Punjab's Rising Cancer Cases

Punjab's Increase in Cancer Cases: A Nefarious Growing Public Health Challenge

Punjab, an agrarian past state with robust culture, is facing the upsurge of cancer cases. Latest reports confirm that about 105 cancer-caused deaths happen on a day-to-day basis in the state, putting in sharp relief the critical public health challenge.

This dangerous trend has dominated Punjab news today live, capturing the interest of local authorities and national health officials as well. The trend has also dominated the latest news India in English, witnessing the severity of addressing this health crisis.​The Indian Express

Causes of the Rise

Some of the causes of the rise in cancer cases in Punjab are:

• Environmental Pollution: Researchers have shown increased arsenic levels in the state's water sources, which may be the cause of increases in cancer incidence. Increased applications of pesticide and fertilizer by the agricultural industry have also caused the problem of chemical exposure.

• Lifestyle Changes: Urban lifestyle and urbanization have resulted in a higher consumption of processed foods, tobacco, and alcohol, all of which are established cancer risk factors.​Hindustan Times

• Access to Healthcare: In spite of the growth in healthcare infrastructure in Punjab, inequalities continue in the availability of early diagnosis and treatment facilities, especially in rural regions.​

Government Policies and Healthcare Infrastructure

To meet the growing cancer burden, the Punjab government has launched a number of initiatives:

1. Standard Treatment Guidelines (STGs): In June 2023, the Punjab State Oncology Expert Committee was established to develop and update STGs for the treatment of cancer. The guidelines will help standardize treatment processes and enhance patient outcomes. ​

2. Awareness Campaigns: Public health campaigns have been initiated by the government on lifestyle change, vaccination drives, and early detection using screening tests.​

3. Healthcare Centers: Healthcare centers such as the Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and Research Centre in New Chandigarh, set up in 2022, offer state-of-the-art cancer treatment and research center. 

Medical Institutions' Role

Medical centers in Punjab have an important role to play in curbing the cancer epidemic:

• PGIMER Chandigarh: Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) has seen a drastic rise in cancer patients, with figures nearly doubling in the last few years. In 2024, the institute had 6,889 cancer patients, compared to nearly 3,500 in 2020. 

• Collaborations: International collaborations, like the collaboration of medicos in Amritsar with US-based Cancer Centres of America, are working towards offering quality and affordable cancer treatment. 

Conclusion

Increased incidence of cancer in Punjab is a complex issue that needs collective efforts from the government, doctors, and society. Though some steps are being initiated to deal with the crisis, long-term resources and commitment must be undertaken to counter the prevailing trends.

As emphasized in the Punjab news today live and latest news India in English, there is a greater sense of urgency for overall strategies in cancer care than ever before. With prevention, early diagnosis, and access to treatment on an equal basis, Punjab can try to reduce the burden of this growing health issue.