A study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-The National Center for Disease Informatics and Research found that cancer cases and deaths are likely to increase in India between 2022 and 2045. ICMR conducted a study on BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa) in which they observed cancer cases, deaths and quality of life.

Researchers found that India and South Africa showed a similar trend of increase in cancer cases. The research team of Anita Nath, Ruchita Taneja, Yamini Saraswati Thadi, Gokul Sarveswaran and Prashant Mathur found that “cancer incidence in India is expected to increase by 12.8% in 2025 compared to 2020 and the incidence of cancer is continuing to rise.”

The study also found that there will be an increase in cancer cases, especially oral and breast cancer. Men are most likely to develop lip and mouth cancer while women are most likely to develop breast cancer.

The study also found that the cancer death rate for both men and women was the highest ever recorded in South Africa. However, Russia has the highest number of cancer-related deaths among women and South Africa has the highest number of cancer-related deaths among women.

Considering all BRICS countries except India, lung cancer is the top cause of cancer-related deaths. Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths in India.

According to a report by Business Standard, the impact of cancer across the country, especially in terms of years of life lost, was mostly due to lung-related cancers, such as cancers of the trachea and bronchus. Here too, India is an exception, where breast cancer had the greatest impact.

The researchers said socioeconomic factors explain this phenomenon. He said, “A prior review indicates that BRICS countries account for 33.6% of new breast cancer cases worldwide and 36.9% of global breast cancer deaths. Additionally, a significant increase in the incidence of breast cancer was observed in these countries.

“Although BRICS countries anticipate sustained economic growth and have viable cancer control plans, it is necessary to examine cancer risk factors and health systems that influence cancer incidence and outcomes.”

According to a report by CNBC TV-18, the study also highlights the significant economic burden of cancer on BRICS countries. According to a separate analysis published in Cancer Epidemiology, BRICS countries are responsible for 42% of global cancer-related deaths. China suffered the highest total productivity loss, estimated at $28 billion, while South Africa faced the highest cost per cancer death at $101,000.

With India and South Africa expected to see the largest increases in new cancer cases for the next two decades, researchers have urged governments and health officials to reduce risk factors and improve health care systems.

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