Understanding Genetic Mutations
- Our genes, DNA, and RNA are the fundamental building blocks of life, shaping our traits and health, mutations in our DNA can lead to cancer.
- There are around 3,000 genes linked to cancer, each containing thousands of DNA codes, essential for understanding cancer.
- Every year, approximately 33,000 people in India are diagnosed with brain cancer, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
- Brain cancer is the 19th most common type of cancer worldwide, as reported by the Global Cancer Observatory in 2020.
- Diagnosing cancer often requires invasive procedures and risky surgeries to extract tissue samples, which can pose serious risks, including short-term paralysis or even death. Understanding genetic mutation can make diagnosis easier for patients.
- Advances in Genetic Sequencing
- Next-Generation Sequencing (NGS): This cutting-edge technology transforms our ability to decode genetic information with incredible speed and precision.
- It allows simultaneous sequencing of millions of fragments, making it faster and more cost-effective than traditional methods.
- Liquid Biopsy: A Revolutionary Diagnostic Tool
- Unlike traditional surgeries, a liquid biopsy is less invasive than a detective gathering evidence.
- A small blood sample is analysed for genetic patterns that indicate the presence of cancer.
- This method provides real-time answers about the presence and type of malignancy, making the diagnosis process much easier and safer for patients.
Cancer Burden India
- In 2022, the projected number of new cancer cases in India was 1,461,427, with a crude incidence rate of 100.4 per 100,000 individuals.
- Approximately one in nine people in India is expected to face a cancer diagnosis during their lifetime.
- Notably, lung cancer ranked highest among males, while breast cancer held the top spot for females.
- Within childhood cancers (0-14 years), lymphoid leukemia emerged as the predominant.
- Looking ahead, an estimated 12.8% increase in cancer incidence by 2025 is expected compared to 2020.
Dig Deeper: What is a Personalised Cancer Vaccine?
