Last Updated on April 12, 2024 by Partha Protim Choudhury
It’s surprising that even individuals who maintain a healthy lifestyle, such as exercising regularly, eating a balanced diet, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption, can still develop cancer. However, these healthy habits may reduce the risk of developing cancer. In India, cancer is one of the biggest health issues. Its characteristic is the development of abnormal cells that divide uncontrollably and have the ability to destroy normal body tissue. It is common for cancer to spread throughout the body.
Who is most likely to get cancer?
Anything that raises a person’s chance of getting cancer is a cancer risk factor. Over 90% of cancers are observed to have some type of genetic alteration. While some of these changes are sporadic—that is, they happen by accident or as a result of exposure to the environment—others are genetic. The following are general risk factors for cancer: ageing, a personal or family history of the disease, smoking or using tobacco products, being over-weight or on heavier side, drinking alcohol, and some viral infections, such as human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B virus (HBV), and hepatitis C virus, as well as exposure to specific chemicals and radiation, including ultraviolet radiation from the sun.
What are the causes of cancer in India?
India has a population of 1·42 billion spread across 29 states and seven union territories, and many of the states are as large as other countries, with varying degrees of development, population genetics, environments, and lifestyles, leading to a heterogeneous distribution of disease burden and health loss.
The incidence of breast and ovarian cancer in urban females has grown due to a number of factors, including urbanisation, late marriages, late pregnancy ages, obesity, increased female alcohol intake or smoking, and sedentary lifestyles. In India, uterine cervical cancer is the most frequent cancer among women.
However, 50% of malignancies in men are related to tobacco use, whether it be from smoking or chewing tobacco. Dietary practices and reproductive and risky sexual practices account for 20–30% of cancers. There is a tendency towards more red meat eating in South India, which may raise the risk of large bowel cancer.
When compared to patients in high-income nations, cancer patients in low- and middle-income countries—including India—generally have a worse prognosis due to factors such as uneven access to cheap curative services, late diagnosis, and relatively low cancer awareness.
How do you identify warning signs of cancer in your body?
It’s important to remember that cancer can present in many different ways depending on the type of cancer and its location in the body. Additionally, many of these warning signs can also be part of other non-cancerous conditions. That being said, some general warning signs that may indicate cancer include change in bowel or bladder habits, a sore that does not heal, unusual bleeding or discharge, thickening or lump in the breast or elsewhere that needs immediate examination by a healthcare professional, indigestion or difficulty swallowing, an obvious change in skin such as a wart or mole, a nagging cough or hoarseness.
Losing a significant amount of weight without trying to do so can be a sign of cancer. Extreme tiredness that doesn’t improve with rest may be a sign of cancer, especially when it’s persistent. Some other significant warning signs of cancer are persistent pain in certain areas, which may be a warning sign of cancer, especially if it doesn’t have an obvious cause, unexplained fever or night sweats, and swollen lymph nodes.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an evaluation and diagnosis. Keep in mind that many of these signs and symptoms can also be related to other, non-cancerous health conditions. Early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes, so prompt medical attention is advisable.
Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.
