Cancer remains one of the most significant public health challenges worldwide, and India is no exception. With the increasing burden of cancer cases in the country, oncologists and health experts have stressed that a large proportion of these cases, approximately 50-60%, are preventable. This stark reality highlights a critical gap in the country’s healthcare system and calls for urgent action at both individual and societal levels. From lifestyle modifications to improving access to early screening and treatment, there are numerous ways to significantly reduce the number of cancer cases that could otherwise be avoided. India is witnessing a rise in cancer cases due to various factors such as population growth, changing lifestyles, and increased life expectancy. According to the National Cancer Registry Programme of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India records over 13 lakh new cases of cancer each year. While cancer can affect anyone, certain risk factors – such as tobacco use, poor diet, alcohol consumption, sedentary lifestyle, and exposure to environmental pollutants – contribute significantly to the development of the disease. These modifiable risk factors play a major role in the preventability of cancer, making it possible to reduce the number of new cancer cases with appropriate preventive measures. A significant number of cancer cases are linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices, many of which are preventable with better awareness and behavior changes. Smoking, for example, is the leading cause of lung cancer, and yet it remains prevalent in India, with millions of people still indulging in tobacco use despite the well-documented risks. Other forms of tobacco, such as chewing betel nut and snuff, are also strongly linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, and digestive tract. The reduction or elimination of tobacco consumption could drastically reduce the incidence of these cancers, yet tobacco control remains a major public health challenge in India. Similarly, alcohol consumption is a recognized risk factor for several cancers, including those of the liver, breast, and esophagus. Studies show that heavy drinking increases the risk of cancer, particularly when combined with other unhealthy habits like poor diet or lack of exercise. There is a growing need for increased awareness about the risks of alcohol abuse and its connection to cancer. Another critical factor in the preventability of cancer is poor dietary habits. Diets high in processed foods, red meats, and unhealthy fats, coupled with low consumption of fruits, vegetables, and fiber, are associated with an increased risk of cancers such as colorectal, stomach, and breast cancer. The rise in urbanization and changing food habits have contributed to a growing number of cases of obesity and overweight, both of which are known to increase the risk of various cancers. Simple changes in diet, such as reducing the intake of processed foods, sugar, and unhealthy fats, and increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, can lower cancer risks substantially. Early detection of cancer is another critical factor that can help prevent many cancer-related deaths. When cancers are detected in their early stages, treatment options are often more effective, and the chances of survival are higher. Unfortunately, many cancers in India are diagnosed at an advanced stage, when the disease is more difficult and expensive to treat. Early detection programs, including routine screenings for cervical, breast, and colorectal cancers, have been shown to significantly reduce cancer-related mortality.
50-60 pc cancer cases detected in India annually are preventable, say oncologists
