Cancer, a life-threatening disease, can be significantly prevented, and by adopting nearly 30 precautionary measures, the risk can be reduced by up to 40 percent. This has been revealed in a recent analysis by the World Health Organization’s International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), offering hope for Himachal Pradesh, where more than 10,000 new cancer cases are reported every year on average.
Dr Munish Gupta, Head of the Radiotherapy Department at IGMC Shimla and Chief of the Regional Cancer Centre, said the global study released on World Cancer Day could play a crucial role in curbing the rising number of cancer cases in the state. He added that the study analyzed 30 key preventable risk factors linked to cancer.
These include tobacco and alcohol consumption, obesity, physical inactivity, air pollution, exposure to ultraviolet radiation, and nine cancer-causing infections. According to the analysis, 37 percent of all new cancer cases reported in 2022—approximately 7.1 million cases—were linked to preventable causes.
The study covered data from 185 countries and 36 types of cancer. It found that tobacco use alone accounts for up to 15 percent of cancer cases, infections for 10 percent, and alcohol consumption for around three percent. WHO Cancer Control Team Head Dr André Ilbawi stated that this is the first global analysis clearly showing how much cancer risk is driven by factors that can be prevented.
Dr Manish Gupta from IGMC said that cancer continues to tighten its grip on Himachal Pradesh, with over 10,000 new cases reported annually. Of these, nearly 3,000 new cases are registered at IGMC alone each year. Lung cancer remains the most common, affecting both men and women, followed by 175 to 200 breast cancer cases and 150 to 200 cervical cancer cases annually.
Experts have advised people to quit smoking, alcohol and tobacco use, engage in daily physical activity, consume home-cooked fresh food, and avoid packaged and preservative-rich food items. Emphasis has also been laid on safe sexual practices, regular health check-ups to prevent infections, and maintaining personal hygiene.
Additionally, avoiding the use of plastic containers for hot food and beverages and seeking immediate medical attention upon noticing any symptoms can help in early detection and timely treatment of cancer.
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