The world's deadliest disease is rapidly increasing in India and across the world. In 2022, more than 14.13 million new cancer cases were reported in India, of which 9.16 million died (according to estimates released by the World Health Organization). The number of cancer patients in women exceeds that in men. Women suffer from various forms of cancer, but the most common cancers are found to be those of the breast, cervix, ovary, oral cavity, and colorectal.
Therefore, it is important to understand that various factors contribute to the development of cancer. In today's fast-paced Indian lifestyle, unhealthy food choices, unbalanced living, work-life related stress, smoking etc. are some of the common causes. According to the WHO, 30-40% of cancers can be avoided simply by changing lifestyle habits. By increasing awareness, making informed choices, and adopting healthier habits, women can actively reduce their risk of developing various types of cancer and promote longer, healthier lives. can do.
smoking: When inhaled, smoked cigarettes release approximately 7,000 chemicals that can cause cell changes and increase the risk of developing cancer. The combination of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cancers that affect the aerodigestive tract, including the lips, mouth, larynx, pharynx, throat, esophagus, and colon. It may also increase your risk of breast, cervical, and lung cancer. In addition to putting people's general health at risk, performing one or both of these actions can increase susceptibility to additional potentially deadly diseases.
Ignoring that chewing tobacco is a common habit among most Indians can be a common mistake. Smoking cigarettes is a more recent phenomenon. The risks inherent in second-hand smoke and third-hand smoke from curtains, carpets, clothing, etc. cannot be ignored. Ashtrays full of stumps and ashes are common places at night. People should consider spreading it around the house.
obesity: Obesity has emerged as a significant risk factor for various cancers, beyond its well-known association with diabetes and heart disease. Although more definitive research is needed on this, there is no doubt that obesity is a growing concern in today's society due to sedentary lifestyles. Adipose tissue normally produces high levels of estrogen, which is associated with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer in women, and other types of cancer across demographics (including women). I am. What's even sadder is that the younger generation is even more affected by this sedentary lifestyle, and even though they are aware of it, they tend to overlook the problem.
If you neglect regular screenings and health checkups, Another major cause of cancer in India is the lack of regular check-ups and health check-ups in the country. Regular inspections are surrounded by an atmosphere of ennui, and prejudice persists in certain regions of the country. As a result, routine examinations and even early signs and symptoms are ignored. This is especially true for cervical cancer, which is a prevalent problem among women in India. Alarming data from NFHS-5 shows that only 1.9% of women in India (2.2% urban and 1.7% rural) undergo cervical cancer screening. Inequalities still exist, and rates vary by region. Women in urban areas of Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra showed higher testing rates, while women in rural areas of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana and West Bengal showed higher testing rates. Women have higher testing rates. Conversely, cervical cancer screening rates are reported to be almost negligible in Nagaland, Ladakh and Gujarat, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive public health policies on screening and early diagnosis. It has been. In urban India, family members, friends and even employers should encourage young people to get tested regularly.
decreased physical activity: Lack of physical activity, especially among today's youth, has also led to an increase in cancer cases. Reduced physical activity is associated with breast cancer risk in women, especially during menopause. The adoption of sedentary lifestyles is on the rise, with long working hours, eating unhealthy snacks at work, watching TV and videos, and the latest trend of watching Reels for hours on end, people are becoming more and more motivated to exercise and I've been away from walking. With such a sedentary lifestyle, cases of problems such as PCOD/PCOS are increasing, especially in young women. Sedentary behavior also increases lung, endometrial, and colon cancers.
Therefore, it is important to understand that various factors contribute to the development of cancer. In today's fast-paced Indian lifestyle, unhealthy food choices, unbalanced living, work-life related stress, smoking etc. are some of the common causes. According to the WHO, 30-40% of cancers can be avoided simply by changing lifestyle habits. By increasing awareness, making informed choices, and adopting healthier habits, women can actively reduce their risk of developing various types of cancer and promote longer, healthier lives. can do.
smoking: When inhaled, smoked cigarettes release approximately 7,000 chemicals that can cause cell changes and increase the risk of developing cancer. The combination of smoking and excessive alcohol consumption is associated with an increased risk of cancers that affect the aerodigestive tract, including the lips, mouth, larynx, pharynx, throat, esophagus, and colon. It may also increase your risk of breast, cervical, and lung cancer. In addition to putting people's general health at risk, performing one or both of these actions can increase susceptibility to additional potentially deadly diseases.
Ignoring that chewing tobacco is a common habit among most Indians can be a common mistake. Smoking cigarettes is a more recent phenomenon. The risks inherent in second-hand smoke and third-hand smoke from curtains, carpets, clothing, etc. cannot be ignored. Ashtrays full of stumps and ashes are common places at night. People should consider spreading it around the house.
obesity: Obesity has emerged as a significant risk factor for various cancers, beyond its well-known association with diabetes and heart disease. Although more definitive research is needed on this, there is no doubt that obesity is a growing concern in today's society due to sedentary lifestyles. Adipose tissue normally produces high levels of estrogen, which is associated with breast cancer, ovarian cancer, endometrial cancer in women, and other types of cancer across demographics (including women). I am. What's even sadder is that the younger generation is even more affected by this sedentary lifestyle, and even though they are aware of it, they tend to overlook the problem.
If you neglect regular screenings and health checkups, Another major cause of cancer in India is the lack of regular check-ups and health check-ups in the country. Regular inspections are surrounded by an atmosphere of ennui, and prejudice persists in certain regions of the country. As a result, routine examinations and even early signs and symptoms are ignored. This is especially true for cervical cancer, which is a prevalent problem among women in India. Alarming data from NFHS-5 shows that only 1.9% of women in India (2.2% urban and 1.7% rural) undergo cervical cancer screening. Inequalities still exist, and rates vary by region. Women in urban areas of Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Kerala and Maharashtra showed higher testing rates, while women in rural areas of Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Jammu and Kashmir, Telangana and West Bengal showed higher testing rates. Women have higher testing rates. Conversely, cervical cancer screening rates are reported to be almost negligible in Nagaland, Ladakh and Gujarat, highlighting the urgent need for comprehensive public health policies on screening and early diagnosis. It has been. In urban India, family members, friends and even employers should encourage young people to get tested regularly.
decreased physical activity: Lack of physical activity, especially among today's youth, has also led to an increase in cancer cases. Reduced physical activity is associated with breast cancer risk in women, especially during menopause. The adoption of sedentary lifestyles is on the rise, with long working hours, eating unhealthy snacks at work, watching TV and videos, and the latest trend of watching Reels for hours on end, people are becoming more and more motivated to exercise and I've been away from walking. With such a sedentary lifestyle, cases of problems such as PCOD/PCOS are increasing, especially in young women. Sedentary behavior also increases lung, endometrial, and colon cancers.
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Food is good medicine. A proper and balanced diet is the best medicine and protection against most non-communicable diseases such as cancer, diabetes and coronary artery disease. People should consider returning to nutritious traditional home-cooked meals. It is important to understand that foods high in fat and sugar can only be harmful in the long run.
(Author: Mrs. Jyostna Govil, President of Indian Cancer Society Delhi Chapter)
