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Common Cancers in India and their causes
There are an estimated 2.5 million cases of cancer in India at any given time. The number of cancer cases at present is placed at around 15 lakh. ICICI Lombard brings attention to the most common cancers in India and its main causes.
Top Three Cancers of India
Cancer # 1: Tobacco-related cancers
Tobacco-related cancers account for almost one-third of all cancers in India. It causes predominantly head and neck, lung, and esophageal cancers.
 | Lung Cancer most common among men: According to the National Cancer Registry Program, lung cancer, owing to increasing consumption of tobacco, is the most common cancer in men. |
| Oral Cancer in Children: More than 5 million children in India are addicted to gutkha, a smokeless tobacco product that is a key driver behind the country's soaring oral cancer rates. |
| Tongue cancer in males from Bhopal: The incidence of tongue-cancer is highest among the men in Bhopal. |
The main reason why tobacco becomes addictive is due to the content of Nicotine, which alters brain functioning. Most smokers continue to smoke in order to avoid the pain of withdrawal symptoms.
Cancer # 2: Cervical Cancer
Cervical Cancer – leading cancer among women: Though cervical cancer is easily detected with relatively low-cost methods, awareness of and access to such services is severely limited, especially among poor rural women.
Dr. F.D. Patel, Professor in the Department of Radiotherapy and Oncology, has stated the common reasons of increasing incidence of Cervical Cancer among women.
Early marriages and multiple pregnancies can lead to cancer of the uterus. Late first pregnancy may lead to cancer of the uterus or cervix. Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical cancer.
Cancer # 3: Breast Cancer
Breast cancer predominant among urban women: Breast cancer is on the rise and now is the leading cancer in some urban areas such as Mumbai and Delhi.
Cancer of the breast, which is the second commonest among females, is related to un-opposed action of estrogen - a hormone produced in the body. Early Menarchy, late menopause and a diet rich in fats are other reasons of increasing prevalence of Breast Cancer.
Tackling the Cancer Burden in India
While 80% of the cases can be cured if detected early, how does one account for the associated lifestyle changes?
You have two ways to secure your financial security.
Health Insurance: With a health insurance, you get cover of your medical and hospitalization expenses. But it does not cover the scenario of a loss of regular income in case of a Critical Illness.
Critical Care Insurance: ICICI Lombard brings Critical Care Insurance, which provide a 'living benefit' to insurers. This would mean that on diagnosis of Cancer among 8 other major medical illness and procedures, you would be offered a lump-sum benefit. This benefit can be used for treatment or maintaining your lifestyle.
Critical Care offers lump-sum benefit on:
Diagnosis of 9 Critical Illnesses and Procedures
Accidental death
Permanent Total Disablement due to an accident
No 30 days waiting period (Benefit is paid immediately on diagnosis)
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