Cancer in Developing Countries - Concerns

  • Paul Augustine Regional Cancer Center, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

Abstract

The mention of cancer still send chills down the spine of most people. This happens because it is deemed to be a death sentence. Globally, there were an estimated 14.1million new cases and 8.2 million deaths from cancer in 2012 and as a single entity, the biggest cause of mortality.1 Cancer cases worldwide are forecast to rise by 75% and reach close to 25 million over the next two decades.2 World cancer report 2014 urges countries to adopt National programmes aimed at early detection and life style modifications.3 Unfortunately, in India, around 35%-50% of all cancer patients succumb to the disease.4 This is much better than what was happening a decade or two ago; but we need to improve our results to achieve at least 70% - 80% cure rates. The results can be improved by focusing on Prevention, Early detection and Proper Management.

Author Biography

Paul Augustine, Regional Cancer Center, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India

 Additional Professor, Division of Surgical Oncology

Published
2019-03-25
How to Cite
Augustine, P. (2019). Cancer in Developing Countries - Concerns. Kerala Medical Journal, 12(1), 27-28. https://doi.org/10.52314/kmj.2019.v12i1.554