Tobacco-related cancer patients' health-seeking behaviour

Cancer is spreading at an alarming pace in India. It is estimated that there are 2 to 2.5 million cancer patients at any given point of time with about 0. 7 million new cases coming every year and nearly half die every year. Two-third of the new cancers is presented in advance and incurable stage at the time of diagnosis. More than 60% of these affected patients are in the prime of their life between the ages of 35 and 65 years. With increasing life expectancy and changing life styles concomitant with development, the number of cancer cases will be almost three times the current number. The age adjusted incidence rate per 100,000 for all types in India in urban areas range from 106-130 for men and 100-140 for women but still lower than USA, UK and Japan rates. 50% of all male cancers are tobacco related and 25% in female (total 34% of all cancers are tobacco related). There are predictions of incidence of 7 fold increase in tobacco related cancer morbidity in between 1995-2025.