Poor lifestyle choices with regular consumption of ultra-processed foods, and a sedentary lifestyle are increasing cancer cases among people under 40 years of age in India, said doctors on Sunday.
Several factors are contributing to the rise in cancer cases among younger people in India.
One of the primary reasons is increased consumption of processed foods, tobacco, and alcohol, sedentary lifestyles, obesity, and stress.
Environmental pollution is another critical factor.
India’s cities are plagued by high levels of pollution, which has been linked to various types of cancer.
Air and water pollution expose individuals to carcinogenic substances, significantly increasing their cancer risk.
“Ultra-processed foods and sedentary lifestyles are emerging as significant contributors to the rising cancer rates among young Indians.
“The high intake of these foods, laden with unhealthy additives, combined with physical inactivity, is creating a health crisis,” Dr. Rahul Bhargava, Director and head of the Department of Haematology and BMT at Fortis Memorial Research Institute said.
“It’s imperative to adopt healthier dietary habits and an active lifestyle to curb this alarming trend,” he added.
According to a recent study by Cancer Mukt Bharat Foundation, a Delhi-based non-profit foundation, 20 per cent of cancer cases in India are now being diagnosed in people below 40 years of age.