Salivary Gland Cancers, Small Intestine Adenocarcinoma – Rare Cancers In India And Strategies To Prevent Them

Certain rare cancers are more prevalent in India than in Western countries, highlighting the need for specialised attention and awareness.

The lack of well-developed treatment drugs and facilities for rare cancers in developing countries, such as India, creates several obstacles.

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By Dr Mandeep Singh Malhotra

In India, cancers have a distinct profile due to the country's unique demographics and healthcare infrastructure. Certain rare cancers are more prevalent in India than in Western countries, highlighting the need for specialised attention and awareness. The five rare cancers that are more prevalent in India than in most other parts of the world are oral cancer, small intestine adenocarcinoma, germ cell tumours in ovarian cancer, salivary gland and nasopharyngeal cancers, and anaplastic thyroid cancer.

Oral Cancer

Oral cancer, which is considered rare in Europe and North America, is alarmingly common in India. The prevalence of oral cancers, especially among tobacco and betel nut users, contributes to its prominence in the Indian cancer landscape. Despite being a well-known issue, the challenges lie in early detection and access to proper treatment.

Small Intestine Adenocarcinoma

While colon and stomach cancers are more prevalent in India, small intestine adenocarcinoma stands out as a rare cancer in this region. The limited studies on this subtype reveal the need for a more comprehensive understanding and targeted approaches to address its rarity.

Germ Cell Tumours In Ovarian Cancer

Ovarian cancer, in general, is relatively common in India, but the subset of germ cell tumours within ovarian cancer remains rare. This distinction underscores the importance of recognising the diverse nature of cancer types within broader categories and tailoring treatments accordingly.

Salivary Gland And Nasopharyngeal Cancers

While oral cancers are prevalent, specific types like salivary gland cancers and nasopharyngeal cancers remain rare in India. Understanding the nuances of these cancers is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer

In India, the anaplastic variety of thyroid cancer is considered rare. This rarity demands focused research and medical interventions to improve outcomes for patients facing this subtype of thyroid cancer.

In a country like India with such a large population, even small incidence rates have a greater impact on defining rare cancers. Increased awareness and improved healthcare infrastructure are needed to address late-stage presentations and challenges associated with access to treatment. Furthermore, the lack of well-developed treatment drugs and facilities for rare cancers in developing countries, such as India, creates formidable obstacles. To improve the overall outlook for people suffering from these rare cancers, efforts are needed to bridge this resource gap and increase knowledge.

An understanding of rare cancer prevalence in India is crucial for designing effective prevention strategies, early detection programs, and targeted treatments. Raising awareness about these lesser-known cancers becomes crucial to creating a more vibrant, healthy future in the Indian context as the medical community strives to address these challenges.

(The author is the Director, Surgical Oncology, CK Birla Hospital, Delhi).

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