India is facing a cancer crisis — about 1.46 million new cases were estimated in 2022, and 1 in 9 Indians is likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. The most common cancers are breast (women), lip/oral cavity (men), cervix, lung, and esophagus.
Main Causes in India
1. Tobacco & Areca Nut – India has one of the highest rates of smokeless tobacco and betel quid use, strongly linked to oral and esophageal cancers.
2. Air Pollution – Outdoor smog and indoor smoke from solid fuels raise lung cancer risk.
3. HPV & HBV Infections – Drive cervical and liver cancers; preventable by vaccines.
4. Unhealthy Lifestyle – Alcohol, poor diet, inactivity, and obesity are emerging contributors.
5. Excess Junk Food Consumption – Highly processed foods high in sugars, refined carbs, and unhealthy fats promote oxidative stress and generate free radicals in the body. These unstable molecules can damage DNA, potentially triggering the formation of carcinogens inside the body over time.
Prevention That Works
HPV Vaccination – Now rolling out nationally using the low-cost Cervavac vaccine for girls 9–14.
HBV Vaccination – Part of India’s routine immunisation programme.
Screening from Age 30+ – Free oral, breast, and cervical checks at Health & Wellness Centres.
Clean Cooking & Better Air Quality – Switching to LPG/electric cooking reduces indoor smoke.
Tobacco & Areca Control – Quit programmes and stricter enforcement of sales/advertising bans.
Balanced Diet – Reduce processed/junk food intake, eat antioxidant-rich fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats to combat free radicals.
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Case Studies from India
Sikkim HPV Drive – Achieved over 95% coverage through school-based vaccination.
Kerala Oral Cancer Screening – Trained health workers identified early cases, cutting mortality in high-risk groups.
Tamil Nadu Mass Screening – State-run drives screening millions for oral, breast, and cervical cancers.
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Quick Prevention Tips
Avoid tobacco, betel quid, and limit junk food.
Get HPV vaccination if eligible and screen regularly.
Self-check for mouth ulcers or patches that don’t heal.
Maintain a healthy weight, stay active, and limit alcohol.
Reduce exposure to air pollution indoors and outdoors.
