Health and Me

Ishita Roy

World Cancer Day 2026: India’s 10 Most Common Cancers, Explains Doctor

Cancer trends in India are changing rapidly, driven by lifestyle patterns, environmental exposure, infections, and limited access to early healthcare in some regions. According to Dr Puneet Gupta, Chairman of Oncology Services at Asian Hospital, understanding early warning signs and adopting preventive habits can significantly improve survival outcomes.

“Cancer patterns in India are the results of multiple factors ranging from lifestyle, environmental exposure, infections and access to timely care,” Dr Gupta explained, adding that early symptoms can appear months or even years before the disease reaches advanced stages.

<h2><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/breast-cancer">Breast Cancer</a></span>: The Most Common Cancer In Women</h2>

Dr Gupta noted that breast cancer is frequently seen in women, especially after the age of 40. He highlighted that the disease often develops silently and without pain.

He explained that warning signs may include lumps in the breast or under the arm, changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, inward turning of the nipple, or unusual discharge. “Do not ignore these changes,” he cautioned. Regular self-examination, along with timely imaging tests such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI, can help detect breast cancer early.

<h2><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/cervical-cancer">Cervical Cancer</a></span>: Strongly Linked To HPV Infection</h2>

Cervical cancer mainly affects women between 30 and 60 years. Dr Gupta emphasised that HPV infection remains the leading risk factor. Early symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after intercourse, or persistent pelvic pain, although early stages often remain symptom-free.

He stressed that routine Pap smear screening and HPV vaccination play a crucial role in prevention and early diagnosis.

Cancer Is A Rising Global Threat, Here's Why

<h2><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/lung-cancer">Lung Cancer</a></span>: Rising Risk Beyond Smoking</h2>

While lung cancer remains more common in men, Dr Gupta pointed out that cases among women are rising as well. Smoking is the primary cause, but exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) also contributes to the risk.

He warned that persistent cough, chest pain, breathing difficulty, unexplained weight loss, or coughing blood require immediate medical evaluation, particularly in people with a history of tobacco use.

<h2><span rel="noindex"><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/oral-cancer">Oral Cancer</a></span>: A Major Concern In India</h2>

Oral cancer remains widespread due to tobacco, gutka, areca nut consumption, and HPV infection. Dr Gupta explained that long-lasting mouth ulcers, red or white patches inside the mouth, jaw stiffness, or swallowing difficulty are early red flags. Regular dental and oral examinations can help detect early cancerous changes.

<h2>Colorectal Cancer: Lifestyle-Linked Risks</h2>

According to Dr Gupta, colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in adults around 40 years of age. Sedentary lifestyles, low-fiber diets, and excessive red meat intake are major contributing factors.

He said symptoms such as blood in stool, persistent bowel habit changes, abdominal pain, or unexplained anaemia should not be overlooked. Early screening and genetic testing in high-risk individuals can significantly improve outcomes.

<h2>Stomach Cancer: Often Shows Subtle Symptoms</h2>

Dr Gupta explained that stomach cancer may initially present as indigestion, early fullness, nausea, or unexplained weight loss. It is often associated with long-term Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, and salt-heavy diets. Persistent digestive discomfort warrants medical attention.

<h2>Prostate Cancer: Common But Often Slow Growing</h2>

Prostate cancer typically affects men above 50 and usually progresses gradually. Dr Gupta noted that difficulty urinating and frequent nighttime urination are common early symptoms. Regular check-ups help detect the disease before complications arise.

<h2>Esophageal Cancer: Linked To Lifestyle And Nutrition</h2>

Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and iron deficiency increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Dr Gupta advised that swallowing difficulty, chest discomfort, or unexplained weight loss should prompt evaluation through tests like endoscopy or barium swallow.

<h2>Ovarian Cancer: Often Missed Due To Vague Symptoms</h2>

Dr Gupta explained that ovarian cancer frequently goes undetected due to non-specific symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or early satiety. Women with persistent symptoms, particularly those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, should seek medical evaluation.

<h2>Liver Cancer: Screening Is Crucial For High-Risk Groups</h2>

Liver cancer often develops in individuals with chronic liver disease. Symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal swelling, or persistent pain usually appear late. Dr Gupta stressed that hepatitis vaccination and screening among high-risk groups are vital for prevention.

<h2>Lifestyle Changes And Screening Can Reduce Risk</h2>

Dr Gupta emphasized that although cancer cannot be completely prevented, a significant proportion of cases are linked to modifiable risk factors. Avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming balanced nutrition, managing stress, and staying physically active can lower risk.

He added that vaccinations against HPV and hepatitis further reduce cancer risk, while regular screening helps detect cancers at pre-cancer or early stages. “Education, prevention and early detection make the difference between late-stage disease and long-term survival,” Dr Gupta concluded.

