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Surge in consultations for Oncology and Mental Health among Indian women in 2024 : DC Care

 


India, March 01, 2023: Based on data collected from 78,000 women users, Indian women displayed a proactive attitude towards healthcare, as evidenced by a 23% rise* in consultations compared to the previous year. The fastest-growing specialties were oncology and mental health, with a YoY increase of 96% and 66%, respectively. Notably, a majority of mental health consultations, particularly for psychotherapy, psychiatry, and psychology, were sought by younger women.


Mental Health

Women under 35 consulting the most on mental health.


Age-wise break-up of mental health consultations by women in 2022 



(Age groups of 54+ contribute to 3% of the consultations)

More younger women (under 25) are seeking mental health support 


18 – 24 witnessing 59% growth in consultations YoY; followed by 

25 – 34 witnessing 38% growth 

35 – 44 witnessing 23% growth 

And 45 – 64 witnessing 15% growth

64+ has also witnessed some growth but the numbers are relatively lower 

Most discussed concerns: withdrawal symptoms, suicidal behavior, stress, panic, PTSD, eating disorder, drug abuse, alcoholic addiction 


Oncology 

Majority women between 25 – 34 are seeking consultations for Oncology.


Age-wise break-up of oncology consultations by women in 2022  



(Age groups of 45-54 & 64+ contribute to 1% of the consultations each)

Women between age group 25 – 44 is seeing maximum growth


25-34 witnessing 118% growth in oncology consultations YoY; followed by 

35-44 witnessing 108% growth

45+ witnessing 21% growth

While 18 – 24 has seen marginal growth the numbers are relatively lower

Overall, young women in their 20s and 30s formed the majority of consultations across specialties 


Users in the age group of 25 -34 years contributed to 65% of consultations done by women. It is followed by those between 35-44 years (21%), followed by 18 – 24 years (8%), and 45 – 54 years (3%) and women aged 55 and above (2%)

Highest growth in consultations is also seen among young women, with 18 – 24 growing at 56%, followed by 25 – 34 at 23%, and 35 – 44 at 15%

Top 5 specialties consulted by women in 2022 include:


Gynecology at 16%

Dermatology at 10%

General Physician at 8% 

Dentist and Pediatrician both at 5% each

Commenting on these insights, Dr Alexander Kuruvilla, Chief Healthcare Strategy Officer, DC Care, said, “In recent years, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of younger women seeking mental health support and this trend warrants attention and action. There are multiple factors contributing to this trend, such as increasing awareness and de-stigmatisation of mental health concerns, the impact of social media on mental health, and the unique stressors and challenges faced by younger generations. As a community we have to recognise this and provide support and foster overall wellbeing. And we at DC Care are committed to making mental health service easily accessible through our healthcare services, with thousands of mental health specialists available to patients.”

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