Cancer

Cancer is uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells that can invade surrounding tissue and spread to other parts of the body. There are hundreds of types. Many cancers today are curable when caught early; others are controllable for years. Understanding the basics helps separate alarm from action — and helps you know when to see a Health Expert.

Common warning signs (seek evaluation — most turn out to be benign)

• Any new lump — breast, neck, armpit, groin, testis, abdomen.
• Non-healing sore or ulcer, especially in the mouth.
• Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite.
• Persistent cough or hoarseness over 2-3 weeks.
• Change in bowel or bladder habits, blood in stool or urine.
• Unusual bleeding — post-menopausal, between periods, after sex, spitting blood.
• A mole that changes size, colour, shape or bleeds.
• Persistent indigestion, difficulty swallowing.
• Night sweats, unexplained fever, anaemia or easy bruising.
• A breast lump or skin change; abnormal discharge from a nipple.

Most common cancers in India

• Oral cancer — India has the world's highest burden, driven by tobacco chewing and smoking.
• Breast cancer — now the commonest cancer in urban Indian women.
• Cervical cancer — second commonest in Indian women; largely preventable with HPV vaccine + screening.
• Lung cancer — tobacco-driven; also rising in non-smokers (air pollution).
• Stomach cancer — higher in some regions (north-east).
• Gallbladder cancer — high in the Gangetic plains.
• Colorectal cancer — rising with urbanisation and diet change.
• Blood cancers (leukaemia, lymphoma, myeloma), thyroid cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, brain and childhood cancers.

Prevention — a large share of cancers are preventable

• Don't use tobacco — cigarettes, bidis, hookah, gutka, paan masala, khaini, zarda, mawa. All cause cancer.
• HPV vaccination — for girls 9-14 (up to 26); prevents most cervical and some other cancers.
• Hepatitis B vaccination — prevents most liver cancer linked to hepatitis B. Free for infants under UIP.
• Healthy weight, move daily, cut sugar and ultra-processed food — obesity drives many cancers.
• Limit alcohol — any amount raises cancer risk; less is better.
• Sun protection for skin cancer, especially with outdoor work.
• Screening where it is shown to save lives — breast, cervix, colon, oral cavity — at the right age for you.
• Breastfeeding protects against breast cancer over a woman's life.

If you are diagnosed — some grounding

• Seek care at a dedicated cancer centre where possible — multi-disciplinary teams (surgical, medical, radiation oncology, pathology) have much better outcomes.
• Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) across India provide specialised care, often free or subsidised.
• Government schemes — including the central Ayushman Bharat PM-JAY scheme and state-level cancer-care programmes — cover much of cancer treatment for eligible patients. Ask the hospital's social worker or counsellor.
• A second opinion in cancer care is reasonable and often helpful, particularly before starting treatment.
• Unregulated "alternative cancer cures" — including many herbal, homeopathic, or imported miracle products — delay effective treatment and cause real harm. Be wary of anyone who tells you to stop evidence-based treatment.
• Palliative care should be part of any serious cancer diagnosis from the start — to control symptoms, not only at the end of life.