Cancer cases are increasing in Asian countries due to increased adaptation of western habits like eating junk foods, smoking and alcoholism even in females. According to some studies, there will be 60% increase in cancer incidence in Asian countries. Increased industrialization (pollution), low literacy rates and poor health care standards are other major reasons for increased cancer rates. Screening tests for cancer are rarely done in poor Asian countries due to low quality of health care. Rising economic standards and globalisation added fuel to the fire.  Cancer statistics:  45% of cancer deaths are reported from Asia-Pacific countries. If proper measures are not taken, this will rise to 70% by 2020. China alone accounts for 20% new cancer cases and is the 2nd most cause of medical deaths in China. Due to increased screening and preventive measures, cancer deaths are in decline in Western countries.  According to World health organisation (WHO), 40% CANCERS are preventable by good diet habits, exercise and stay away from smoking. Smoking is the major reason for these deaths with Lung Cancer is the number one cancer in Asian countries followed by stomach and liver cancers. Hepatitis B Viral infection is the major reason for liver cancer. Human Papilloma virus (HPV) is another cancer causative factor.  How to control cancer incidence and prevent cancer deaths?        1. Lack of screening facilities like Mammogram and Pap smear in poor Asian countries.   2. Increase in smoking and Alcoholism in Asian countries especially China and India.3. Non-availability of vaccines against HPV and Hepatitis B in poor countries.4. Poor health care standards and economic standards.5. Expensive chemotherapy is not affordable to poor Asians.6. Low illiteracy levels there by lack of health education.7. Asian Governments need to spend more money to raise health care standards.8. Governments should ban smoking in public places and in movies and relative ads in other popular mediums.  Don’t forget 40% cancer cases are preventable.    … [Read more...]