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Cancer trends in India are changing rapidly, driven by lifestyle patterns, environmental exposure, infections, and limited access to early healthcare in some regions. According to Dr Puneet Gupta, Chairman of Oncology Services at Asian Hospital, understanding early warning signs and adopting preventive habits can significantly improve survival outcomes.“Cancer patterns in India are the results of multiple factors ranging from lifestyle, environmental exposure, infections and access to timely care,” Dr Gupta explained, adding that early symptoms can appear months or even years before the disease reaches advanced stages.Breast Cancer: The Most Common Cancer In WomenDr Gupta noted that breast cancer is frequently seen in women, especially after the age of 40. He highlighted that the disease often develops silently and without pain.He explained that warning signs may include lumps in the breast or under the arm, changes in breast shape, skin dimpling, inward turning of the nipple, or unusual discharge. “Do not ignore these changes,” he cautioned. Regular self-examination, along with timely imaging tests such as mammography, ultrasound, or MRI, can help detect breast cancer early.Cervical Cancer: Strongly Linked To HPV InfectionCervical cancer mainly affects women between 30 and 60 years. Dr Gupta emphasised that HPV infection remains the leading risk factor. Early symptoms can include abnormal vaginal bleeding, bleeding after intercourse, or persistent pelvic pain, although early stages often remain symptom-free.He stressed that routine Pap smear screening and HPV vaccination play a crucial role in prevention and early diagnosis.Lung Cancer: Rising Risk Beyond SmokingWhile lung cancer remains more common in men, Dr Gupta pointed out that cases among women are rising as well. Smoking is the primary cause, but exposure to fine particulate air pollution (PM2.5) also contributes to the risk.He warned that persistent cough, chest pain, breathing difficulty, unexplained weight loss, or coughing blood require immediate medical evaluation, particularly in people with a history of tobacco use.Oral Cancer: A Major Concern In IndiaOral cancer remains widespread due to tobacco, gutka, areca nut consumption, and HPV infection. Dr Gupta explained that long-lasting mouth ulcers, red or white patches inside the mouth, jaw stiffness, or swallowing difficulty are early red flags. Regular dental and oral examinations can help detect early cancerous changes.Colorectal Cancer: Lifestyle-Linked RisksAccording to Dr Gupta, colorectal cancer is increasingly being diagnosed in adults around 40 years of age. Sedentary lifestyles, low-fiber diets, and excessive red meat intake are major contributing factors.He said symptoms such as blood in stool, persistent bowel habit changes, abdominal pain, or unexplained anaemia should not be overlooked. Early screening and genetic testing in high-risk individuals can significantly improve outcomes.Stomach Cancer: Often Shows Subtle SymptomsDr Gupta explained that stomach cancer may initially present as indigestion, early fullness, nausea, or unexplained weight loss. It is often associated with long-term Helicobacter pylori infection, smoking, and salt-heavy diets. Persistent digestive discomfort warrants medical attention.Prostate Cancer: Common But Often Slow GrowingProstate cancer typically affects men above 50 and usually progresses gradually. Dr Gupta noted that difficulty urinating and frequent nighttime urination are common early symptoms. Regular check-ups help detect the disease before complications arise.Esophageal Cancer: Linked To Lifestyle And NutritionTobacco use, alcohol consumption, poor nutrition, and iron deficiency increase the risk of esophageal cancer. Dr Gupta advised that swallowing difficulty, chest discomfort, or unexplained weight loss should prompt evaluation through tests like endoscopy or barium swallow.Ovarian Cancer: Often Missed Due To Vague SymptomsDr Gupta explained that ovarian cancer frequently goes undetected due to non-specific symptoms such as bloating, abdominal discomfort, or early satiety. Women with persistent symptoms, particularly those with a family history of breast or ovarian cancer, should seek medical evaluation.Liver Cancer: Screening Is Crucial For High-Risk GroupsLiver cancer often develops in individuals with chronic liver disease. Symptoms such as jaundice, abdominal swelling, or persistent pain usually appear late. Dr Gupta stressed that hepatitis vaccination and screening among high-risk groups are vital for prevention.Lifestyle Changes And Screening Can Reduce RiskDr Gupta emphasized that although cancer cannot be completely prevented, a significant proportion of cases are linked to modifiable risk factors. Avoiding tobacco, maintaining a healthy weight, consuming balanced nutrition, managing stress, and staying physically active can lower risk.He added that vaccinations against HPV and hepatitis further reduce cancer risk, while regular screening helps detect cancers at pre-cancer or early stages. “Education, prevention and early detection make the difference between late-stage disease and long-term survival,” Dr Gupta concluded.

world cancer day 2026: india’s 10 most common cancers, explains doctor

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