Health and Me

Ishita Roy

Cervical Cancer Is The Most Common Cancer In Indian Women, Says Doctor

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">Cancer</a></span> remains one of the most feared diagnoses worldwide. Medical bodies classify more than 200 cancers into five broad groups depending on where they originate. These include carcinomas that begin in skin or organs, sarcomas in connective tissues, leukemia in blood-forming tissues, lymphomas and myeloma in immune cells, and cancers of the brain and spinal cord.

While classification helps doctors understand disease behavior, what matters more for the public is which cancers are actually increasing around them.

During a recent podcast appearance, senior surgical oncologist Dr Jayesh Sharma discussed how India’s cancer pattern has changed over the years and which types are most common today. The video is also available on his Instagram channel. 

<h2><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/breast-cancer">Breast Cancer</a></span> Now Leads The List</h2>

“A few years ago, <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cervical-cancer">cervical cancer</a></span> was the most common cancer among Indian women, and breast cancer was second,” he explained. “Right now, breast cancer holds the top spot.”

Experts attribute the shift to multiple lifestyle changes. Increasing life expectancy, late pregnancies, reduced breastfeeding, obesity and physical inactivity have all played a role.

Breast cancer risk rises with age, menopause, alcohol use and family history. However, survival rates improve dramatically when detected early. Regular self-awareness, clinical examinations and mammography remain the strongest tools.

<h2>Oral Cancer Driven By Tobacco Use</h2>

The second most common <span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cancer">cancer</a> in India</span> is oral cancer. The primary reason is tobacco consumption in smoked and smokeless forms such as gutka and paan.

India carries one of the world’s highest burdens of oral cancer largely because chewing tobacco remains common in many regions. Unlike several other cancers, this one is largely preventable. Eliminating tobacco exposure sharply reduces risk.

<h2>Cervical And Lung Cancer Compete For Third Spot</h2>

Cervical cancer, once the leading cancer among women, still remains a major public health concern. It is caused mainly by persistent HPV infection but is also one of the most preventable cancers.

Vaccination, safe sexual practices and routine screening tests such as Pap smear or HPV testing significantly lower the risk.

Lung cancer ranks close behind and is strongly linked to smoking and passive smoke exposure. Air pollution contributes, but tobacco remains the dominant cause. Quitting smoking is considered the single most powerful protective step.

<h2>Colon Cancer Rising In Urban India</h2>

Colon cancer now rounds out the top five cancers in the country. Doctors are seeing increasing cases particularly in urban populations.

Low fiber diets, high processed food intake, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, alcohol and metabolic disorders all contribute. Screening after age 45 to 50 can detect precancerous polyps early and prevent disease progression.

<h2>Lifestyle Factors Behind Most Cases</h2>

Many people assume cancer is purely genetic, but experts say daily habits play a significant role. Common modifiable risks include tobacco exposure, central obesity, alcohol use, poor diet, inactivity and chronic inflammation.

The oncologist emphasized that awareness should not create panic. “Early detection does not create fear; it creates survival. Prevention is always easier than treatment.”

The message is simple. Cancer patterns are changing, but many of the risks remain within human control. Small preventive steps taken early can significantly reduce disease burden and improve outcomes.

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Cancer remains one of the most feared diagnoses worldwide. Medical bodies classify more than 200 cancers into five broad groups depending on where they originate. These include carcinomas that begin in skin or organs, sarcomas in connective tissues, leukemia in blood-forming tissues, lymphomas and myeloma in immune cells, and cancers of the brain and spinal cord.While classification helps doctors understand disease behavior, what matters more for the public is which cancers are actually increasing around them.During a recent podcast appearance, senior surgical oncologist Dr Jayesh Sharma discussed how India’s cancer pattern has changed over the years and which types are most common today. The video is also available on his Instagram channel. Breast Cancer Now Leads The List“A few years ago, cervical cancer was the most common cancer among Indian women, and breast cancer was second,” he explained. “Right now, breast cancer holds the top spot.”Experts attribute the shift to multiple lifestyle changes. Increasing life expectancy, late pregnancies, reduced breastfeeding, obesity and physical inactivity have all played a role.Breast cancer risk rises with age, menopause, alcohol use and family history. However, survival rates improve dramatically when detected early. Regular self-awareness, clinical examinations and mammography remain the strongest tools.          View this post on Instagram            A post shared by MHB Bytes (@mhbbytes)]]>Oral Cancer Driven By Tobacco UseThe second most common cancer in India is oral cancer. The primary reason is tobacco consumption in smoked and smokeless forms such as gutka and paan.India carries one of the world’s highest burdens of oral cancer largely because chewing tobacco remains common in many regions. Unlike several other cancers, this one is largely preventable. Eliminating tobacco exposure sharply reduces risk.Cervical And Lung Cancer Compete For Third SpotCervical cancer, once the leading cancer among women, still remains a major public health concern. It is caused mainly by persistent HPV infection but is also one of the most preventable cancers.Vaccination, safe sexual practices and routine screening tests such as Pap smear or HPV testing significantly lower the risk.Lung cancer ranks close behind and is strongly linked to smoking and passive smoke exposure. Air pollution contributes, but tobacco remains the dominant cause. Quitting smoking is considered the single most powerful protective step.Colon Cancer Rising In Urban IndiaColon cancer now rounds out the top five cancers in the country. Doctors are seeing increasing cases particularly in urban populations.Low fiber diets, high processed food intake, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, alcohol and metabolic disorders all contribute. Screening after age 45 to 50 can detect precancerous polyps early and prevent disease progression.Lifestyle Factors Behind Most CasesMany people assume cancer is purely genetic, but experts say daily habits play a significant role. Common modifiable risks include tobacco exposure, central obesity, alcohol use, poor diet, inactivity and chronic inflammation.The oncologist emphasized that awareness should not create panic. “Early detection does not create fear; it creates survival. Prevention is always easier than treatment.”The message is simple. Cancer patterns are changing, but many of the risks remain within human control. Small preventive steps taken early can significantly reduce disease burden and improve outcomes.