India has seen a meteoric rise in the number of cancer cases over the last few years. The Indian rise in cancer cases has surpassed the global average. Due to the rising cases, experts agree that India can soon become known as the ‘cancer capital of the world’. 

But why are the cases of cancer increasing in India? What is driving the increase in cancer cases as well as the increase in other chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and mental health conditions like depression in India? Let’s understand the underlying risk factors and socioeconomic factors that are currently fueling the increase of cancer cases in India.

Health Risk Factors of Indians That Are Causing A Rise in Cancer Cases

India currently has three major metropolitan cities in the world’s list of top 10 most polluted cities in the world. The rising number of petrol automobiles on Indian streets have increased air pollution significantly. These increases in air pollution has increased the incidence of pulmonary disorders, respiratory disorders, and the incidence of several types of cancer in Indian citizens.

Similar to air pollution, India has a significant number of people who use tobacco products and smoke cigarettes. Over 25 crore people in India over the age of 15 are active smokers. Apart from smokers, lakhs of people consume tobacco in a smokeless variety. The use of tobacco products increases the risk of mouth, throat, and lung cancer significantly.

These increases in risk and the rising number of people using tobacco products in India are contributing to the country becoming the cancer capital of the worldwide. These lifestyle habits as well as the rampant pollution in metropolitan cities are actively playing a part in increasing the number of cancer cases in India. 

It is not that there is not enough awareness regarding the cancer risk of using tobacco products. People often ignore these risks due to addiction. There is not enough awareness regarding addiction of tobacco substances in India. Help resources and rehabilitation options for tobacco users are also relatively limited. These factors make it more difficult for people to quit smoking. The portrayal of cigarette smoking as a sign of liberation for women and a sign of machismo for men in popular media popularises smoking to teenagers and other young adults.

The use of tobacco was already bad enough but Indians, especially young adults today in cities with high amounts of air pollution practice a sedentary lifestyle. Sedentary lifestyle, the use of tobacco products, air pollution, lack of exercise, poor dietary habits. All of these factors collectively are causing a rise in cancer cases alongside other chronic health conditions like diabetes, obesity, and hypertension.

Socioeconomic Factors That Are Causing A Rise in Cancer Cases in India

Socioeconomic factors are an important determining factor for the rising cancer cases in India. Socioeconomic factors such as the availability of treatment, awareness regarding the harms of using tobacco, and the stigma regarding cancer diagnosis play an important role in rising cancer cases. India has developed rapidly over the past few decades, however, the country still has remote areas where development has not reached yet.

Similarly, lack of uniform literacy and education among the public makes it difficult for people to understand the risks associated with tobacco use. For a large section of the Indian society, tobacco addiction has led to tobacco dependency in people without their knowledge. This is most commonly caused by the non-smoking types of tobacco.

Reports have shown over 1.4 million cancer cases in India per year with estimates of the number increasing to over 1.5 million cases by 2025. Currently, the cancer capital of the India is located in Kerala, which has the highest incidence of crude cancer cases in the country. Even though other states like Mizoram, Delhi, Haryana, Goa are not far behind on the list, it is Kerala that currently has the highest cancer patients in India state. So, how do you improve the current state of cancer incidence in India?

It is possible only with better awareness programs and access to addiction rehabilitation services, the country will be able to manage its rising number of cancer cases. So, to help improve awareness regarding cancer, here are some of the most common symptoms of cancer that warrants medical checkups. It is also important to note that cancer often doesn’t have symptoms until later, more developed stages. It is important to opt for cancer screening regularly as you age to make sure you are safe from the condition. Let’s review some of the most important symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and screening advice for cancer.

Most Important Symptoms of Cancer

• Sudden or growing lump under your skin that’s noticeable
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue and lethargy with lack of energy in general
• Changes to your skin such as sores, darkening of the skin, or yellowing of the skin
• Respiratory troubles
• Changes with your bowel or bladder movements

Most Important Risk Factors of Cancer

• Regular tobacco use 
• Excessive drinking of alcohol
• Improper or unbalanced diet
• Lack of physical exercise and sedentary lifestyle
• Family history of cancer

Cancer Prevention Tips

• Screening: For both men and women, cancer screening is extremely important to mitigate the risk of cancer. It can help you prevent cancer and be aware of any cancerous growths in your body before they can show symptoms. Preventive and predictive medical treatment is extremely effective in helping you manage cancer.
   
• Stop Tobacco Use: Tobacco use increases your risk of cancer by 20%. Studies have shown that smokers account for 30% of all cancer-related deaths. So, make sure you understand the importance of quitting smoking and use of tobacco products.
   
• Balanced Diet: Following a balanced diet is not as difficult as it seems. Doctors and dieticians work with patients to help them achieve optimum nutrition from daily meals without them having to spend a lot of time on their food. A balanced diet is crucial to stay healthy and it helps reduce your risk of cancer and a lot of other chronic health problems. So, make sure you adopt a healthy diet before it gets prescribed to you.
   
• Regular Exercise: Similar to a healthy diet, regular exercise can help you reduce your risk of cancer. Since people are forced into a sedentary lifestyle, regular exercise can help people improve their cardiovascular health overall. This reduces your risk of cardiovascular diseases, pulmonary diseases, kidney diseases, cancer, diabetes, obesity, and hypertension. So, make sure you are incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise daily in your routine to live a healthier life with reduced cancer risk.

Conclusion

As cancer awareness improves in different parts of the country and cancer treatment becomes available easily, it is sure to reduce the number of cancer cases in India over the next few years. To learn more about cancer risks and treatment, check out MASSH. We offer specialised surgical and management treatments for different types of cancer. Check out our website to learn more about cancer treatment at MASSH or visit us today to consult our specialists.