On National Cancer Awareness Day 2024, healthcare experts spotlight the mounting threat of cancer in India, urging for greater preventive measures and lifestyle changes to curb the disease's growing prevalence. In 2022 alone, India witnessed an alarming 1,461,427 new cancer cases, with an incidence rate of 100.4 per 100,000 people, underscoring the urgency to address the increasing cancer burden. Alarming projections reveal that approximately one in nine Indians may face a cancer diagnosis in their lifetime. With cancer-related disability-adjusted life years (DALYs) expected to rise from 26.7 million in 2021 to 29.8 million by 2025, northern and northeastern regions are predicted to be especially hard-hit.
This escalating cancer incidence is closely linked to modifiable lifestyle factors, environmental exposures, and genetic predispositions. “Lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption play a substantial role in increasing cancer risk,” states Dr. Indu Bansal Aggarwal, Group Director and HOD of Radiation Oncology at Paras Health in Gurugram. Smoking is particularly associated with higher rates of lung, throat, and bladder cancers, while alcohol is linked to an increased risk of liver, breast, and digestive cancers. Additionally, poor dietary choices and sedentary habits are key contributors, with diets high in processed foods and red meat leading to obesity—a significant risk factor for various cancers.
The environmental landscape further compounds cancer risks. Exposure to pollutants, pesticides, and UV radiation intensifies the threat, particularly for those living in heavily industrialised or urbanised areas. Genetic predispositions add another layer of complexity, making individuals more susceptible to certain cancers when combined with unfavorable lifestyle factors.
In response to these challenges, healthcare professionals are emphasising the critical role of prevention. “A health-conscious lifestyle can significantly reduce one’s risk of cancer,” Dr. Aggarwal advises. A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, combined with regular physical activity, is essential. Abstaining from tobacco and limiting alcohol intake further reduces cancer risk. Individuals are also encouraged to minimise exposure to environmental toxins, use sun protection, and opt for organic products to decrease exposure to harmful chemicals and pollutants.
Dr. Aggarwal highlights the importance of early detection, noting that timely screenings can dramatically improve survival rates and reduce cancer burden. Regular screenings such as mammograms, colonoscopies, and Pap smears are crucial in identifying cancer in its early stages, when treatment is most effective. These tests empower individuals to detect changes early and seek timely medical interventions.
This National Cancer Awareness Day, healthcare experts stress the importance of being vigilant about unusual symptoms, such as unexplained lumps, prolonged fatigue, or unexpected weight loss, and consulting healthcare providers if such symptoms arise. Early intervention, combined with lifestyle modifications, can lower cancer risk and improve outcomes.
With India facing a significant cancer crisis, adopting preventive strategies at both individual and community levels is paramount. Public health initiatives, awareness campaigns, and accessible screening programs are essential to fostering a cancer-aware society. As India confronts this rising health burden, National Cancer Awareness Day 2024 serves as a crucial reminder of the collective responsibility to prioritise health, embrace preventive lifestyles, and work towards a future with reduced cancer incidence.
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