Cancer ALERT: Study finds 20% of cases now in under-40s in India, unhealthy lifestyle leading cause

Cancer ALERT: Study finds 20% of cases now in under-40s in India, unhealthy lifestyle leading cause

New Delhi: Cancer cases have dramatically increased in India over the last few years. The number of cancer cases being detected in the country is surpassing the global average. Some reports have said, that if the situation continues to continue like this then soon India will become the ‘Cancer Capital of the World.’ But what is the driving force behind the cause of such a situation? According to a recent report, doctors have claimed that poor lifestyle choices with frequent consumption of ultra-processed food and a sedentary lifestyle are leading to the rise of cancer cases among individuals under the age of 40 years of age in India.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), India experienced a staggering challenge with over 14.1 lakh new cases of cancer being reported in 2022, resulting in over 9.1 lakh deaths. Multiple factors contribute to the rise in cancer cases among the younger generation in the country. Out of them, the primary cause is the increased consumption of processed foods, tobacco, alcohol, obesity, stress and a sedentary lifestyle.

20 per cent of cancer cases are being diagnosed in people below 40

According to a recent study conducted by the Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation, a Delhi-based non-profit foundation reported that 20 per cent of the cancer cases in India are now being diagnosed in people below the age of 40 years.

The study indicated that men constitute about 60 per cent of these cases and women make up the remaining 40 per cent.

Rising pollution is a significant factor

The environmental pollution is also increasing at a rapid pace in India, from forests being deforested for the sake of making the world a concrete jungle, the pollution has spiked in recent years. India’s number of cities are suffering the high levels of pollution which has been linked to several types of cancer.

Most of the dangerous carcinogenic substances are found in the air and water pollution and they gradually increase the risk of cancer in people.

Ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles a major factor

As per the report, ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles are emerging as a significant contributors to the rising cancer rates among young Indians.

According to Dr Rahul Bhargava, Director and head of the Department of Haematology and BMT at Fortis Memorial Research Institute who told IANS these foods contain unhealthy additives and if they are consumed in high amounts without any physical activity, then it can lead to a serious health crisis.

 According to a recent study conducted by the Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation, a Delhi-based non-profit foundation reported that 20 per cent of the cancer cases in India are now being diagnosed in people below the age of 40 years. As per a report, doctors have claimed that poor lifestyle choices with frequent consumption of ultra-processed food and a sedentary lifestyle are leading to the rise of cancer cases among individuals under the age of 40 years of age in India.  Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare