Cancer Prevention Tips: Cancer cases are rapidly increasing worldwide. Let us tell you about the top 5 cancers in India and what should be done to prevent them.

Most common cancers in India

Which Cancer Is Most Common in India? Cancer is considered one of the most serious diseases in the world. According to Cancer Research UK, there are more than 200 types of cancer, which are divided into five main categories based on the cells from where they start. Carcinoma starts in the skin or the lining of internal organs. Sarcoma is associated with supporting tissues like bone, muscle, fat or blood vessels. Leukemia starts in blood-forming tissues, especially bone marrow, and affects white blood cells. Lymphoma and myeloma are associated with cells of the immune system. Cancer related to the brain and spinal cord is called cancer of the central nervous system.

Which cancer is most prevalent in India at present?

These categories also include several specific types of cancer. In the MHB Bites podcast on February 9th, Dr. Jayesh Sharma, a senior surgical oncologist from Raipur, explained the most common cancers in India. Dr. Sharma, who has 25 years of experience, said that a few years ago, cervical cancer was the most common cancer in women, and breast cancer was second. However, now breast cancer is becoming more common in both men and women. Changing lifestyles, aging, and decreased breastfeeding are believed to be the reasons behind this change.

The risk of these cancers is also

Currently, oral cancer ranks second, primarily linked to tobacco chewing habits. Cervical and lung cancers are tied for third and fourth, while colon cancer is fifth. Breast cancer risk increases with age, obesity, menopause, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, and family history. Early screening, self-examination, and mammography can save lives. Cervical cancer is most often associated with HPV infection and is largely preventable through vaccination and regular screening.

Mouth cancer is closely linked to tobacco habits such as smoking and gutkha and paan. The prevalence of chewing tobacco is a major cause in India. Lung cancer is primarily caused by smoking. Colon cancer is also on the rise in urban India, linked to a low-fiber diet, high intakes of processed meat, obesity, lack of physical activity, and metabolic problems.

What do experts say?

Dr. Sharma says that cancer isn't a completely random disease. Along with genetic factors, lifestyle and environmental factors also play a role. Conditions like tobacco use, obesity, alcohol, low physical activity, an unbalanced diet, and long-term inflammation increase the risk.