
The global cancer burden presents a pressing public health issue demanding immediate attention. Projections from the World Health Organization (WHO)’s cancer agency anticipate a staggering increase, with over 35 million new cancer cases predicted for 2050, marking a 77% rise from the estimated 20 million cases recorded in 2022.
In India, the trajectory is equally alarming, as cancer incidence rates continue to surge. A study published in the Indian Journal of Public Health indicates an anticipated 12% increase in cancer cases over the next five years.
Cancer manifests as the uncontrolled growth and spread of cells within the body, disrupting the normal processes of cell division. Its onset can occur anywhere within the body, precipitating widespread health implications.
To combat this escalating global crisis, experts advocate for substantial lifestyle adjustments to mitigate cancer risks. Dr. Mridul Malhotra, Sr. Consultant & Head of Medical Oncology at Asian Hospital Faridabad, underscores the intricate link between lifestyle choices and cancer development, extending beyond common factors like tobacco use and excessive alcohol consumption.
Obesity emerges as a significant risk factor for cancer onset, with studies correlating it to heightened susceptibility for breast, colorectal, pancreatic, and kidney cancers, as highlighted by Dr. Malhotra. Similarly, a sedentary lifestyle or lack of physical activity, as emphasized by Dr. Vidhe Sharma, Consulting Physician at Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, amplifies cancer risks, particularly for breast, colon, and endometrial cancers.
Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds elevates the likelihood of skin cancer, including the deadly melanoma variant. Furthermore, dietary habits play a pivotal role, with an unhealthy diet high in fats and low in fiber increasing the risk of several cancers, such as bowel, lung, prostate, and uterine cancers, as cautioned by Dr. Malhotra.
Chronic stress and poor oral hygiene represent additional contributing factors, with chronic inflammation and infections in the oral cavity linked to heightened risks of oral cancers, as noted by Dr. Sharma. Occupational and environmental exposures to hazardous substances like asbestos, benzene, and radon further compound cancer risks, as highlighted by Dr. Malhotra.
Moreover, specific infections, including human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C viruses, and Helicobacter pylori (H. Pylori), are associated with elevated risks of certain cancers, such as cervical, liver, and stomach cancers, underlining the multifaceted nature of cancer etiology.