Tata Memorial Centre (TMC) proudly unveils MenCan, an innovative initiative by the Urologic Oncology Disease Management Group (URO DMG) focused on improving the lives of men affected by prostate, penile, and testicular cancers.
Rising Incidence of Men’s Cancers in India
According to the latest data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GCO) 2022, the incidence of prostate cancer is on the rise in India, with an expected 12.6 new cases per 100,000 people, adjusted for age. In 2025, India is projected to see approximately 41,736 new cases of prostate cancer. Testicular cancer is also on the rise, expected to reach 4,640 cases by 2025, while penile cancer is projected to account for 11,264 new cases in the same year.
Globally, prostate cancer is the second most common cancer among men and ranks as the 12th most common in India.It predominantly affects men aged 50 to 64. The Longitudinal Ageing Study in India (LASI), published in 2020, forecasts a 10.9% increase in the elderly population (aged 60 and above), from 8.6% to 19.5%, by 2050.
With this aging population, the number of elderly men at risk for developing prostate cancer is also expected to rise. A recent Lancet Commission report has highlighted similar concerns. In India, nearly 40-50% of prostate cancer cases are detected in the metastatic or advanced stage, compared to just <10% in the USA and European continent.
Testicular cancertypically affects younger men (ages 14 to 44), and has one of the highest survival rates, even in advanced stages. This disease is rarer in India compared to the western countries.
On the other hand, India has the highest incidence of penile cancer globally, with 10,443 new cases registered in 2022. In urban India, the age-adjusted incidence of penile cancer ranges from 0.7 to 2.3 cases per 100,000 men, one of the highest rates worldwide.
Incidence in TMC & Need for Initiative
At TMC, the number of new prostate cancer cases has risen significantly. In 2021, there were 700 new prostate cancer diagnoses, while in 2023, this number increased to 900. Additionally, TMC addresses approximately 150 cases of penile cancer and 250 cases of testicular cancer annually.
Given the rising incidence of these cancers with many men often unaware of the risks or hesitant to seek medical help, it is crucial to implement initiatives focused on public education, and research.
The Need for Action
With TMC being one of India’s leading institutions dedicated to cancer care, research, and education, there is an urgent need to combat the growing burden of male cancers. Increased efforts in early, public awareness campaigns and advancing research are essential to addressing these health challenges and improving the outcomes for men affected by these cancers.
MenCan- A Lifeline for Men and Their Families
MenCan is a nonprofit and non-commercial initiative dedicated to address the challenges of these cancers that are often neglected but significantly impact men’s lives. “MenCan Initiative is an important step in tackling the rising incidence of cancer in men.
Through this program, we aim to educate men on the signs and symptoms of common cancers, the importance of regular health check-ups, and the various methods that can detect cancers at an early, more treatable stage,” said Dr. Amit Joshi at Tata Memorial Hospital.
Tata Memorial Centre’s (TMC) MenCan initiative has made significant strides in improving male cancer care in India through impactful activities and programs.
Key Focus Areas of MenCan:
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Awareness and Education: Conduct educational programs and awareness campaigns to increase public understanding of male cancers, aiming to normalize discussions around men’s health.
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Prevention and Early Detection: Organizing health camps, and educational programs to encourage preventive measures.
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Patient Support and Advocacy: Offer emotional, psychological, and financial assistance to patients. In the last six months, the initiative has disbursed substantial funds to support essential treatment needs.
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Survivorship and Rehabilitation: Provide long-term recovery and quality of life support through a specialised Survivorship clinic in TMC.
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Research and Development: Facilitate pragmatic and practice-changing research to improve treatment outcomes in these men’s cancers.
MenCan’s Initiatives for Cancer Survivors
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MenCan has hosted survivorship meetings for penile and testicular cancer survivors.
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Launched MenCan Care, a virtual support group for patients and caregivers.
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Established a Men’s Cancer Confidential Helpline (8451009760) to provide guidance and emotional support.
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Development of India’s first campus navigation app to help patients navigate the 60 acre ACTREC campus.
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MenCan intends to build a social media presence to spread awareness about men’s cancers.
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MenCan aims to expand its operations to all Tata Memorial Centres across India, ensuring its support benefits a larger population of men battling cancer.
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Mr. Shaan’s association with MenCan adds strength and visibility to our mission of building a healthier future for men.