World Cancer Day: Unmasking Hidden Factors Behind Late Detection in India

• India is the third most cancer-affected country globally, with 1 in 9 people likely to develop cancer in their lifetime, often due to late detection.
• Cancer cells evade detection by suppressing the immune system and forming diverse tumors, making biopsies potentially misleading.
• Cancers in organs like the kidney, ovary, and pancreas are hard to detect early as they grow significantly before causing specific symptoms.
• Tobacco epidemic, lack of health literacy, stigma, and cost contribute to nearly two-thirds of Indian cancer cases being diagnosed at Stage III or IV.
• New technologies like liquid biopsies, AI, and low-cost screening tools are improving early detection, supported by government programs.