Context:
World Cancer Day is celebrated on February 4th every year
Cancer:
- A disease which occurs when changes in a group of normal cells within the body lead to uncontrolled, abnormal growth forming a lump called a tumour.
- It affects the digestive, nervous and circulatory systems or release hormones that may affect body function.
- Cancer is the 2nd leading cause of death worldwide.
- Globally – 10 million people die from cancer every year.
- More than 40% deaths – Preventable as they are linked to modifiable risk factors such as smoking, alcohol use etc.
- Almost 1/3rd of all deaths – Could be prevented through routine screening, and early detection and treatment.
- 70% of cancer deaths occur in low-to-middle income countries.
- India –
- Estimated number of incident cases in 2022 – Around 14 lakhs.
- 1 out of 9 is likely to develop cancer in his/her lifetime.
- Lung and breast cancers were the leading sites of cancer in males and females, respectively.
- 0-14 years of age – Leukaemia leading cause of death (boys: 29.2% and girls: 24.2%)
- The incidence of cancer cases is estimated to increase by 12.8 per cent in 2025 as compared to 2020.
- Carcinoma –
- Arises from the epithelial cells (the lining of cells that helps protect or enclose organs).
- Common forms – Breast, prostate, lung and colon cancer
- Sarcoma –
- Malignant tumour of the bone or soft tissue (fat, muscle, blood vessels, nerves and other connective tissues that support and surround organs).
- Common forms – Leiomyosarcoma, liposarcoma and osteosarcoma
- Lymphoma and Myeloma –
- Begins in the cells of the immune system.
- Lymphoma – Lymphatic system
- Myeloma (or multiple myeloma) – Starts in the plasma cells –
- Leukaemia –
- White blood cells and bone marrow, the tissue that forms blood cells.
- Common forms – Lymphocytic leukaemia and chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
- Brain and spinal cord cancers –
- Known as central nervous system cancers.
- Some are gentle while others can grow and spread.
Cancer Treatments:
- Chemotherapy –
- A treatment with drugs that kill cancer cells directly.
- Attacks all rapidly-dividing cells within the body, effectively targeting fast-growing tumors
- Can be used alone or in combination with surgery, radiation, or immunotherapy.
- Immunotherapy –
- Treats patients by acting on their immune system.
- Can boost the immune response in the body
- Teach the immune system how to identify and destroy cancer cells.
Vaccines:
- HPV vaccine –
- Protects against the human papillomavirus (HPV)
- Prevents – Cervical, vaginal, and vulvar cancers, anal cancer and genital warts
- Causes – Oral cancer.
- Hepatitis B vaccine –
- Protects against the hepatitis B virus (HBV).
- Causes – Liver cancer
Read more about: Cervical Cancer, Hybrid Nanoparticle – Based Cancer Treatment
Source: World Cancer Day
Previous Year Question
Which one of the following statements best describes the role of B cells and T cells in the human body?
[UPSC Civil Services Exam – 2022 Prelims]
(a) They protect the environmental allergens. Body
(b) They alleviate the body’s pain and inflammation.
(c) They act as immunosuppressants in the body.
(d) They protect the body from diseases caused by pathogens.
Answer: (d)
