Breast cancer surpasses lung cancer as the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwideBashar, MD Abu; Begam, Nazia1

As per the latest global cancer burden estimates from the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), a specialized agency for cancer research of World Health Organization (WHO), breast cancer now tops the list of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide, surpassing lung cancer for the first time.[¹]

The global cancer burden has been estimated to have risen to 19.3 million new cases and 10.0 million deaths in 2020.[²] One in 5 people globally develop cancer during their lifetime, and one in 8 men and one in 11 women are dying from the disease. Similarly, the total number of people who are alive within 5 years of a cancer diagnosis – called the 5-year prevalence – is estimated to be 50.6 million worldwide.[²]

The 10 most common cancer types account for more than 60% of the total newly diagnosed cancer cases and more than 70% of the total cancer deaths.[¹] Female breast cancer is the most commonly occurring cancer worldwide (11.7% of the total new cases), followed by lung cancer (11.4%), colorectal cancer (10.0%), prostate cancer (7.3%), and stomach cancer (5.6%). Lung cancer is still the leading cause of cancer death (18.0% of the total cancer deaths), followed by colorectal cancer (9.4%), liver cancer (8.3%), stomach cancer (7.7%), and female breast cancer (6.9%).[¹] In men, lung cancer is the most commonly diagnosed cancer (14.3% of all diagnosed cancers in males) and the leading cause of cancer deaths (21.5% of all cancer deaths in males), followed by prostate cancer and colorectal cancer for incidence and liver cancer and colorectal cancer for mortality. In women, breast cancer is the most diagnosed cancer and the leading cause of cancer death, followed by colorectal cancer and lung cancer for incidence and lung cancer and colorectal cancer for mortality.[¹]

Cancer incidence and mortality estimates in 2022 in southeast Asia: a comparative analysis

Evolving trends in lung cancerEpidemiology, diagnosis, and management.

Lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death globally. Among all the cancers, the number of patients afflicted with lung cancer is the highest, and the number is constantly rising.[¹] This international trend of lung cancer is paralleled in India.[²] Lung cancers represent a group of heterogeneous entities both in terms of histology and molecular profile.[³] Histologically, they are categorized into two types: non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC, 85% of all lung cancers) and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC, 15% of all lung cancers).[³] NSCLCs are typically subdivided into adenocarcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma (SqCC), and large-cell carcinoma.[³] Both NSCLC and SCLC have very low survival rates.[¹] Despite recent technological advances in the diagnosis, medical, and surgical treatments, the outcomes remain poor.[⁴]

The newer molecular diagnostic modalities have made it easier to detect cancer-related driver alterations, such as epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK).[⁵⁶] Furthermore, accurate staging of cancer is important to plan the treatment for the patients. Recently, an individualized treatment approach, including targeted therapies for driver mutations and immunotherapies, is being used for the patients.[⁶] However, a comprehensive data on lung cancer in India are lacking.[⁴]

Role of HPV in the landscape of oral cancer in India.

Oncological sciences have seen a remarkable evolution in the last few years. The last decade or so has seen rapid advancements in technology, leading to a better understanding of cancer biology and the development of newer therapeutics. One of the areas to benefit has been our comprehension of the role of human papillomavirus (HPV) in the development of head and neck cancers. While the association between HPV and cervical cancer is well established, its role in the development of oropharyngeal cancers is becoming increasingly recognized. In India, the consumption of tobacco is high, and as such, it still remains one of the leading causes of head and neck cancers in the country. The relevance of HPV infection in causing head and neck cancers needs further evaluation in the Indian context.

Five Most Common Cancers in J and K.

Breast Cancer

(18.59 percent)

Breast cancer remains the most common malignancy among Kashmiri women.

Late detection, stigma, and limited access to screening in rural areas exacerbate outcomes.

Early Signs include lumps, nipple discharge, skin dimpling, or persistent pain.

Prevention and Detection 

Monthly self-exams and clinical breast exams after age 30.

Mammograms are recommended annually after 40.

Lifestyle changes, reduce obesity, limit alcohol, and promote breastfeeding.

