A study has revealed that less than 20 percent of women in middle and low income countries are diagnosed with cancer in its early stages. This means that in countries like India and Africa, in 80 percent of the cases, women get information about breast or cervical cancer very late. According to a study published in The Lancet magazine, only 1-2 out of 5 women in poor-middle-class countries get early detection of breast or uterine cancer. In rich countries, 3-4 out of 5 women get diagnosed early.
The ‘VenusCancer’ study, led by the research team that forms the ‘Cancer Survival Group’ at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, analyzed care and treatment trends, including adherence to international guidelines, in more than 2,75,000 women from 39 countries.
Ovarian cancer is more dangerous
According to the study, many important things came to light in the research, like keeping correct records of cancer, following the treatment rules of doctors and how many days the patients live. All these things are the result of research. Ovarian cancer is least likely to be detected early. Only 20% women are aware initially.
According to the research team, ovarian cancer is often called a ‘silent killer’ because ‘vague’ symptoms such as abdominal pain and swelling may remain undetected for a long time. Because of this, treatment also happens late.
Elderly women are at greater risk
In most countries, women with early-stage cancer usually undergo surgery, although this is not necessarily in line with international guidelines. The study found that older women were less likely to be treated according to guidelines than younger women.
Metastatic breast cancer (which spreads to other parts of the body) is rare (less than 10%) in rich countries, but between 2% and 44% is common in poor and middle-income countries. Professor Allemani said that governments should invest money in cancer control schemes and create cancer record systems. This study will be of great help in WHO’s plans to eliminate breast and cervical cancer.