How does cancer awareness help save lives?

Cancer has become the leading cause of death after heart related diseases with over 2.5 million people living with this life-threatening condition in India alone. 7 lakh new patients register themselves every year while close to 5.6 lakh succumb to death due to the disease annually. Hectic lifestyles with little or no time to exercise, an increasingly obese population fueled by the lack of nutritious diet, erratic sleep patterns and high consumption of tobacco and alcohol are some of the reasons for the rise of the cancer epidemic.

There has been a 324% increase in the number of patients diagnosed with cancers of the oral cavity, breast and cervix at state run Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) clinics in India between 2017 and 2018. The figure is alarming. 2018 alone saw 1.6 lakh cancer cases detected as opposed to a mere 39,000 in 2017.

Low awareness= low survival rates

Most people are caught unaware of the condition usually late into the disease stage due to the stealthy operating mechanism of most cancers. Symptoms may go unnoticed for a long time. A case in point is the low survival rate of Indian breast cancer patients at a mere 66.1% as opposed to their counterparts in the U.S. and Australia at 90 percent. This was revealed in a global study across 71 countries analyzing data from 2000 to 2014. It highlights how the early detection of cancer coupled with greater cancer awareness can be a game-changer.

Routine breast cancer screening is normal in developed countries as a part of their healthcare system. While in India, treating cancers becomes a tough task, due to detection in the third or fourth stages when chances of survival are reduced. Ignorance about the disease as well as unavailability of screening programs increases the magnitude of the problem.

This lack of cancer awareness results in a higher mortality rate of those diagnosed with cancer. Compared to the 25% in developed countries, almost 50-60% patients die of breast cancer in India. That is almost twice the number of deaths. More people can be cured even after being diagnosed with this life-threatening disease with the early detection of cancer and go on to lead normal lives.

Be aware, be prepared

One of the main reasons why people succumb to death due to cancer is also because they are unprepared for it. In a country where insurance penetration itself is low, cancer insurance is unheard of. As a result, when the high cost of treatment raises its head suddenly, most people are not able to afford it. They spend their life’s savings trying to fight against cancer, and finally give in. This lack of financial resources at a time of need is also to blame for such poor survival rates.

As per the WHO, early detection of cancer with effective diagnostics, increased cancer awareness in the general public along with a well-equipped health ecosystem that includes well trained health workers is the key to better management of the disease. Countries such as the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden have some of the highest survival rate for the most lethal cancers. India has also stepped up its efforts with the launch of national program for screening of oral, breast and cervical cancers, guidelines for which were first released in the end of 2016.

The disease is a public health challenge that needs to be dealt with a multi-pronged approach, especially since more women in India are diagnosed with cancer than men – a deviation from the global norms. By the next year, India will be home to approximately 18 lakh women with breast cancer. It helps to be prepared for such a health risk.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer, comprehensive health insurance plans can be a lifesaver. Certain health insurance plans, such as that available on Bajaj Markets cover treatment expenses of critical illnesses like cancer in case you have availed the add-on of critical illness cover.

The comprehensive health insurance plans available on Bajaj Markets can also help you avail free medical checkups to stay on top of any potential health risk that might arise in the future. With cashless payments at partner hospitals across India, you or your family members do not have to run around to a nearby ATM only to find it not working. Thus, with the Bajaj health insurance plan available on Bajaj Markets, you can recover at your own pace without having to worry about medical bills or diagnostic tests in case diseases were to strike.

Bajaj Markets, a subsidiary of Bajaj Finserv, is a one-stop digital marketplace that has been created for consumers on the go. It offers 500+ financial and lifestyle products, all at one place. At Bajaj Markets, we understand that every individual is different. And that’s why we have invested in creating a proposition – Offers You Value. A value proposition that ensures you get offers which are tailor made for you. We also offer an amazing product range and unique set of online offers across Loans, Insurance, Investment, Payments and an exclusive EMI store. Be it in helping you achieve your financial life goals or offering you the latest gadgets, we strive to offer what you are looking for. From simple and fast loan application processes to seamless and hassle-free claim-settlements, from no cost EMIs to 4 hours product delivery, we work towards fulfilling all your personal and financial needs. What’s more! Now enjoy the same benefits in just one click with our Bajaj Markets App.