The 4th edition of the Health of Nation Report by Apollo Hospitals, launched on World Health Day 2024, indicates that one in three Indians is pre-diabetic, two in three are pre-hypertensive, and one in ten suffers from depression, with NCDs manifesting at increasingly younger ages.
In India, the most prevalent cancers among women are breast, cervix, and ovary, while among men, they are lung, mouth, and prostate. Despite the lower median age for cancer diagnosis in India compared to other countries, cancer screening rates remain remarkably low, according to the hospital’s release.
This situation calls for immediate interventions and emphasizes the importance of regular health screenings to mitigate risks associated with NCDs. It's a complex issue that involves healthcare infrastructure, public awareness, and access to medical facilities. The report suggests that comprehensive screenings are becoming more common, indicating a growing awareness of health and wellness among the populace.
The Report provides a comprehensive analysis of the non-communicable diseases (NCDs) landscape in India. Here are some key highlights from the report:
Rising Incidence of NCDs: The report emphasizes the alarming increase in NCDs in India, including cancer, diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues.
Cancer Capital Concern: It notes the escalating incidence of cancer in India, which is higher than global rates, leading to the term "cancer capital of the world" being used in reference to India.
Younger Age Manifestation: There is a noted trend of NCDs manifesting at increasingly younger ages, indicating a shift in the health landscape.
Importance of Regular Health Screenings: The report highlights the critical role of regular health screenings in reducing blood pressure and body mass index levels, which can lower the risk of cardiac-related ailments.
Technology and Preventive Healthcare: Apollo Hospitals is integrating technology to improve disease prevention and diagnosis accuracy, aiming to provide personalized and effective healthcare services.
The report underscores the urgent need for interventions to combat the growing epidemic of NCDs and stresses the importance of educating the public and creating individualized preventive healthcare solutions.
Recommendations
Apollo Hospitals recommends several measures to address the rising incidence of cancer in India, focusing on prevention, early detection, and lifestyle changes. Here are some key recommendations:- Primary Prevention: This includes reducing or eliminating exposure to carcinogens, such as tobacco and alcohol, which are significant risk factors for various cancers.
- Education: Compulsory education about the risks associated with tobacco, unhealthy sexual habits, and the benefits of a cancer-preventive diet is emphasized.
- Diet and Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in micronutrients, proteins, and non-nutrients can have protective effects and help prevent cancer. Reducing the intake of red meat and fat, which are associated with an increased risk of colon and breast cancers, is also recommended.
- Vaccination: Vaccines against oncogenic agents like the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) for cervical cancer prevention and hepatitis B for liver cancer prevention are encouraged.
- Screening: Regular health screenings, including tests for breast, cervix, colon, prostate, lung, skin, and oral cancers, are crucial for early detection.
- Lifestyle Modifications: Avoiding tobacco and alcohol, maintaining a healthy weight, and engaging in regular physical activity are recommended to lower cancer risk.
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