Verified By April 18, 2024
Verified by Dr. Jyoti Bajpai – Lead Medical & Precision Oncology (Mumbai & Maharashtra region) at Apollo Cancer Centers.
While common cancers like breast or lung cancer receive significant attention, a lesser-known threat lurks – rare cancers. In India, with its vast population, these uncommon malignancies pose a unique challenge due to limited awareness, diagnosis hurdles, and restricted treatment options. Let’s delve into the world of rare cancers in India, exploring their symptoms and management strategies.
What are rare cancers?
The definition of a rare cancer can vary, but generally, it refers to cancers with a low incidence rate, typically affecting fewer than 6 per 100,000 individuals annually or possibly 3 per 100,000 population in countries like India with low relative incidence of cancers. There are over 200 identified types of rare cancers, affecting various organs and tissues throughout the body. Notably, despite being rare individually, together rare tumours constitute ~20% of total cancer burden -equivalent to any common cancer and demands attention. Some examples in India include:
Diagnosis
Diagnosing rare cancers in India presents several hurdles.Limited awareness among healthcare professionals can lead to misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis. Additionally, access to specialized diagnostic tests like advanced imaging or genetic profiling might be restricted in certain regions.
What are the probable symptoms of rare cancers?
Due to their rarity, symptoms of rare cancers can be vague and mimic those of more common conditions. This makes early detection difficult. However, some general warning signs to be aware of include:
Early diagnosis and management
Raising awareness about rare cancers is crucial. Awareness through education and regular health checkups promotes early diagnosis and prompt treatment. There are certain strategies to manage rare cancers in India. Here’s a glimpse:
Rare cancers pose a significant challenge in India. However, with improved awareness, better diagnostic tools, and access to advanced therapies like targeted drugs and CAR T-cell therapy (where applicable), the future holds promise for improved outcomes. Remember, early diagnosis and appropriate management with experts remains key.
Dr. Jyoti Bajpai – Lead Medical & Precision Oncology (Mumbai & Maharashtra region) at Apollo Cancer CentersCall 022 6280 6280 for an appointment.
August 26, 2024
August 26, 2024
April 18, 2024