortality in India.

Furthermore, the report highlights the economic toll of premature cancer-related deaths. BRICS nations, including India, collectively lost USD 46.3 billion due to productivity losses stemming from these fatalities. The value of unpaid cancer caregiving by women in India is estimated to be approximately 3.66 percent of the nation's total health expenditure.

Dr. Pankaj Chaturvedi from the Centre for Cancer Epidemiology at the Tata Memorial Centre in Mumbai emphasized the critical role of awareness, particularly among women who are educationally and financially disadvantaged. Such women frequently present themselves at advanced stages of cancer, underscoring the urgent need for a feminist and inclusive agenda for cancer care, as advocated by the Lancet Commission.