Cancer is a public health challenge in India, with experts warning one in nine people is likely to develop the dreaded disease in a lifetime. While lung and breast cancers have been the leading sites of cancer in both men and women, there are a few rare cancers that need significant attention. Doctors say these invisible threats in India – due to the vast popul been increasing mostly because of limited awareness, diagnosis hurdles, and restricted treatment options.
What are rare cancers? According to doctors, rare cancers refer to the ones with a low incidence rate that typically affects less than 6 per 100,000 individuals annually or possibly 3 per 100,000 population in countries like India with low relative incidence of cancers. Statistics say there are over 200 identified types of rare cancers, affecting various organs and tissues throughout your body. Notably, despite being rare individually, together rare tumours constitute more than 20 per cent of the total cancer burden -equivalent to any common cancer and demand attention.
Top rare cancers in IndiaAnal cancer Also known as the carcinoma of the anal canal, this uncommon cancer develops in your anus’ tissues or the lining of your anal canal. According to experts, this is a gastrointestinal cancer that when becomes metastatic is incurable, while treatment can extend survival and alleviate symptoms. Statistics say in India there are around 7,000 new cases of anal cancer annually.
With a survival rate of 91 per cent if.
