Cancer Patterns in Garhwal, Uttarakhand: A Study

Cancer survival is at its highest in 50 years - but for many cancers the gap is wider than ever New data from London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, U. of London show that half of people in England and Wales now survive cancer for at least 10 years after diagnosis, up from just one in four in the early 1970s. This remarkable progress reflects advances in screening, targeted therapies, and public awareness. Here are some of the key facts: - Biggest gains: Breast cancer survival has risen from 42% (1971) to over 76% (2018). Testicular cancer now has a 97% ten-year survival rate. - Hardest to treat: Pancreatic cancer survival is still only 4.3%, lung 10%, brain 19.2% - with only marginal improvements in decades. - Slowing progress: Over the past 20 years, gains in survival have dropped from 4% every five years to just 1.4%. - Persistent inequalities: Younger and wealthier patients fare far better than older or deprived populations. We have doubled survival rates in a generation, but the pace of improvement is slowing and inequalities are deepening. We must: - Detect cancers earlier - Target hard-to-treat and rarer types - Address socioeconomic and age-based disparities - Invest in cutting-edge research and access to innovation Progress is possible, but we need to close the gaps that still cost lives.

A policy shift in 2021 to lower the colorectal cancer screening age from 50 to 45 is now showing measurable impact—and it’s powerful. 📈 Two new studies in JAMA reveal a sharp increase in screenings among 45–49-year-olds, leading to a significant rise in early-stage cancer detection within this younger group. 👉 This is exactly what public health leaders hoped for—and it’s saving lives. 🔍 What changed? - Clearer guidelines. - Increased awareness. - A growing acknowledgment that colorectal cancer is no longer just a disease of older adults. 📣 Key Insight: Early detection is the best weapon we have—especially for a cancer type that often presents with no symptoms until it’s advanced. 💭 Questions to consider: - How can we further reduce barriers to screening (cost, stigma, access)? - Can we replicate this model of guideline-driven impact across other preventable cancers? - Are we prepared to manage a growing cohort of younger cancer survivors with unique needs? This is more than a public health win—it's a wake-up call to continue pushing for evidence-based, age-appropriate care. #ColorectalCancer #CancerScreening #EarlyDetection #PublicHealth #HealthcarePolicy #PreventiveCare #Oncology #JAMA #YoungAdultCancer #HealthEquity #PatientOutcomes https://lnkd.in/gTXfHeAC

🔬💉 From TB Vaccine to Cancer Immunotherapy: The Journey of BCG #UroOncology #BladderCancer #Immunotherapy #BCG #Urology #Oncology #CancerTreatment #MedicalHistory #InnovationInMedicine #NMIBC #DrAlvaroMorales #FortisVasantKunj #FightCancer #KidneyCancer #UroOncologist #MensHealth As a uro-oncologist, I often witness the ever-evolving landscape of cancer care — but some milestones are so powerful, they shape generations of treatment. One such breakthrough is the intravesical use of BCG for bladder cancer. In 1976, Dr. Alvaro Morales made a bold and visionary move — he instilled a tuberculosis vaccine (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) into the bladder to treat superficial bladder tumors. What resulted wasn’t just tumor regression — it was the beginning of cancer immunotherapy. 🧠 Instead of targeting the tumor directly, BCG stimulates the body’s own immune system to fight cancer — a concept far ahead of its time. Even today, nearly five decades later, BCG remains the gold standard for treating high-risk non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). 💪 In my clinical practice, I’ve seen how this time-tested therapy prevents recurrence, delays progression, and preserves quality of life for countless patients. It is a reminder that powerful solutions can emerge from reimagining what already exists. 🙏 Let us acknowledge the brilliance of Dr. Morales, whose work continues to save lives — and inspires us, the next generation of uro-oncologists, to blend science with vision. 🧬 BCG — not just a vaccine, but a legacy of hope and healing

