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BHOPAL, INDIA: Devank Sahu, 8 years old, with his mother Sunita Sahu at home in the Risaldar Colony neighborhood. Devank was born to parents contaminated by a carcinogenic and mutagenic water supply. This year marks the 31st anniversary of the 1984 Union Carbide gas tragedy that killed thousands of citizens of Bhopal within 72 hours and has gone on to claim thousands more as a result of the polluted environment. (Photo by Giles Clarke/Getty Images)
NEW DELHI -- Cancer is the second biggest killer after heart disease in India, with 3.5 lakh people succumbing to the disease every year, a research body said today.
Referring to the WHO World Cancer Report 2015, the Indian Society for Clinical Research (ISCR) said seven lakh new cancer cases emerge every year in the country, killing over 3.5 lakh people and is expected to rise in the next 10-15 years.
"This makes it crucial to focus on new and more effective cancer treatments in addition to the prevention and diagnostics aspects, thus bolstering the momentum of clinical research in our country.
"The demographic distribution of different kinds of cancers also makes it important to invest in local clinical research," ISCR said in a statement on the eve of World Cancer Day.
Suneela Thatte, President, ISCR, noted that encouraging more clinical research in cancer can increase patients' access to more effective and affordable treatment.
"ISCR welcomes every development that helps in conducting clinical research in India and is fully committed to the country's quest for newer cancer treatments.
"I believe the recent regulatory amendments in India have led to a more conducive environment for clinical trials in the country. This, when combined with our vast pool of scientific talent and resources, presents a wonderful window of opportunity to strengthen clinical research in the country. It will enable every patient to have access to the latest cancer therapies," she said.
Reiterating the need for more clinical research in the country, C S Pramesh, Chief, Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgical Oncology at Tata Memorial Hospital, said "We need to focus our research and resources on finding treatments for the more prevalent cancers in India- head and neck, breast, cervical and gall bladder".
This golden spice has gained popularity over the ages in Indian and Chinese medicine for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory powers. "Several scientific studies have documented the effect of curcumin (found in turmeric) in decreasing blood cholesterol levels. Antioxidant properties of curcumin may also help prevent cardiovascular complications among diabetics," says Dev Khosla, co-founder of theweightmonitor.com, an Indian weight management website. Its high antioxidant levels also have also been found to help inhibit cancer cell growth and prevent Alzheimer's Disease. (credit:Lai Morris via Getty Images)
Long (Clove)(02 of09)
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Cloves are known for their heating, anti-fungal and expectorant properties. "Kahdha, the grandmother’s recipe to cure cold & cough is herbal mix of spices including cinnamon, cloves, black pepper, ginger, desi ghee and basil," says Delhi-based nutritionist Ishi Khosla, author of 'Is Wheat Killing You?' and 'The Diet Doctor'.While clove oil remains a popular remedy to relieve toothache, this strong spice itself has other benefits when taken in limited quantities: (credit:Ion-Bogdan DUMITRESCU via Getty Images)
Elaichi (Cardamon)(03 of09)
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Cardamom seeds have aromatic and warming properties, stimulate the appetite and enhance digestion. "In a hot infusion they help relieve colic, distension, gas, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and an acid stomach," says Ishi. A popular addition to spiced Indian tea, this fragrant spice is often prescribed for digestion problems such as constipation, irritable bowel syndrome and intestinal gas. "Commonly chewed after a meal, it is also used to eradicate bad breath," says Dev, based on research from theweightmonitor.com. (credit:Yelena Yemchuk via Getty Images)
Dalchini (Cinnamon)(04 of09)
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Cinnamon is known for its role in the reduction of total and bad cholesterol (LDL) and increase in good cholesterol (HDL). "It also helps improve insulin resistance, thereby making it useful in diabetes management." says Dev. (credit:moodboard via Getty Images)
Ajwain (Carom)(05 of09)
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These little seeds are excellent indigestion relievers. "They have been used over generations in Indian households to help colicky babies, ward off pregnancy constipation, and even cure hiccups," says Ishi. Carom seeds are also claimed to work well as a natural aphrodisiac. Traditional spice mix, the saunf paani including fennel, cumin, carom seeds help to ease digestion (credit:bdspn via Getty Images)
Hing (Asafoetida)(06 of09)
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Its infamous lingering odour has given it many names including devil’s dung, and stinking gum. "Asafoetida, warming in nature helps to increase digestive enzymes and boost the assimilation of nutrients," says Dev. It is a popular addition to Indian cuisine as imparts a pleasant flavour and helps in curing acne, relieving menstrual pain as well as soothing bee stings. (credit:Dave King via Getty Images)
Tej patta (Bay Leaf)(07 of09)
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Used commonly to prepare biryani and korma, Bay leaves are also added to the quintessential Indian spice mix - Garam Masala.Bay leaves help strengthen immunity, and ward off urinary tract infections," says Ishi adding that an infusion of tej patta also makes a great dandruff antidote. Aside from this, bay leaves are an excellent and non-poisonous method to protect packed clothes from hungry bugs. (credit:The Washington Post via Getty Images)
Amchur (Dried mango powder)(08 of09)
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Mostly used in chutneys and curries, Amchur or dried mango powder boasts high Vitamin A and Vitamin C content, says Dev. He adds that it is popularly recommended to pregnant women due to its high iron content and also reduces acidity. (credit:Dave King via Getty Images)
Kaali Mirch (Black Peppercorns)(09 of09)
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Several scientific studies, according to Dev provide evidence that black pepper has cholesterol lowering properties and may help in cardiac function recovery after heart attacks. A word of caution adds Ishi: "piperine, a major active component in both black and white pepper, can strengthen or modify the effects of numerous other medicines, particularly blood thinning agents. Therefore, it is important to seek advice from a qualified professional before using it in therapeutic doses." (credit:Brian Yarvin via Getty Images)
-- This article exists as part of the online archive for HuffPost India, which
closed in 2020. Some features are no longer enabled. If you have questions
or concerns about this article, please contact
indiasupport@huffpost.com.