Health issues such as cancer pose a significant risk. This is especially true with late diagnosis cancer due to lifestyle changes, environmental pollution and delayed screenings as people get siloed into closed and polluted urban spaces. Detection at a late stage renders treatment almost impossible. Early warning signs and timely action can change the treatment outcome significantly for the better and the quality of life.

This blog will discuss the prevalent cancers in India, the important warning signs, the risk factors in the Indian scenario and the best methods to avoid them. With insights from a medical oncologist, you can initiate timely action and possibly save the life of a family member or a friend.

What is Cancer?

When cells in the body start growing and reproducing uncontrollably, it is called cancer. Under normal circumstances, cells undergo growth, division and death in an orderly fashion. However, cancer disrupts this balance. These abnormal cells continue to grow in excess and may coalesce to form masses or metastasize to distant sites of the body.  

Cancer is classified according to the body part that is affected. These include cancer of the breast, lung, mouth and stomach to mention but a few. They may also be grouped according to their growth patterns; some may be slow-growing while others may be rapid.

Common Types of Cancer & Their Early Signs

Oral Cancer  

In India, oral cancer is particularly prevalent because of the chewing of tobacco and betel nuts. Early symptoms are mouth ulcers that will not heal, the presence of white or red spots in the mouth, pain during the chewing of food and swollen cheeks or necks.  

Breast Cancer    

Indian women are seeing an increase in the incidence of breast cancer. Signs of potential breast cancer are lumps in the breast or underarm area, changes in the size or shape of the breast and discharge from the nipples or skin dimpling. It is also essential to have regular self breast examinations and have mammograms done on schedule.  

Cervical Cancer  

Cervical cancer and its association with the HPV virus is one of the leading causes of cancer death in women in India. Symptoms of this disease in its early stages are bleeding between menstrual periods after intercourse or after menopause irregularly and pain in the pelvic area along with foul-smelling discharge.  

Lung Cancer  

The leading cancer killer today is lung cancer which is attributed largely to smoking tobacco and air pollution. Symptoms are a persistent cough, blood in the sputum, severe chest pain, breathlessness and weight loss with no reason.

Colorectal Cancer  

There are relationships between lifestyle, diet, and the risk for developing colorectal cancer. The earliest symptoms can be blood in the stool, changes in bowel habits, stomach cramps and fatigue of unknown origin.  

Stomach Cancer  

Stomach cancer can be related to diet and infections including Helicobacter pylori. Symptoms can include and are not limited to pain and discomfort in the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea and the sensation of fullness after eating only a few bites of food.  

Liver Cancer  

Liver cancer can be a consequence of infections of hepatitis, alcohol abuse and obesity. Possible symptoms are swelling of the abdomen, pain in the upper stomach, loss of appetite and jaundice which is the yellowing of the skin and eyes.

Key Risk Factors of Cancer

Knowing what increases risk aids in prevention. Some major risk factors seen in India include:

  • The use of tobacco- smoking or chewing- is associated with cancers of the mouth, throat, lungs and esophagus.
  • The consumption of alcohol especially with tobacco.
  • An unhealthy diet characterized by low fruit and vegetable intake; high and processed and red meat intake and low-fiber foods.
  • Infections, including the Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) in cervical cancer, Hepatitis B and C in the liver and Helicobacter pylori in the stomach.
  • Environmental Factors, including Air pollution and exposure to chemicals (pesticides, industrial poisons) and radiation.
  • Genetics and family history- some cancers and factors such as age are hereditary and risk increases with age.

Early Detection & Screening

In India, the problem of underdiagnosing persists. Because it increases the success rate, timely diagnosis becomes fundamental to treatment. Following are the ways to practice Screening and Early Detection:

Self-exams (like the breast self-exam) and any bodily changes should be reported. 

Those with risk factors should obtain some clinical tests and those with risk factors should obtain some clinical tests and routine check-ups will be necessary. 

For breast cancer, mammograms, Pap smears and HPV tests for cervical cancer, oral examinations, colonoscopies for colorectal cancer and if there is a risk of hepatitis, liver function tests with ultrasound should be performed. 

Community screenings sponsored by health authorities and hospitals as well as contact tracing in rural and under-resourced areas are commendable.

Prevention Strategies of Cancer

In many instances, reducing the risk of cancer is possible. Suggested proven methods of prevention include the following:  

  • Quit tobacco in any form and alcohol completely.   
  • Create a healthy and well-balanced diet; include more fruits, vegetables and whole grains and have less processed meat and saturated fat.  
  • Maintain a healthy body weight and do some form of physical exercise.  
  • Vaccines: The HPV vaccine decreases your chances of getting many cervical and some other cancers and the Hepatitis B vaccine protects the liver.  
  • Minimize exposure to environmental toxins: stay away from smoky places, use protective gear if you handle chemicals and manage the air quality of your home.  

Seek health care whenever you see the early signs of a possible case; do not ignore persistent signs.

Conclusion

The word “cancer” can certainly be frightening, but early action brings hope. Many cases of breast, cervical, lung, oral, stomach, colorectal and liver cancers are preventable or treatable if detected early in India. Be aware of the warning signs: changes in the body, unexplained lumps, unusual discharge, persistent cough or unexplained weight loss. Assess your risk factors of developing the disease, be it tobacco or alcohol consumption, pollution and diet and take corrective action. 

Do not ignore the symptoms and do not wait. See your healthcare provider, get any recommended screenings and do not hesitate to invite your family and friends to do the same. Complementing the efforts of the healthcare system to early cancer detection in India, we can also focus on awareness, symptom recognition and preventive action to help ease the cancer burden.