Cancer is emerging as a public health concern, with 1 out of 9 people in India at lifetime risk of developing cancer as per an ICMR study. Lung cancer, pancreatic cancer and stomach cancer awareness month is observed in November every year. Suraksha Diagnostic (“Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics”) hosted a cancer awareness session with oncologists at its Helabattala Centre. The event included the presence of Dr Bibartan Saha, Radiologist at Suraksha Diagnostics Barasat, Dr Rajarshi Goswami, Oncologist at Suraksha Bangaon, Habra and Suraksha Barasat, Dr Ipsheet Mishra, Oncosurgeon at Suraksha Diagnostics – Ekbalpur, and Dr Kaustav Mandal, Radiation Oncologist at Suraksha Jadavpur.
The objective of the session was to spread awareness on the causes, early warning signs, timely intervention and treatment of cancer, and steps to prevent cancer.
During the session, Dr Bibartan Saha discussed the role of imaging in early diagnosis and its impact on community health. Dr Rajarshi Goswami covered early warning signs, awareness screening and early detection of cancer and its implications. Dr Kaustav Mandal outlined the role of chemotherapy and radiography in the management of head, neck, breast and cervical cancers.
As per a report in JAMA Network Open, cancer is considered a global health concern, with India ranking second in Asia and third globally with regard to cancer incidence. The lifetime risk of developing cancer in India is around 11 per cent based on data collected from 43 population-based cancer registries across India between January 1, 2015 and December 31, 2019. Studies show that the most common cancer types were lung, oral and prostate in males, and cervical, ovarian and breast cancer in females. In 2022, India recorded an estimated 1.46 million new cancer cases, translating to around 1 in 9 people expected to develop cancer in their lifetime. Late-stage detection is contributing to high disease burden due to lack of awareness and limited screening programmes. Deaths caused by cancer have been among the top five causes of death in India over the last decade, with 8 to 9 lakh deaths reported in 2020.
In India, tobacco usage accounts for around 40 per cent of cancers. Other factors include alcohol consumption, poor diet, sedentary lifestyle, obesity, infections such as Hepatitis and HPV, pollution and exposure to environmental toxins. The most common cancers among women are breast cancer and oral cancer, while lung cancer is common among men.
Recommendations include a balanced diet with fruits, vegetables and whole grains, reduced intake of processed foods, red meat and sugary drinks, regular exercise of at least 30 minutes, maintaining healthy weight, quitting tobacco and alcohol, reducing exposure to pollution and vaccination where applicable.
As per WHO, cancer develops when normal cells transform into tumour cells in a multi-stage process. In normal circumstances, cells grow and divide to form new cells while old or damaged cells die. Cancer occurs when old or damaged cells grow when they should not, forming tumours. Metastasis, the spread of cancer to distant organs through lymph and blood systems, is identified as a primary cause of cancer-related deaths.
There is a growing incidence of cancer among people aged 20 to 40 years in India. As per oncologists, air pollution is a major cause of cancer even among non-smokers. Reports indicate that uncertain lifestyles and chronic stress among young professionals disrupt DNA repair mechanisms and affect immunity.
A BMJ Oncology study published in 2023 reported around 79 per cent rise in new cancer cases among people below 50 years of age over the last three decades, increasing from 1.82 million in 1990 to 3.26 million in 2019, with deaths increasing by 30 per cent. Breast cancer accounted for the highest number of early-onset cases, with prostate and windpipe cancer showing the fastest growth. Among younger patients, common cancers were windpipe, breast, bowel, lung and stomach cancer.
A July 2025 Mayo Clinic Proceedings study noted an increase in gastrointestinal cancers in people below 50 years. As per ICMR, around 15.7 lakh new cancer cases are projected in 2025, increasing to nearly 22.1 lakh by 2040. National registries indicate 50,000 to 75,000 new cancer cases among children annually, with Chennai reporting 136 cases per million children and survival at 60 per cent. Leukaemia is the most common, followed by lymphomas, brain and bone cancers.
Around 5 per cent to 10 per cent of cancers result from inherited gene mutations known as hereditary cancer. Most cancers occur due to genetic changes influenced by environmental and lifestyle factors.
Experts recommend regular health check-ups, lifestyle modifications, stress management, pollution control and increased awareness to reduce cancer risk.
Speaking at the cancer awareness session, Dr Rajarshi Goswami said: “Awareness and screening are the bedrock of cancer control beyond high-tech imaging, which will decide if cancer is detected at stage 1 rather than stage IV. When people learn to detect the early warning signs of cancer and take proactive steps, we transition from treating late-stage disease to preventing suffering altogether. Awareness is not only about education, it is also about empowerment. Investing in cancer awareness and screening is not just a healthcare priority, it’s an economic one. Early diagnosis significantly reduces treatment costs, leads to improvement in productivity and saves families from financial ruin. Suraksha is providing full time Oncology speciality and superspeciality OPD consultation by an experienced team who are providing expert multidisciplinary consultation in all centres of Suraksha.”
He added, “Beside Oncology clinic, Suraksha has brought whole exome sequencing, next generation sequencing, hereditary cancer panel, Histopathology, immunohistochemistry for proper Oncology diagnosis for correct management.”
Dr Bibartan Saha said, “Accept what is, let go of what was, and have faith in what will be. Surround yourself with only people who are going to lift you higher. Cancer is a word, not a sentence. When you go through deep waters, Suraksha Diagnostic will be with you.”
Dr Somnath Chatterjee, Chairman & Joint Managing Director, Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics, said, “Through awareness, early detection and timely intervention, communities can successfully overcome cancer. At Suraksha, we aim to empower individuals to take proactive steps towards their health with enough knowledge, screening programmes and resources. Awareness is the first step towards saving a life.”
Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics stated that by bringing together expert views through the session, the organisation aims to support individuals with knowledge, awareness and steps to manage their health. Suraksha Clinic and Diagnostics aims to expand its focus beyond diagnostic services and support early detection, preventive healthcare and timely intervention.