⬤ Stomach Cancer

(8.63 percent)

High rates of stomach cancer are tied to diets rich in salted, smoked foods, pickled, and dried foods, plus H. Pylori bacterial infections.

Early Signs include indigestion, abdominal pain, and unintended weight loss.

Prevention and Detection

Reduced intake of processed, salty, and smoked foods.

Screen for H. pylori and treat infections promptly.

Endoscopy for high-risk individuals (family history, chronic gastritis).

⬤ Ovarian Cancer

(8.09 percent)

Ovarian cancer often goes undetected until advanced stages due to vague symptoms like bloating or urinary urgency.

Early signs include persistent pelvic pain, appetite loss, and fatigue. 

Prevention and Detection

Regular pelvic exams and transvaginal ultrasounds for high-risk women.

Genetic testing for BRCA mutations (linked to breast and ovarian cancers).

Oral contraceptives may reduce risk.

⬤ Esophageal Cancer

(7.55 percent)

Kashmir’s fondness for noon chai (salted tea) and hot beverages may contribute to esophageal irritation.

Early signs include difficulty swallowing, chronic cough, and hoarseness.

Prevention and Detection

Avoid polluted air, including indoor pollutants, and excessively hot drinks.

Endoscopy for those with persistent acid reflux or Barrett’s oesophagus. 

⬤ Colon Cancer

(7.01 percent)

Rising colon cancer cases are linked to low-fiber diets, processed meats, and sedentary habits. 

Early signs include blood in stool, irregular bowel movements, and anaemia. 

Prevention and Detection

Colonoscopy screenings from age 45–50.

Increase fibre intake (fresh fruits, vegetables) and reduce red meat consumption.

Cancer specialists have often spoken about the late-stage diagnoses overwhelming public facilities and called for grassroots awareness and infrastructure.

“Women in Kashmir need to prioritise regular check-ups and advocate for their health,” they say.

Online Medical Consultation

Online medical consultations offer several benefits, including: 1. Convenience & Accessibility Consult doctors from anywhere, reducing travel time and costs. Ideal for people in remote areas with limited healthcare facilities. Available 24/7 in many cases, offering flexibility for busy schedules. 2. Cost-Effective Lower consultation fees compared to in-person visits. Reduces expenses on transportation and time off work. 3. Reduced Waiting Time Faster appointments with immediate or same-day consultations. Avoid long queues in hospitals or clinics. 4. Privacy & Comfort Consultations can be done from home, ensuring confidentiality. Beneficial for discussing sensitive health issues. 5. Access to a Wider Range of Specialists Connect with top doctors and specialists across different locations. Second opinions are easily accessible. 6. Digital Prescription & Medical Records Prescriptions are sent electronically for easy access. Medical history is maintained online for better follow-ups. 7. Ideal for Follow-Ups & Chronic Disease Management Regular monitoring for conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and mental health. Reduces unnecessary hospital visits. 8. Infection Control & Safety Minimizes exposure to contagious diseases, especially during pandemics. Safer for elderly and immunocompromised patients.

Rethinking metastatic brain cancer as a CNS disease.

Rethinking metastatic brain cancer as a CNS disease.

Advances in molecular biology, genetics, and epigenetics have refined our understanding of metastatic brain cancer and underscored the need for better classification and targeted approaches. The heterogeneity of brain metastases highlights the differences from their primary source of origin and contributes to therapeutic resistance. Before colonising the brain, tumour cells acquire specialised proficiencies that enable them to capitalise on the unique microenvironment of the brain. The tumour cells further orchestrate key adaptations to adjust to the brain microenvironment by manipulating the blood–brain barrier, evading immune surveillance, rewiring metabolic profiles, and reprogramming astrocytes. These adaptations facilitate tumour survival, growth, and treatment resistance. Recognising metastatic brain cancer as a distinctive CNS disease, rather than an extension of the primary cancer, would support the development of rational approaches that target its molecular and genetic features and improve research funding in this area. Here, we delve into the distinct genetic and phenotypic characteristics of metastatic brain cancer, and reflect on how a change in the perception of this disease could accelerate the development of more effective therapies and drive continued progress in the field of neuro-oncology.