New WHO Bulletin research: National breast cancer screening programmes significantly reduce mortality A global analysis of 194 countries examined the association between national breast cancer screening programmes and breast cancer mortality from 2015-2021, using the WHO Global Health Observatory and Global Burden of Disease data. Research significance: This is the first study to quantify the global impact of national screening programmes across diverse sociodemographic and economic contexts, moving beyond individual country analyses. Key findings: ◘Countries with regular screening programmes had 3.74 fewer deaths per 100,000 population in 2021 ◘The benefit was most pronounced in women aged 50-74: 10.13 fewer deaths per 100,000 ◘Regular screening countries saw a 1.02% annual mortality decrease (2015-2021) vs a 0.45% annual increase in irregular screening countries. ◘Only 94 of 194 countries reported national screening programmes by 2021 Implications: The research demonstrates that adopting national breast cancer screening programmes and increasing coverage, particularly for women aged 50-74, is essential for reducing global breast cancer mortality. #PublicHealth #BreastCancer #WHO #GlobalHealth #CancerScreening #HealthPolicy https://lnkd.in/gcef9G3S

The data tells an important story: ◘In high Human Development Index (HDI) countries, breast cancer incidence is 1 in 12 women, but mortality is 1 in 71. ◘In low HDI countries, incidence is 1 in 27, but mortality is 1 in 48, representing a significantly higher case fatality rate. Early detection and access to treatment could substantially impact outcomes. With only 94 of 194 countries reporting national screening programs as of 2021, there's clear potential for evidence-based interventions to address these disparities. 

Clinical trials and research in Cancer ! A few days ago Mr S , who has been living with stage 4 lung cancer , currently on second line of treatment asked me " If the cancer progresses then is there any other drug that I can take that can help control the disease. My biggest fear is not that I will die , it is what if there are no more treatment options left." His fear is justified. Lung cancer treatment has evolved in the past decade, leading to remarkable growth in the number and variety of therapeutic options. Not only are people diagnosed with lung cancer , living a better qol but are also living longer. I speak to so many and as a counselor I get a very close view of their struggles and fears. And the biggest one is " WHAT WILL HAPPEN WHEN I RUN OUT OF TREATMENT OPTIONS" . Are we addressing these fears? The only way to help them deal with this is by talking about the need for more trials and better research. India needs more focus on research and clinical trials as they drive the development of more effective treatments, improve survival rates, and enhance the quality of life for patients. Cancer research is important because the better this disease is understood, the more progress there will be towards diminishing the tremendous human and economic tolls of cancer. Cancer has seen significant progress in the treatment side due to extensive clinical research. It has served as the driving force behind this evolution of healthcare, saving countless lives. Let's collectively advocate for more trials and research and encourage people living with cancer /affected by cancer to participate in them because without them research cannot happen. It won’t be wrong to call clinical trials and research the heart of medical progress. Lung Connect #LungCancerAwareness #advocacy #lungcancer #research #clinicaltrials #clinicalresearch

✅ Awareness, prevention, and Early Cervical Cancer Diagnosis can help save many precious lives.  ✔️ Cervical cancer usually starts as abnormal changes in the tissues of the cervix. In the majority of cases, Human Papillomavirus infection is responsible for these abnormal changes. The cells that undergo these abnormal changes are called atypical cells. Some of the atypical cells may resolve on their own without treatment, but others can develop into cancerous cells. ✔️ Long-lasting (persistent) infection with high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV) causes virtually all cervical cancers. Two identified high-risk types, HPV 16 and HPV 18, cause 70% of cervical cancers worldwide. #cervicalcancerawareness #Cervicalcancer Australian Centre for the Prevention of Cervical Cancer, Cervical Cancer Action for Elimination (CCAE), National Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, Africa Health- IT News, Rwanda Cancer Relief, Kenya Society of Haematology & Oncology (KESHO), Cancer Education and Advocacy Foundation of Nigeria (CEAFON), International Cancer Institute, Tanzania Health Alliance (THA) 🥇 CMCS Health is regarded as the Best Medical Tourism Company for Cervical Cancer Treatment in India among International Cervical Cancer Patients.

