Legendary Singer Pankaj Udhas – Legendary Ghazalsinger Pankaj Udhas dies of cancer at the age of 72
Legendary Singer Pankaj Udhas -Legendary playback and ghazal singer Pankaj Udhas, 72, died of cancer at Breach Candy Hospital on Monday, confirmed Dr. Pratit Samdani, senior oncologist at Breach Candy Hospital. Dr. Samdani said the singer had a malignant disease which eventually proved fatal.
Legendary Singer Pankaj Udhas
A statement from the singer’s family read: “It is with a heavy heart that we have to inform you of the sad demise of Padma Shri Pankaj Udhas on February 26, 2024 due to prolonged illness.”
The incidence of cancer is on the rise worldwide and in India
The World Cancer Research Fund International reports that there were an estimated 18.1 million cases of cancer worldwide in 2020. Of these, 9.3 million cases were in men and 8.8 million in women.
The organization also reports that breast cancer is the most common form of cancer with nearly 2.26 million cases. It accounted for 12.5% of all cancer cases. Lung cancer followed with 2.20 million cases and contributed to 12.2% of the total number of newly diagnosed cases. The third most common form of cancer is colorectal cancer with 1.9 million new cases in 2020, representing 10.7% of new cases.
On the other hand, India is estimated to report 14,61,427 cancer cases in 2022. Cancer Statistics and Treatment says that according to data from population-based cancer registries (PBCRs), lung and oral cancer were the leading types of cancer detected in men and breast and cervical cancer in women. “The mean relative proportions showed that oral, breast and cervical cancer still constitute a major part of the disease in India. In addition, it was observed that the incidence of lung cancer increased significantly. The incidence of prostate, ovarian and endometrial cancer is also increasing. The highest age-adjusted incidence rate (AAR) for males was recorded in Aizawl district of Mizoram and the highest AAR for females was in Papumpare district of Arunachal Pradesh.
These trends indicate that the incidence of cancer is on the rise in India and globally. Cancer is caused by mutation or changes in DNA in cells. This eventually signals the cells to stop their normal function and become cancerous.
Although the definitive cause of the mutation is unknown, there are several factors that could influence the mutation. From genetic factors to environmental factors, there can be several reasons that lead to a genetic mutation. Some of the factors that cause genetic mutation are:
Radiation
Hormones
Tobacco
Diet
Alcohol
Carcinogens
Infectious agent
Bacteria
Environment
Genetics
Hereditary cancers
Inflammation.
Cancer in Men: Understanding 7 Warning Signs and Symptoms
Cancer, a dangerous disease and a ruthless lifestyle, does not respect gender. Men are undeniably just as susceptible to its merciless clutches as anyone else, as evidenced by Pankaj Udhas’s battle with the disease, which sheds light on the seriousness of the disease in men. Cancer poses a dire risk to men, affecting various areas of the body and creating serious consequences if not detected and treated early. Prostate, lung, colorectal, and skin cancers are notable types of cancer that men usually struggle with.
Pankaj Udhas’ fight brings into focus the criticality of early cancer detection and awareness. Here’s a rundown of seven critical red flags that men in particular shouldn’t turn a blind eye to:
Unexpected weight loss
Sudden weight loss without any significant change in diet could indicate various types of cancer, such as stomach, lung or pancreas.
