Alarming Rise in Cancer Cases Among Younger People
According to the World Health Organisation, an estimated 20 million new cancer cases and 9.7 million deaths were recorded in 2022. About 1 in 5 people develop cancer in their lifetime, with approximately 1 in 9 men and 1 in 12 women succumbing to the disease.
Rising Cancer Cases Among Younger Populations
Over the past few years, there has been a concerning surge in cancer diagnoses among younger individuals in their 20s, 30s, and 40s. Factors like poor lifestyle choices, chronic stress, heavy tobacco usage, and exposure to toxins are contributing significantly to the increased incidence of cancer in the younger demographic.
Leading cardiologist Dr. Alok Chopra has highlighted the distressing trend of rising cancer cases among the youth. He emphasizes that it is becoming more common to see individuals in their 30s and 40s being diagnosed with cancer, even in their 20s and teens.
Dr. Chopra points out that lifestyle factors, rather than just genetics, are primarily responsible for the growing cancer risk among the younger population. He explains that a large percentage of cancer cases are linked to lifestyle aspects such as diet, stress, environmental toxins, and infections.
Preventive Measures for Lowering Cancer Risk
The good news is that many of these cancer risks are preventable through healthier habits. Dr. Chopra recommends focusing on consuming anti-inflammatory foods like berries, leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and incorporating whole grains into the diet for improved nutrition.
Regular physical activity, even for 20-30 minutes a day, is encouraged as it aids in reducing cholesterol levels and insulin resistance. Stress management is also emphasized as uncontrolled stress can have detrimental effects on overall health.
Other lifestyle practices such as exposure to sunlight for vitamin D, ensuring quality sleep, avoiding air pollution, and including protective herbs in the diet are recommended to reduce the risk of cancer.
Dr. Chopra concludes by stating that lifestyle patterns have a significant impact on cancer incidence, even if there is a family history of the disease. Addressing these lifestyle issues could potentially help in decreasing the prevalence of cancer among younger individuals.
Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider for specific medical guidance. NDTV is not liable for the accuracy of this information.
