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World Cancer Day 2024: Every year, February 4 is observed as World Cancer Day with the aim to raise awareness and unite people in the fight against cancer and to highlight the significance of early cancer identification, prevention, and treatment. The Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has set aside this day so that people contemplate the worldwide effects of cancer and be inspired to take joint action along with governments, communities, and individuals. 

The fact that everyone can contribute to lowering the worldwide cancer burden—whether by embracing healthier lives, increasing access to high-quality healthcare, or supporting cancer research—is highlighted on World Cancer Day.

World Cancer Day 2024 (Image Credit: Freepik)

About the sudden increase in childhood cancer, Dr. Jyoti Wadhwa, who is a Vice Chairperson and HOD in Medical Oncology and Haematology at Paras Health in Gurugram, said, "The rising incidence of childhood cancers is becoming a serious public health issue in India, with a considerable proportion of cancer cases affecting individuals below the age of 15. Nearly half of all cancers in the age groups 0–4 years (42.1%) and 5–9 years (42.5%) are attributed to leukemias. A recent study published in the January 2024 edition of the India Pediatric Journal revealed leukemias as the predominant cancer type in the 0–19 age group."

According to the National Cancer Registry data under ICMR, "In India, over 3% of all cancer patients are under 15 years of age, and 4.6% are under 20. The four most common cancers among those aged 0 to 19 were lymphoma (12%), bone cancer (11%), central nervous system tumors (10%), and leukemia (36%)."

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Cancer has historically been thought to mostly affect people 50 years of age and older. But recent data indicates a significant rise in the occurrence of cancer in various organs among individuals under the age of 50, collectively termed early-onset cancer.

World Cancer Day 2024 (Image Credit: Canva)

In addition, Dr. Jyoti added, "These cancers impact different organ systems, including the breast, colon and/or rectum, pancreas, head and neck, kidney, etc. Cancer is a leading cause of death in children. Unfortunately, these childhood cancers are not amenable to prevention or cancer screening. The most effective way to deal with this problem is with a high index of suspicion, leading to an early diagnosis and the institution of effective treatment."

There are different types of cancer that affect different body parts. Dr. Sanjeev Kumar, who is a consultant in surgical oncology at Manipal Hospital in Gurugram, said, "Mainly, cases of rectal and breast cancer are being diagnosed in the younger generations. Overall, it has been observed that the expected age group for cancer has shifted down to being a decade early. More prevalent in Asian countries. Reasons include lifestyle changes and genetic factors. So, there has been a rise in cancer cases by 20–30% more prevalent in the younger generation, particularly in the cases of rectal and breast cancers, which we are seeing in our hospital. This cancer is also being noted as more advanced and aggressive, and the outcome of it is not positive either. Implications include quality-of-life issues, fertility issues, sexual issues, trauma, and other problems."

World Cancer Day 2024 (Image Credit: Freepik)

He further said, "If we talk about colorectal cancer, breast cancer, or ovarian cancer, many young cases are being reported. Approximately 20–30% of patients are from this young age group, which we are seeing in our hospital. If we talk about particular cases, I recently treated a 29-year-old female with rectal cancer and another patient who was 28 for the same. In breast cancer, many cases are being diagnosed in their 20s as well. There is also a similar pattern in all these patients; their cancer is comparatively aggressive."

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Especially as per the research, around 3% of the cancer patients in India are under 15. Dr. Satya Prakash Yadav, who is a Director of Paediatric Hemato Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplant in Medical and Haemato Oncology, Cancer Institute at Medanta in Gurugram, said, "Childhood cancer has increased in India in recent decades, primarily due to improved diagnostics. Better facilities for cancer diagnosis and increased awareness are contributing factors. Another reason is the rise in industrialization and the greater use of chemicals in our lives, which may contribute to the increase in cancer cases. This trend is observed in other rapidly developing countries, such as England in the 1940s, the United States, Japan in the 1990s, and now India."

World Cancer Day 2024 (Image Credit: Canva)

Do you know that adopting a healthy lifestyle can actually lower the risk of childhood cancer? Essential nutrients that support general health and a strong immune system are provided through the consumption of a varied diet full of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. In addition to helping people maintain a healthy weight, encouraging regular physical activity from a young age also lowers their risk of developing some cancers. Therefore, by including all of these lifestyle modifications, you can lower the chance of childhood cancer.