Cancer incidence is rising gradually and nearly 14.6 lack cases were recorded in 2022 in India. Common 5 leading cancers are breast, lung, mouth, cervix uteri, and tongue. Still, cancer is diagnosed at locally advanced or advanced stages in India in comparison to the Western world

Here are some lifestyle measures as described by Dr Anshul Agarwal

1) Don’t use tobacco – It contains harmful chemicals which are known to cause cancer. Tobacco in the form of chewing or smoking is linked to various types of cancer in the lungs, mouth, throat, voice box, pancreas bladder, cervix, and kidney.

2) Adopting a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins can bolster the body’s immune system and reduce the likelihood of developing certain types of cancer.

3) Limit the use of processed meat

4) Avoid or minimize alcohol use

5) Maintain a healthy weight and be physically active – it lowers the risk of breast and colon cancer. It is recommended that an individual should do 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of hard aerobic activity.

6) Minimizing exposure to harmful substances, such as asbestos, pesticides, and ultraviolet radiation.

7) Practice safe sex which decreases the likelihood of getting sexually transmitted diseases like HPV or HIV which increases the risk of other cancers

Regular screenings and early detection are instrumental in catching cancer in its early stages when treatment is most effective. 

Following Screening modalities should be adopted as explained by Dr Anshul Agarwal

1) Breast mammograms are recommended for women above the age of 45 years.

2) Cervical cancer screening should start at age 25. It is done by PAP test and HPV test.

3) After attaining menopause if there is vaginal bleeding or spotting should report to the doctor.

4) A person having a history of chronic smoking for many years should undergo Low dose CT scan after the age of 50 years 

5) Males having a history of prostate cancer in their father or brother can undergo PSA testing 

Vaccination strategy in reducing the incidence of cancer 

1) Hepatitis B vaccine can decrease the risk of developing liver cancer

2) Human papillomavirus vaccines are recommended in children and adults aged 9-26 years. It may prevent 70% cervical cancers 80% anal cancer,60% vaginal cancer, and 40% vulvar cancers and had 90% efficacy in preventing HPV-positive oropharyngeal cancer.

 About 5% to 10% of all cancers are thought to be related to gene mutations that are inherited or passed down through the family. Having an inherited genetic mutation does not mean you will get cancer. It means you are at a higher risk of developing a certain type or type of cancer. If you have any of the below-mentioned criteria, you might meet a genetic counselor and discuss regarding genetic testing.

• You have several first-degree relatives (mother, father, sisters, brothers, children) with cancer.
• Many relatives on one side of your family have had the same type of cancer.
• A cluster of cancers in your family has been linked to a single gene mutation (such as some types of breast, ovarian, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers).
• A family member has more than 1 type of cancer.
• Family members have had cancer at a younger age than normal for that type of cancer.
• Close relatives have cancers that are linked to hereditary cancer syndromes.
• A family member has a rare cancer, such as breast cancer in a man or retinoblastoma (a type of eye cancer).
• A physical finding is linked to an inherited cancer (such as having many colon polyps).
• One or more family members have already had genetic testing that found a mutation.

By detecting cancer early, interventions can be initiated promptly, potentially saving lives and improving treatment outcomes.

By embracing healthy behaviors, raising awareness, promoting early detection, and advocating for supportive policies, we can collectively work towards reducing the burden of cancer and creating a healthier future for generations to come.