5 Most Common Cancers in India

Written by Shaveta Arora

Discover the top five most common cancers in India: breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer, gastric cancer, and lung cancer. Learn about their symptoms, risk factors, and the importance of early detection for better outcomes.

5 Most Common Cancers in India
Learn about the most prevalent cancers in India, including breast, oral, cervical, gastric, and lung cancer. 

Cancer in India is spreading rapidly. In India, one in nine people are likely to develop cancer in their lifetime. Cancer is a group of diseases that develop when abnormal cells in the body grow and spread out of control. In India, where it is one of the main causes of death, cancer is one of the major public health concerns. We will discuss the top five most common cancers in India, including breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer, gastric cancer, and lung cancer.

A doctor examines MRI Scan on a view box.
Photo by National Cancer Institute / Unsplash

Breast Cancer

Breast cancer in India accounts for 27% of all female cancer cases and is the most prevalent cancer among women. A lump or mass is created when abnormal cells in the breast tissue grow out of control. Breast cancer can affect both men and women, but it is more common in women. Breast lumps or masses, changes in breast size or shape, skin changes, nipple discharge, and pain are all signs of breast cancer.

The likelihood of a successful outcome can be increased with early breast cancer detection and treatment. Mammograms, clinical breast examinations, and routine self-examinations of the breast are advised for early detection.

Oral Cancer

10% of all cancers in men in India are oral cancers, making it the most prevalent cancer in men. It occurs when abnormal cells in the mouth or throat grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. Oral cancer is significantly increased by tobacco use, including smoking and chewing. Mouth sores that do not heal, ongoing mouth pain, trouble swallowing, ear pain, and a lump in the neck are all indications of oral cancer.

The likelihood of a successful outcome can be increased with early oral cancer diagnosis and treatment. For early detection, routine dental exams and oral cancer screenings are advised.

Cervical Cancer

With 9% of all female cancers, cervical cancer is the third most prevalent cancer in India. A tumor is created when abnormal cells in the cervix, the lower portion of the uterus, grow out of control. Infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant risk factor for cervical cancer.

Pelvic pain, vaginal bleeding, and sex-related pain are all signs of cervical cancer. For early detection, routine cervical cancer screenings with Pap and HPV tests are advised. HPV vaccination is also recommended for young girls to prevent HPV infection.

Gastric Cancer

Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is the fourth most common cancer in India, accounting for 7% of all cancers. It occurs when abnormal cells in the stomach lining grow uncontrollably, forming a tumor. A diet high in salt and processed foods, smoking, and Helicobacter pylori infection are all risk factors for gastric cancer.

Stomach pain, nauseousness, vomiting, and weight loss are all signs of gastric cancer. The prognosis for gastric cancer can be improved by early detection and treatment. For early detection, biopsy and endoscopy are suggested.

Lung Cancer

With 6% of all cancer cases in India, lung cancer is the fifth most prevalent cancer. It happens when abnormal lung cells grow out of control and develop into a tumor. The main risk factor for lung cancer is smoking.

Coughing, chest pain, breathlessness, and weight loss are all indications of lung cancer. The likelihood of a successful outcome can be increased with early lung cancer diagnosis and treatment. For high-risk people like smokers, screening with low-dose CT scans is advised.

Conclusion

The most prevalent cancers in India are breast cancer, oral cancer, cervical cancer, gastric cancer, and lung cancer. To increase the likelihood of a positive outcome, early detection and treatment are crucial. A healthy diet and lifestyle changes like giving up smoking can help lower the risk of getting cancer. Regular cancer screenings can also help.

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FAQs

What is breast cancer?

Breast cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the breast tissue. It is the most common cancer among women in India and worldwide.

What are the symptoms of breast cancer?

The common symptoms of breast cancer include a lump in the breast, a change in breast size or shape, skin dimpling or puckering, nipple changes or discharge, and breast pain.

How is breast cancer treated?

The treatment for breast cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and other factors. The treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, hormone therapy, and targeted therapy.

What is oral cancer?

Oral cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the mouth or throat. It is the most common cancer among men in India.

What are the symptoms of oral cancer?

The common symptoms of oral cancer include a sore or ulcer that does not heal, a lump or thickening in the mouth or throat, difficulty swallowing or speaking, and changes in the voice.

How is oral cancer treated?

The treatment for oral cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and other factors. The treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

What is cervical cancer?

Cervical cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the cervix, which is the lower part of the uterus. It is the second most common cancer among women in India.

What are the symptoms of cervical cancer?

The common symptoms of cervical cancer include abnormal vaginal bleeding, pain during sex, and pelvic pain.

How is cervical cancer treated?

The treatment for cervical cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and other factors. The treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

What is gastric cancer?

Gastric cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the stomach. It is the third most common cancer among men and women in India.

What are the symptoms of gastric cancer?

The common symptoms of gastric cancer include indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, and weight loss.

How is gastric cancer treated?

The treatment for gastric cancer depends on the stage of the cancer and other factors. The treatment options include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy.

What is lung cancer?

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that develops in the lungs. It is the most common cancer among men in India.

What are the symptoms of lung cancer?

The common symptoms of lung cancer include a cough that does not go away, chest pain, shortness of breath, and coughing up blood.

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