Cancer Awareness in Central India: A community-based study

Cancer is a global public health issue. Its incidence and mortality are rapidly increasing. It is the second leading cause of death globally after cardiovascular disease. Globally, there were 20 million new cases of cancer and 9.7 million deaths in 2022. In India, the burden of non-communicable disease is rapidly growing due to ongoing epidemiological and demographic transition. The incidence of cancer cases in India is likely to increase from 1.46 million in 2022 to 1.57 million in 2025, and 0.91 million people died due to cancer, which is primarily the result of late diagnosis. Lack of awareness, late diagnosis, and inequitable access to affordable curative services are attributed to the poor prognosis of cancer patients in low and middle-income countries. Data from four major centres in India showed that the majority of individuals with cancer seek healthcare for the first time at late stages.

Chhattisgarh is one of the poorest states in India, with a majority of people living in rural areas. The number of deaths due to cancer has increased significantly in recent decades, among which 36% belong to the tribal population. Cancer awareness is the key to early detection and better health-seeking behaviour. Cancers are preventable if people are aware of their early warning signs and associated risk factors.