Understanding 2 most common types of Cancer in India

By Dr. Vikas Goswami 

As we all know that cancer is a dreaded disease. Even a pinch of doubt of cancer causes terror. But take heart today with such great advancements in technology most cancers are curable, if detected early. Below are the two most common type of cancer in India, let’s get to know few facts and get aware about it: 

1.  Lung Cancer   

Lung cancer is one of the most common forms of cancer worldwide.   

Symptoms of developing lung cancer are  

• chronic cough,  
• blood in sputum,  
• change in voice, weight loss or 
• distant symptoms like bone pain or seizure etc.   

The most common cause of lung cancer are:       

• Passive Smoking,  
• Radon exposure  
• Environmental pollution,  
• Chulha cooking in villages  
• Genetic factors  

The numbers in India, lung cancer constitutes 6.9% of all new cancer cases and 9.3% of all cancer-related deaths in both sexes; it is the commonest cancer and cause of cancer-related mortality in men.

Target age group   

It occurs mainly in older people. About two out of three people diagnosed with lung cancer are 65 or older; less than 2% are younger than 45.   

Cut the Risk by

•  Quit smoking and reduce exposure to pollution