Cancer awareness day 2024: Most common cancers in India and why do they happen

Cancer awareness day is observed in India every year on November 7 to create awareness on one of the deadly diseases mankind is struggling against. India is the first country in the world to have initiated ‘National Cancer Awareness Day’ on 7th November which happens to be the birthday of Madame Marie Curie, the Nobel Laureate who discovered radioactivity.

There is a need to create cancer awareness in the country because the prevalence of the deadly disease seems to be increasing.

"Cancer prevention starts with each of us. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, avoid tobacco and alcohol, and prioritize regular screenings. Take action today for a healthier tomorrow," Union Health Ministry has posted on X on National Cancer Awareness Day.

Study estimates high incidence of cancer cases in India

According to a recent GLOBOCAN study, mortality due to cancer in India is around 916827. The study found that in India cancer in lip, oral cavity, lung and oesophagus are commonly seen in males, while cancers of breast, cervix and ovary are common among females.

The risk of dying from cancer before the age of 75 is the same for both men and women, which is above 7%.

Colorectal cancer is one of the most frequent cancers seen in both men and women.

GLOBOCAN predicted that cancer cases in India would increase to 2.08 million, accounting for a rise of 57.5 per cent in 2040 from 2020.

In India, one in nine people are likely to develop cancer in his/her lifetime

According to a study, published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research: The estimated number of incident cases of cancer in India for the year 2022 was found to be 14,61,427 (crude rate:100.4 per 100,000). The incidence of cancer cases is estimated to increase by 12.8 per cent in 2025 as compared to 2020.

"The cumulative risk to develop cancer in his/her lifetime between 0 and 74 yr was one in every nine persons for all sites of cancer in both sexes, one in 67 for lung cancers in males and one in 29 for breast cancer in females," the study estimated.

A recent publication from NCRP projected the burden of cancer to 29.8 million DALYs by 2025 in India

See More: Everyday habits that could increase your cancer risk: How to make healthier choices

How to prevent the onset of cancer?

Preventing cancer involves adopting a healthy lifestyle and being mindful of risk factors. Regular physical activity protects from cancer through maintaining a healthy weight and reducing the danger of developing colon, breast, and prostate cancers. Try to exercise for at least 150 minutes on average per week. This can be achieved by engaging in brisk walking, swimming, or cycling among other exercises. Reduces inflammation. It strengthens the immune system.

A balanced, nutritious diet plays a key role, as it helps support immunity and reduces inflammation, which is linked to cancer. Including fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while limiting processed foods and red meats can help. Certain foods, like berries, nuts, and green leafy vegetables, contain antioxidants that may protect cells from damage.

Limiting alcohol, smoking, and minimizing exposure to harmful substances can also reduce the risk of cancer. Too much alcohol consumption has been linked to liver, throat, and mouth cancers.

Regular screening and health check-ups help in early detection of abnormalities and this is when cancer treatment is easier and effective. Immunization against the viruses, such as those from HPV and hepatitis B, protects individuals from cancerous growth. "Women with early detection and treatment often have an increased survival rate, as well as a wider range of treatment options. Personalized medicine and targeted therapy transform care for breast cancer, allowing us to tailor approaches to distinct needs in each patient. However, it also needs to be noted that unfortunately, even when early treatment is initiated for the patient, the disease might come back later," says Dr. Sachin Gupta, Director – Medical Oncology & Hemato-Oncology (Cancer Specialist), Max Healthcare.