Cancer On Rise Among Young Indians: Study

Dr Pakhee Aggarwal, Senior Consultant Gynaecological Oncology and Robotic Surgeon at Indraprastha Apollo Hospital told The Indian Express that traditionally, cancer risk increases with age due to accumulated DNA damage. However, she highlighted a different story for young adults:

Lifestyle Choices: The culprit lies in modern lifestyle. Obesity, a rising epidemic in young Indians, is linked to 15 different cancers. Smoking and heavy alcohol consumption are other significant contributors.

Genetics: While less prevalent, a genetic predisposition to cancer can also play a role, affecting 5-10% of young-onset cancers. Ongoing research delves deeper into this area.

Dietary Deficiencies: Processed food consumption lacks essential nutrients and antioxidants, further impacting overall health.

Dr Aggarwal attributed the rise of young-onset cancer to two reasons – existing screening programs are designed for older populations. Young adults might not experience typical symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis, she said, adding that cancers in young adults tend to be more aggressive and follow unpredictable patterns, making treatment more challenging, she added.

Of course diet plays a crucial role in contributing to this worrying statistic, she told TIE. Diets high in processed foods and red meat increase the risk of cancers like colon cancer. Opting for a balanced plate with a focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean protein is key. A diet heavy in processed foods often goes hand-in-hand with a lack of physical activity. Both these factors significantly elevate cancer risk, TIE quoted Dr Aggarwal as saying.