Head and Neck Cancer Burden in India

Abstract

Introduction: Head and neck cancer in India has distinct demographic profile, risks factors, food habits, and personal and family history. They are emerging as major public health problems in India, which are lifestyle related, have a lengthy latent period and need dedicated infrastructure and human resource for treatment. Need based and coordinated research for understanding the threats to the nation from chronic diseases such as head and neck cancers and ways to defy such threats will assume increasing importance. Magnitude of problem in India: Overall, 57.5% of global head and neck cancers occur in Asia especially in India. Head and neck cancers in India accounted for 30% of all cancers. In India, 60 to 80% of patients present with advanced disease as compared to 40% in developed countries. A slow decline in the incidence of most of head and neck cancers has been documented in India. Management of head and neck cancers in India: The problem of managing head and neck cancers in India is somewhat different, as compared to the west. The major shortcoming is to cope up, with the loss to follow-up, which makes the task of conducting and reporting the end results of clinical trials awfully difficult. Conclusion: The highest priority for cancer control should be given to the burden of head and neck cancer in India. The emphasis should be on preventing the onset and detecting the disease at an early stage. In developing countries like India, implementing cancer control activities has to be prioritized, making optimal use of limited resources to deliver the utmost benefit to the largest number of people.