The risk of cancer is increasing at a young age, what are its causes and how can it be prevented?

News Topical, Digital Desk : Indian women are developing breast cancer as early as age 20, and the younger population is falling prey to stomach cancer. Even non-smokers are falling victim to lung cancer, as various studies have consistently revealed. Overall, cancer is no longer a disease of the elderly or the elderly. 

Today, almost every family has a close relative or acquaintance who has been diagnosed with cancer. Although treatments for many common cancers, such as lung, oral, and breast, are proving successful, the rising incidence of cancer is deeply concerning for the population at large. 

According to the National Institute of Cancer Prevention and Research's recent (2024) estimates, 2.5 million Indians suffer from cancer. This figure represents a 26 percent increase over the past three decades. Cancer causes 600,000 premature deaths in India each year. Early cancer screening and prevention are essential as the most urgent and immediate measures. Following this, interventions such as surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy can prove effective in preventing cancer.

What needs to be done?

We must understand that immunity is the most advanced defense against incurable diseases like cancer. It prevents both cancer and the risk of its recurrence. Immunotherapy is a new and effective approach to cancer treatment, strengthening the body's immune system to fight cancer. Physical, mental, and emotional aspects also need to be addressed to build immunity against disease.

Understand cancer and its causes

Cancer is a group of diseases in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and replace normal cells. These abnormal cells in one part of the body can spread to other organs, eventually leading to metastasis, which can lead to death.

• Genetic changes (mutations) – Cancer cells become abnormal due to changes in genes. Some of these gene changes can be passed from one generation to the next, while in others, they are more likely to occur at an older age.
• Uncontrolled cell growth – Most abnormal cells die or stop reproducing. However, cancer cells continue to grow and divide abnormally, disrupting normal cells.
• Tumor formation: Not all cancer cells form tumors, and not all tumors are cancer. Many types of cancer cells may cluster together to form tumors.

Why does cancer occur?

Cancer has many stages. These changes are caused by factors other than a person's genes, such as:

• Physical carcinogens – ultraviolet and ionizing radiation etc.
• Chemical carcinogens – asbestos, tobacco smoke, alcohol, contaminated food, arsenic-containing water, etc.
• Biological carcinogens – Infections caused by certain viruses, bacteria, or parasites.

risk factors

Factors such as tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, and air pollution contribute to cancer and other non-communicable diseases. According to the WHO, carcinogenic infections are responsible for 13 percent of cancers worldwide. These include HPV causing cervical cancer and hepatitis B and C viruses causing liver cancer.

Half of cancer cases can be prevented

Identifying risk factors and preventive measures currently prevents 30 to 50 percent of cancers. Early detection and appropriate treatment can also reduce the cancer burden.

Important things to know about cancer prevention

• perfect body weight
• A healthy diet, including plenty of fruits and vegetables
• Daily physical activity and exercise
• Abstinence from all forms of tobacco and alcohol
• HPV and hepatitis B vaccines, if prescribed by a doctor
• protection from ultraviolet radiation
• Vigilance during health care
• Protection from indoor and outdoor air pollution

Why is early detection and screening important?

Early detection allows for effective and cost-effective cancer treatment. This makes it possible for cancer patients to return to normal life. This requires three key considerations: awareness of all cancer symptoms, medical consultation in case of abnormalities, clinical examination, and appropriate treatment. These measures are effective for all types of cancer.

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