A recent PTI report shed light on concerning health trends in India, particularly the alarming rise in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with cancer cases skyrocketing nationwide. The 4th edition of the Apollo Hospitals’ Health of Nation Report, released on World Health Day 2024, revealed India’s designation as the “cancer capital of the world.”
The report unveiled staggering statistics, indicating that one in three Indians is pre-diabetic, two in three are pre-hypertensive, and one in 10 suffers from depression. The prevalence of NCDs like cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health disorders has reached critical levels, posing a significant threat to public health.
The surge in cancer cases is of particular concern, surpassing global rates and affecting Indians at younger ages. Breast cancer, cervix cancer, and ovarian cancer top the list among women, while lung cancer, mouth cancer, and prostate cancer are prevalent among men. Despite the lower median age for cancer diagnosis in India compared to other countries, cancer screening rates remain alarmingly low.
Key findings from the report include a substantial increase in obesity, hypertension, and the risk of obstructive sleep apnea among Indians. Obesity rates have doubled from 9 percent in 2016 to 20 percent in 2023, while hypertension cases have risen from 9 percent to 13 percent during the same period.
The report underscores the urgent need for health screenings and unified action to combat NCDs effectively. Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, stressed the importance of collective efforts to address NCDs through education and personalized preventive healthcare solutions. Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, President & CEO of Apollo Hospitals, highlighted the significance of innovation in preventive healthcare and leveraging technology to enhance disease prevention and patient-centric treatment approaches.