By: Dr Surender Kumar Dabas
India faces a serious increase in cancer cases as Oral (Mouth) and Breast cancers stand out as primary sources of this health challenge. The Indian Council of Medical Research reported in 2024 that India will experience a 12.8% increase in cancer cases by 2025 end, which reveals a troubling growing trend. Improper access to screening facilities, along with lifestyle changes and cultural habits, has formed a perfect storm that has thrust these cancers into top public health priorities. A failure to implement decisive action will cause the healthcare system to become overwhelmed, while a large number of preventable deaths will occur.
Tobacco use, including smokeless products like betel quid, Ghutka, Khaini, Paan Masala etc remains the main factors in which Oral cavity cancer continues to hold the highest position in Indian cancer statistics. Cultural and behavioral patterns explain why Oral cancers strikes men at higher rates than women. Regulatory measures against tobacco use have not yet produced sufficient results because tobacco consumption still remains widespread in rural and semi-urban areas, which leads to growing Oral cavity cancer cases.
Breast cancer stands as the primary cancer affecting Indian women today. Urbanisation, growth combined with sedentary lifestyle patterns together with delayed 1st childbirth beyond 30 years and Low awareness regarding screening programme creates this alarming trend. The main problems in cancer detection persists because of Advanced stage at identification due to shortages in healthcare access and inadequate public awareness campaigns.
India expects cancer cases to rise from 1.46 million in 2022 to 1.57 million by 2025. Addressing this surge will require a multi-pronged approach, including:
- Public Health Campaigns: Targeted educational initiatives should inform people about dangers of Tobacco use and emphasize early detection importance for cancer prevention.
- Enhanced Screening Programs: Implementing cost-effective and reachable cancer screening facilities throughout underserved areas which will lead to better cancer detection outcomes.
- Policy Enforcement: Existing tobacco regulations must be strengthened while developing new policies that promote healthier lifestyle choices.
- Research and Innovation: Research investment should support the development of regional treatment methods alongside enhanced availability of newer medical treatments
India faces an urgent public health challenge because both Oral and breast cancer cases continue to increase, which requires immediate and continuous intervention. India will make substantial progress against cancer if it boosts prevention efforts through education while increasing early detection capabilities and strengthening tobacco control regulations. Through combined policy efforts, healthcare innovation, and community outreach, the nation can build a future where cancer has reduced effects and millions experience improved health outcomes.
The writer is Vice Chairman – Oncology & Chief – Robotic Surgery, BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, Delhi
