Daily Current Affairs : 28-October-2023

In recent news, it has been revealed that Mizoram, despite being the second least populated state in India, is facing a severe health crisis with the highest incidence rate of cancer in the country. A comprehensive study titled “Cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment needs in Mizoram, India: evidence from 18 years trends (2003–2020)” sheds light on this alarming situation. The study has highlighted concerning trends, indicating a consistent rise in cancer incidence and mortality within the state.

Key Findings
  1. Increasing Cancer Incidence and Mortality
    • The study spanning 18 years shows a steady increase in cancer cases and deaths in Mizoram.
    • Stomach cancer has become the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, whereas lung cancer holds a parallel position among women.
    • Disturbingly, the younger generation is also experiencing a rise in cancer cases, possibly due to sedentary lifestyles and dietary habits prevalent among the endogamous tribal population, indicating a potential genetic predisposition.
  2. Causes of the Surge
    • Lack of specialized diagnostic facilities and skilled healthcare professionals.
    • Absence of treatment strategies based on genomic research.
    • Transportation challenges hindering access to healthcare services.
Specifics: Cancer Among Men and Women
  1. Cancer Among Men
    • Predominant cancer sites among men: stomach, head and neck, lung, oesophagus, colorectal, liver, urinary, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and prostate cancers.
  2. Cancer Among Women
    • Leading cancer types among women: lung, cervical, breast, stomach, head and neck, colorectal, oesophagus, liver, and ovarian cancers.
Understanding Cancer

According to the World Health Organization, cancer is a diverse group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These cells can originate in almost any organ or tissue in the body, surpassing their usual boundaries to invade nearby parts or spread to distant organs.

Important Points
  • Mizoram’s Cancer Crisis
    • Despite being the second least populated state in India, Mizoram has the highest cancer incidence rate in the country.
    • Recent study (“Cancer awareness, diagnosis and treatment needs in Mizoram, India: evidence from 18 years trends”) reveals alarming trends of increasing cancer cases and mortality spanning 18 years.
    • Stomach cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men, and lung cancer holds a parallel position among women.
    • Younger generation in Mizoram also witnessing a rise in cancer cases, possibly due to sedentary lifestyles and dietary habits prevalent among the endogamous tribal population, indicating potential genetic predisposition.
  • Causes of the Surge
    • Lack of specialized diagnostic facilities and skilled healthcare professionals.
    • Absence of treatment strategies based on genomic research.
    • Transportation challenges hindering access to healthcare services.
  • Specifics: Cancer Among Men and Women
    • Cancer Among Men
      • Predominant cancer sites among men: stomach, head and neck, lung, oesophagus, colorectal, liver, urinary, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and prostate cancers.
    • Cancer Among Women
      • Leading cancer types among women: lung, cervical, breast, stomach, head and neck, colorectal, oesophagus, liver, and ovarian cancers.
  • Understanding Cancer
    • Cancer, according to the World Health Organization, is a diverse group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells. These cells can originate in almost any organ or tissue in the body, surpassing their usual boundaries to invade nearby parts or spread to distant organs.
Why In News

Despite being the country’s second least populated state, Mizoram exhibits the highest incidence rate of cancer in India, according to a recent study. This alarming trend highlights the urgent need for targeted healthcare interventions and increased awareness campaigns to address the issue effectively.

MCQs about Mizoram’s Cancer Challenge

  1. What is the primary cause of cancer-related deaths among men in Mizoram?
    A. Lung cancer
    B. Stomach cancer
    C. Head and neck cancer
    D. Colorectal cancer
    Correct Answer: B. Stomach cancer
    Explanation: Stomach cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men in Mizoram.
  2. What is identified as a contributing factor to the rise in cancer cases among the younger generation in Mizoram?
    A) Lack of exercise
    B) Genetic predisposition
    C) Pollution
    D) Lack of vaccination
    Correct Answer: B) Genetic predisposition
    Explanation: The sedentary lifestyles and dietary habits among the endogamous tribal population might contribute to a genetic predisposition, leading to the rise in cancer cases among the younger generation.
  3. Which organization defines cancer as a group of diseases characterized by abnormal cell growth?
    A) UNESCO
    B) WHO (World Health Organization)
    C) UNICEF
    D) Red Cross
    Correct Answer: B) WHO (World Health Organization)
    Explanation: WHO’s definition of cancer as a diverse group of diseases characterized by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells.
  4. What is identified as one of the major challenges contributing to the escalating cancer rates in Mizoram?
    A) Lack of skilled healthcare professionals
    B) Excessive exercise
    C) Overuse of antibiotics
    D) Excessive vaccination
    Correct Answer: A) Lack of skilled healthcare professionals
    Explanation: The lack of specialized diagnostic facilities and skilled healthcare professionals is one of the causes of the rising cancer rates in Mizoram.

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