💡 𝗗𝗶𝗱 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗸𝗻𝗼𝘄? 𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿 𝟮,𝟮𝟬𝟬 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗲𝗱 𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝗲𝗹𝗴𝗶𝘂𝗺 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆.   While cancers such as prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal are more commonly discussed, 𝗸𝗶𝗱𝗻𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 remains relatively under the radar. In 2023, 𝟮,𝟮𝟯𝟭 𝗻𝗲𝘄 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 of kidney cancer (excluding cancers of the renal pelvis) were diagnosed in Belgium. It ranks as the 𝟳𝘁𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗰𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗻 and the 𝟭𝟭𝘁𝗵 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻. Estimates for 2024 indicate 2,271 new kidney cancer diagnoses. Kidney cancer is 𝘁𝘄𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲𝗻 as in women. The incidence has increased, specifically in men by an average of 1.5% per year over the past two decades. Like many cancers, kidney cancer is more frequently diagnosed in older adults, with a 𝗺𝗲𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗶𝗮𝗴𝗻𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝟲𝟴. The 𝟱-𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿 𝗻𝗲𝘁 𝘀𝘂𝗿𝘃𝗶𝘃𝗮𝗹 𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲—which excludes deaths from causes unrelated to cancer—is 𝟳𝟵%, and this is consistent across both sexes. Encouragingly, 𝘁𝘄𝗼-𝘁𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗱𝗲𝘁𝗲𝗰𝘁𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘁 𝗮𝗻 𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗹𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 (𝗦𝘁𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗜) and these patients have a 5-year net survival of 94%. The most common form of kidney cancer is 𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗹 𝗰𝗮𝗿𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗼𝗺𝗮. A rare form of kidney cancer, 𝗻𝗲𝗽𝗵𝗿𝗼𝗯𝗹𝗮𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗺𝗮 (also known as 𝗪𝗶𝗹𝗺𝘀 𝘁𝘂𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗿), primarily affects young children, typically under the age of six. In the past decade, Belgium has recorded an average of 𝟭𝟱 𝗰𝗮𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗽𝗲𝗿 𝘆𝗲𝗮𝗿. Fortunately, the prognosis is generally positive, with a 5-year net survival rate of 𝟵𝟱%. 📊 For more information, explore our updated Cancer Fact Sheet on Kidney Cancer: https://lnkd.in/gGd5H5Ac  #CancerFactThursday #KidneyCancer #CancerRegistration #BelgianCancerRegistry

« 💡 Did you know? Over 2,200 cases of kidney cancer are diagnosed in Belgium every year. While cancers like prostate, breast, lung, and colorectal often dominate public discussion, kidney cancer remains less visible—even though its incidence has been steadily rising, especially in men. In 2023, 2,231 new cases of kidney cancer (excluding cancers of the renal pelvis) were diagnosed in Belgium, and estimates for 2024 indicate 2,271 new diagnoses. Kidney cancer is twice as common in men as in women, with a median age at diagnosis of 68. The good news: about two-thirds of cases are detected at an early stage, when the 5-year net survival rate reaches 94%. The most common form is renal cell carcinoma, while rare forms like nephroblastoma (Wilms tumour) primarily affect children under six and generally have a positive prognosis. » As a urologist, I cannot stress enough the importance of regular medical check-ups and early detection. Many kidney cancers are asymptomatic in their early stages, meaning proactive screening can save lives. If you have risk factors such as a family history of kidney cancer, hypertension, smoking, or chronic kidney disease, make sure to discuss them with your physician. 📊 Learn more from the updated Cancer Fact Sheet on Kidney Cancer: https://lnkd.in/gGd5H5Ac Early detection matters—don’t wait for symptoms. Schedule regular check-ups and protect your kidney health. #KidneyCancer #Urology #CancerAwareness #EarlyDetection #BelgianCancerRegistry #HealthCheck

2.92 million new cancer cases will be rare and less common cancers - out of over 6 million new cancer cases. Rare and less common cancers account for 55% of all cancer deaths. Incidence of rare and less common cancer is rising and survival rates are not improving as quickly as they are for more common cancers. It’s clear; targeted action is urgently needed in the new National Cancer Plan. #OneCancerVoice six 'tests' for the National Cancer Plan must work for rare and less common cancers: Prevention: Expand existing screening programmes to find other cancers, promote HPV vaccination, UV safety, and invest in genetic risk markers. Access: Ensure equity in diagnosis, treatment, and outcomes, so rare and less common cancer patients are not left behind. Diagnosis: Reduce late-stage diagnoses to improve survival and quality of life. Treatment: Enable access to specialist services, innovation, and patient-centred care. Research & Development: Increase clinical trial opportunities, our research found 82% of patients with rare and less common cancers report were not being offered any. Living With & Beyond Cancer: Address the emotional, financial, and social impact, we found 98% of patients with rare and less common cancers report negative effects. The new National Cancer Plan must make sure the voices of those affected by rare and less common cancers are heard and acted upon. #RareCancers #NationalCancerPlan #OneCancerVoice #HealthEquity #CancerAwareness #PatientVoice #CancerResearch #CancerDiagnosis #CancerTreatment