There has only been a marginal rise in the incidence of cancer cases in Mumbai. According to data collated by the Indian Cancer Society, the Mumbai Cancer Registry recorded 13,564 cases in 2014 compared with the 12,090 in 2010. Even with an upward graph, the lifetime risk of developing cancer has remained the same in the overall population since 2010: one in eight people up to the age of 75.
‘No phenomenal rise’
Dr. Vinay Deshmane, medical director, Mumbai Cancer Registry, said, “The numbers have increased but there has been no phenomenal rise. Our data shows that cancer has become an ageing problem with 50% of cancers occurring in people above 60 years.” The registry has collected data from 137 medical set ups across the city. In 2013, cancer cases in Mumbai stood at 13,867, slightly higher than the 2014 figure. The cases in 2012, 2011 and 2010 stood at 13,383, 12,201 and 12,090 respectively. “The overall rise has been only a few hundred cases, but we have observed that the mortality rate has not gone down.” Delayed diagnosis is a persistent problem in cancer treatment, which results in patients seeking medical advice at an advanced stage.
Dr. Shripad Banavali, head of medical oncology, Tata Memorial Hospital, says the figures have stabilised because the incidence of some cancers have reduced. “This has been an equalising factor. For example, oral cancers have reduced to a certain extent due to increased awareness of the harmful effects of tobacco. Overall, even if the figures remain high, the slight reduction is helping stabilise the numbers.”
Cancers of the gastrointestinal tract were the most common with an incidence of 22.5%, followed by head and neck cancers at 17%. “Smoked and spicy food, caffeine, and low roughage diet has been linked to gastrointestinal tract cancers,” said Dr. Deshmane. He said oesophagus and stomach cancers have reduced while hepatobiliary pancreatic, colon and rectum cancers have risen. Stomach cancers have reduced with lower incidence of stomach ulcers, commonly caused by bacterial infection. Colorectal cancers have seen a rise owing to increased intake of alcohol, saturated fats and calories.
Drop in cervical cancers
In women, breast cancer tops the chart. Cervical cancer has seen a drastic drop over the years without much intervention. Doctors say better hygiene and improved sanitation facilities may have played a role. Cervical cancer stood at 21.4% in 1964 when the Mumbai Cancer Registry was established. Now, it’s incidence stands at a mere 7.8%. The drop has started a debate on whether a vaccination programme is needed to prevent cancer.
In men, lung and mouth cancers continue to be on the top. Doctors attribute the steady rise to smoking and chewing tobacco. The incidence increases post 45 years and is highest post 75 years.
