1
|
Nethan S, Cherian M, Brain E, Ganguli A, Tullu F, Musolino N, Hariprasad R, Sullivan R, Mehrotra R. Cancer in the older Indian population: Understanding the current context in an emerging economy. J Geriatr Oncol 2021; 13:273-281. [PMID: 34776381 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2021.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
India is considered a demographically young country with over 65% of the population aged below 35 years. However, improvements in maternal and child health, and infectious diseases, have created a rapid epidemiological transition with an aging population (8.6% in 2011) with a projected increase (19% by 2050), equating to 104 million. In addition to the well-articulated issues surrounding the care of the older patients with cancer, the Indian context as an emerging economy provides additional social, political, economic and clinical challenges. This review addresses the key issues and possible solutions germane to both policymakers in India and other emerging economies. Extension of cancer prevention, equal, optimal treatment opportunities, and inclusion in clinical trials, akin to the younger population, must be encouraged. Various national health initiatives require effective implementation, to provide uniform, evidence-based, cancer care across India. Designated geriatric oncology departments, and required care at the primary healthcare level are essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suzanne Nethan
- Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes) - India, Building No 76 (2nd Floor), Okhla Phase III, Okhla Industrial Area, New Delhi 110020, India.
| | - Meena Cherian
- International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), International Environmental House 2, Chemin de Balexert 7-9, 1219 Chatelaine, Switzerland.
| | - Etienne Brain
- Department of Clinical Research & Medical Oncology, Institut Curie (Hôpital René Huguenin), 35 Rue Dailly, 92210 St Cloud, France.
| | - Atreyi Ganguli
- WHO India Country Office, 537, A Wing, Nirman Bhawan, Maulana Azad Road, New Delhi 110011, India.
| | - Fikru Tullu
- WHO India Country Office, 537, A Wing, Nirman Bhawan, Maulana Azad Road, New Delhi 110011, India.
| | - Najia Musolino
- International Society of Geriatric Oncology (SIOG), International Environmental House 2, Chemin de Balexert 7-9, 1219 Chatelaine, Switzerland.
| | - Roopa Hariprasad
- Division of Clinical Oncology, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), National Institute of Cancer Prevention & Research (NICPR), I-7, Sector 39, Noida 201301, Uttar Pradesh, India.
| | | | - Ravi Mehrotra
- India Cancer Research Consortium (ICMR-DHR), Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Department of Health Research, First Floor, Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS) Building, 1, Red Cross Road, New Delhi 110001, India; Centre for Health Innovation and Policy (CHIP) Foundation, 361, Sector 15A, Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201301, India.
| |
Collapse
|