Chandigarh's Cancer Landscape: Breast Cancer Dominates Women, Lung Cancer Surges Among Men

A recent and comprehensive report from the Chandigarh Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) Registry has unveiled a concerning picture of cancer prevalence in the Union Territory, spotlighting breast cancer as the most frequent malignancy among women and lung cancer as the predominant form among men. This detailed analysis, spanning a decade from 2012 to 2021, provides critical insights into the region's public health challenges and underscores the urgent need for targeted interventions.

For women in Chandigarh, breast cancer has emerged as the leading cause of cancer-related morbidity.

The report indicates an age-standardized incidence rate (ASIR) of 39.4 per 100,000 women. This figure highlights a significant public health concern, emphasizing the importance of widespread awareness, regular self-examinations, and accessible screening programs such as mammography to facilitate early detection and improve treatment outcomes.

While breast cancer takes the top spot, cervical cancer, despite being largely preventable through vaccination and screening, continues to be a notable concern, ranking second in some analyses or remaining a significant contributor to the overall cancer burden among women.

Concurrently, men in Chandigarh face a formidable threat from lung cancer, which has been identified as the most common cancer among them, with an ASIR of 13.9 per 100,000 men.

This high incidence rate is often linked to lifestyle factors such as smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and environmental pollutants. The report's findings underscore the necessity for robust public health campaigns aimed at smoking cessation and stricter regulations on air quality to mitigate the risks associated with lung cancer.

Beyond these primary concerns, the NCD Registry report delves into the prevalence of other cancers affecting both genders.

Among men, prostate cancer and colorectal cancer also feature prominently, indicating a diverse range of oncological challenges. For women, in addition to breast and cervical cancers, ovarian and colorectal cancers contribute significantly to the overall cancer profile. The data collection for this extensive report was meticulously gathered from major healthcare institutions in Chandigarh, including the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) and the Government Medical College and Hospital, Sector 32, ensuring a robust and representative dataset.

The findings from Chandigarh's NCD Registry are not merely statistics; they represent a call to action.

They highlight the critical importance of primary prevention through healthy lifestyle choices, including a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and avoidance of tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption. Furthermore, the report reinforces the indispensable role of secondary prevention strategies, such as early detection and screening programs, which are vital for diagnosing cancers at an early, more treatable stage.

By understanding these prevalent cancer patterns, health authorities and policymakers can develop more effective, evidence-based strategies to combat the rising tide of cancer and improve the health and well-being of Chandigarh's residents.