Cancer, once considered an uncommon and fatal disease, has become an increasingly prevalent health issue globally and in India. Worrying trends show India as one of the countries with the fastest rising cancer rates, and it is often referred to as the “Cancer Capital of the World”.

Changes in lifestyle, environmental factors, and dietary habits have contributed to this growing epidemic, affecting not only older adults but also increasing numbers of young people. However, apart from all these factors, one factor that has played a major role in increasing cancer cases in India is pollution.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified air pollution, especially fine particulate matter (PM2.5), as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it causes cancer in humans. Research indicates that long-term exposure to polluted air may significantly increase the risk. lung cancerAs well as other types of cancer such as bladder, breast and stomach cancer.

A study published in The Lancet Oncology found that people living in areas with high levels of air pollution have a higher risk of lung cancer, as PM 2.5 particles penetrate deeper into the lungs, causing cellular damage and inflammation. Which can cause cancer. Another study by the American Cancer Society showed a direct link between high levels of air pollution and increased incidence of cancer in non-smokers.

The carcinogenic effects of air pollution are particularly worrisome for vulnerable populations, including children, the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory problems.

Recent studies show that there has been an unprecedented increase in cancer cases in India. According to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimates, more than 1.3 million new cancer cases are reported in the country every year, with this number projected to increase rapidly over the next decade. By 2040, cancer incidence in India is expected to double, which will pose a significant challenge to the health care system. Furthermore, the mortality rate cancer in india This is the highest globally, largely due to late diagnosis and limited access to advanced treatments in rural areas.

Data from WHO and IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) places India at a critical point, revealing that cancer has become one of the leading causes of death. The cancer burden in India is driven by unique factors, including exceptionally high incidences of oral cavity, lung, breast, cervical and colon cancers, each strongly linked to specific cultural and environmental factors.

Why are cancer cases increasing in India?

Dr Arun Kumar Goyal, Chairman of Surgical Oncology, Andromeda Cancer Hospital, said air pollution levels in Indian cities are among the highest in the world, and exposure to pollutants increases the risk of cancer, especially lung cancer. In addition to air pollution, water pollution and exposure to industrial waste in some areas have led to a higher incidence of cancer in those areas.

Dr. Goyal explains that in addition to pollution, cancer cases in India are influenced by several new and rapidly evolving risk factors:

1. Changing dietary habits and adulterated food: Food adulteration is a growing problem in India, where chemicals such as formalin, pesticides and artificial colors are sometimes used to enhance the appearance and longevity of food products. The shift toward processed and packaged foods rich in unhealthy fats, sugars, and preservatives has contributed to increased cancer risk, especially digestive and colorectal cancers.

2. Lifestyle Changes: Urbanization and lifestyle changes have had a profound impact on cancer risk. Sedentary behaviour, lack of exercise, smoking and alcohol consumption are strongly linked to cancer, especially in cities. The shift from traditional diets to fast food and sugar-rich diets in India also plays a significant role, with obesity increasing – a major risk factor for many types of cancer.

3. Increasing incidence in younger patients: In a worrying trend, cancers once thought to be typical of older adults are now appearing more frequently in younger patients in their 20s, 30s and 40s. Studies attribute this change partly to lifestyle factors such as smoking, alcohol use and high stress levels, as well as increased exposure to environmental toxins and unhealthy diets.

4. Increasing prevalence of obesity: Obesity is a known risk factor for cancer, being linked to hormone-driven cancers such as breast, endometrial and colorectal cancers. India has seen a rapid increase in obesity, especially in urban centres, where sedentary lifestyles and consumption of processed food are more prevalent.

5. Genetic factors and family predisposition: Advances in genetic testing and precision oncology have shed light on familial predisposition to certain cancers, suggesting that certain individuals have a genetic risk for cancer, particularly breast, ovarian, and colorectal cancer. It happens more. Genetic counseling and testing is becoming essential for families with a strong history of cancer.

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