AsiaNet-Pakistan Premier Editorial Content and Press Release Distribution Service
New Delhi, India is experiencing a rapid increase in cancer cases, contributing to its recognition as the ‘cancer capital of the world,’ amidst a broader surge in non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including diabetes, hypertension, cardiovascular diseases, and mental health issues.
According to Kashmir Media Service, the Apollo Hospitals’ 4th edition of the Health of Nation Report, unveiled on World Health Day 2024, highlights the escalating health crisis. The report indicates that a significant portion of the Indian population is at risk for or already suffering from various NCDs, with one in three Indians being pre-diabetic, two in three pre-hypertensive, and one in ten experiencing depression.
The report, issued in Chennai, emphasizes the growing burden of cancer in India, comparing unfavorably with global statistics and underscoring the urgent need for healthcare interventions. With the median age for cancer diagnosis in India lower than in other countries, the concern is heightened by low cancer screening rates across the population.
Apollo’s findings suggest a potential increase in healthcare burdens, with conditions like pre-diabetes, prehypertension, and mental health disorders appearing at younger ages. The report advocates for regular health screenings as essential tools for reducing blood pressure and body mass index (BMI) levels, thereby decreasing the risk of cardiac-related diseases.
Dr. Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson of Apollo Hospitals, emphasized the critical role of health in national development and the necessity of a unified approach to combat the rising tide of NCDs. She called for increased investment in health infrastructure and preventive healthcare measures to mitigate health inequities and promote inclusive, sustainable development.
Dr. Madhu Sasidhar, President & CEO of Apollo Hospitals, pointed to the significant rise in NCDs as indicative of a profound global health shift, necessitating innovation in preventive healthcare and improved access to medical services. Apollo Hospitals aims to utilize technology for better disease prevention, diagnosis accuracy, and patient-centric treatment methodologies through initiatives like their AI-backed preventive healthcare programme and the ProHealth Score.
The report also highlights the most common cancers in India, with breast, cervix, and ovary cancers leading among women, and lung, mouth, and prostate cancers prevalent among men. The focus on increasing awareness and proactive health measures seeks to address the mounting impact of NCDs on India’s population.