Cancer is a global health crisis. It is one of the leading causes of mortality worldwide, and its burden is expected to rise significantly in the coming decades due to population growth, aging population, and lifestyle changes. In India, the situation is particularly challenging due, inadequate awareness, late-stage diagnosis, and limited health care access.
Many of the most prevalent cancers in India—such as oral, cervical, breast, and lung cancers—are largely preventable. Risk factors such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, lack of physical activity, and infections like HPV contribute significantly to the cancer burden. With Awareness, Vaccination, and regular screening, these cancers can be significantly reduced.
Current Campaigns related to Cancer prevention predominantly focus on Tobacco related Cancers. Thers is a need to expand the awareness of other major types of Cancers also. Cervical Cancer a major killer for Indian women is largely preventable through vaccination and Screening. Screening coverage is dismally low (< 2%) in India and less than 1% of our eligible girls are Vaccinated. Inclusion of Cervical Cancer Vaccination in National Immunization Program will act as a huge boost to prevention. Awareness initiatives are also needed to break the stigma associated with cancer, encouraging people to seek timely help.
This year’s World Cancer Day theme, “United by Unique” underscores the collective effort needed to fight cancer through prevention, early detection, and treatment. Cancer prevention is not just an individual responsibility but a shared commitment that unites healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities. With nearly 50% of cancers being preventable, proactive measures such as tobacco cessation, healthy dietary choices, HPV and hepatitis vaccinations, and regular screenings can significantly reduce cancer burden. Early detection through timely screenings ensures that precancerous or early-stage cancers are treated effectively, improving survival rates. This year’s theme, #UnitedByUnique, reminds us that the fight against cancer must leave no one behind, as every life is unique and every effort counts.
