Hyderabad: Telangana’s percentage of mouth, head and neck cancers — at 16% — is higher than the national average hovering at 12%. In fact, surpassing the count of lung cancer cases, head, neck and mouth cancers (related to tobacco products) have now become the number one cancer among men in Telangana. It is second after breast cancer — when considered among both genders.
Among other states where the percentage of these cases are higher than the national average are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Delhi. Telangana is currently at the 20th position among states, but is seeing a rapid increase in cases.
“Although these cancers are on the rise across the country, cases in Telangana are higher when seen in comparison to the country average. Apart from the fact that tobacco products easily and readily available, lack of awareness, particularly in rural areas is resulting in more cases in certain pockets of the state. The oral, head and neck cancer cases in Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Khammam and Adilabad areas account for 22% of overall cancer cases being detected each year,” said Dr M Jayalatha, director MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre.
“Also there is no effective campaign to prevent tobacco consumption. If things continue like this it is estimated that cases will double up by 2030,” she added.
The numbers are even more alarming at corporate centres, which draw patients from across the country.
“Majority of cancers show symptoms only in advanced stages,” said Dr Umanath Nayak Karopadi.
Among other states where the percentage of these cases are higher than the national average are Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra and Delhi. Telangana is currently at the 20th position among states, but is seeing a rapid increase in cases.
“Although these cancers are on the rise across the country, cases in Telangana are higher when seen in comparison to the country average. Apart from the fact that tobacco products easily and readily available, lack of awareness, particularly in rural areas is resulting in more cases in certain pockets of the state. The oral, head and neck cancer cases in Hyderabad, Ranga Reddy, Khammam and Adilabad areas account for 22% of overall cancer cases being detected each year,” said Dr M Jayalatha, director MNJ Institute of Oncology and Regional Cancer Centre.
“Also there is no effective campaign to prevent tobacco consumption. If things continue like this it is estimated that cases will double up by 2030,” she added.
The numbers are even more alarming at corporate centres, which draw patients from across the country.
“Majority of cancers show symptoms only in advanced stages,” said Dr Umanath Nayak Karopadi.
