In India, still, one of the main causes of mortality is cancer. It’s important that you understand the most common cancer types in India. This disease has many contributing factors, like lifestyle factors, environmental causes, family history, and food habits.
When you know your risks, recognize early warning signs, and take preventative action, this will help your recovery be more optimal. This guide will provide you with concise, understandable information about the top 10 most prevalent cancers that Indians are now facing, whether you're looking out for yourself or your loved ones.
Breast Cancer
While it primarily affects women, it can strike men as well. Contributing factors for breast cancer can be sedentary lifestyles, family history, a personal history of breast cancer, dense breast tissue, no pregnancy, alcohol, obesity, old age, etc.
Typical signs and symptoms:
- A mass in the underarm or breast lump
- Change in the size or form of the breasts
- Unusual discharge from the nipple
- Redness or dimpling of the skin
Screening and Prevention:
- Frequent self-analysis
- Clinical examinations of the breasts
- Mammograms after the age of forty (as advised by your doctor)
- Weight control and a healthy lifestyle
- Avoid exposure to second-hand smoke
It's good news that breast cancer may be effectively treated in its early stages and with accurate diagnoses and personalized treatment.
Lung Cancer
More common in men, lung cancer can affect anyone at any age, which usually affects the airways and small air sacs. Nearly eighty percent or more lung cancer cases are non-small cell lung cancer. Exposure to second-hand smoke, active smoking, family history, obesity, exposure to radon, etc., can put anyone at risk of lung cancer.
Typical signs and symptoms:
- Chronic coughing
- Sputum with blood in it
- Breathlessness
- Pain in the chest
- Wheezing
- Unexplained fatigue
- Shoulder discomfort or pain
Screening and Prevention:
- Avoid second-hand smoke and smoking
- In contaminated cities, use natural air purifiers
- CT scan for people at high risk, as advised by a doctor (smokers over 50)
In many cases, lung cancer frequently remains undetected until it is advanced; thus, you should never dismiss early signs if you have any.
Oral Cancer
More prevalent among men, particularly those who use tobacco or betel quid (gutka/pan); however, it can affect anyone. Smoking and tobacco chewing are quite widespread in both rural and urban India, while alcohol drinking, HPV, and a family history of oral cancer can increase the likelihood of oral or mouth cancer.
Typical signs and symptoms:
- Chronic mouth sores
- Patches of white or red in the mouth
- Chewing or swallowing issues
- Numbness or bleeding that doesn't make sense
Screening and Prevention:
- Avoid tobacco in all forms
- Don't drink too much
- Frequent dental examinations
- Oral screening for early detection
It's encouraging to know that mouth cancer is one of the rare cancers that may be avoided. Quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk.
Cervical Cancer
Women, usually in the 30–50 age range, are the ones affected, and the reasons for its prevalence include low HPV vaccination rates, unprotected sex, inadequate menstrual hygiene, and a lack of routine screening.
Typical signs and symptoms:
- Vaginal bleeding during sexual activity
- Noticing vaginal bleeding between periods
- Unusual discharge (bloody discharge)
- Pain in the pelvis
Screening and Prevention:
- After age 21, have a Pap smear every three years.
- HPV vaccination for 9–14-year-old females
- Having safe sexual relations
- Keeping away from smoking
Cervical cancer is a highly treatable condition that may be prevented and cured with early detection and proper care.
Stomach Cancer or Gastric Cancer
This is one of the most common cancer types that is more prevalent in males over fifty, starting in the stomach lining. Reasons why stomach cancer is common include tobacco usage, Helicobacter pylori infection, and a poor diet (rich in pickled or salty foods).
Typical signs and symptoms:
- After eating, bloating
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Feeling of extreme tiredness
- Throwing up often
- Stools with blood in them
Screening and Prevention:
- Avoid processed meals
- Treat infections caused by H. pylori
- Endoscopic evaluation of individuals at high risk
It's helpful to know that stomach cancer and ulcers are often confused. If you have recurrent or ongoing indigestion, you should get medical attention fast.
Colorectal Cancer (Colon and Rectal Cancer)
Polyps, or growths, in the inner lining of your colon are the precursors of colon cancer, affecting the large intestine. Obesity, smoking, poor fiber consumption, sedentary lifestyles, and family history are the main risk factors for colon cancer.
Typical signs and symptoms:
- You notice changes in your bowel habits
- Stools with blood in them
- Unaccounted-for weight loss
- Unexplained fatigue
- Abdominal pain
- Bloated stomach
- Vomiting and shortness of breath
Screening and Prevention:
- A diet rich in fruits and vegetables and high in fiber
- Colonoscopy after the age of fifty
- Frequent, moderate physical activity
Colon or colorectal cancer develops with time and is very treatable if diagnosed early.
Ovarian Cancer
Women over 50, particularly those who have gone through menopause, are affected. Healthy bodily tissue can be invaded and damaged by the rapidly proliferating cells. Some of the vital reasons for its prevalence are a lack of early screening, and ambiguous symptoms frequently result in late diagnosis for ovarian cancer.
Typical signs and symptoms:
- Bloating in the abdomen
- Pain in the pelvis
- Urinating a lot
- Early satiety (rapid sense of fullness)
- Feeling full just after eating
- Losing weight
- Abdominal swelling
- Back pain
Screening and Prevention:
- Routine gynaecological examinations
- Ultrasound transvaginal for women at high risk
- Knowledge of family history
Early diagnosis, timely surgery, and chemotherapy can protect one from its complications effectively.
Liver Cancer
Men and women with a history of fatty liver, alcoholism, or hepatitis B/C are affected, and its most common type is hepatocellular carcinoma. Excessive weight, diabetes, liver cirrhosis, hepatitis infections, et al., all raise the risk for this cancer.
Typical signs and symptoms:
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Jaundice
- Abdominal swelling
- Feeling queasy
- Chalky stools, nausea, and vomiting
Screening and Prevention:
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