Last Updated:July 03, 2025, 14:01 IST
Cancer is increasingly affecting people under 40, driven by lifestyle, environmental factors, and delayed diagnosis.
Rising cancer cases: The rising incidence is not just a statistic, it’s a call to action
Cancer is no longer just a disease of old age. In recent years, oncologists across India and globally have noted a steady and unsettling rise in cancer diagnoses among individuals under the age of 40. What was once considered rare is now a growing reality, and experts are urging immediate attention.
“We are seeing an undeniable rise in cancers among people under 40, and this trend is deeply concerning,” says Dr. Aditya Sarin, Associate Consultant, Oncology, at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi.
While genetics still play a role, Dr. Sarin highlights several lifestyle and environmental triggers fueling this early onset. Sedentary habits, chronic stress, increased exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals, rising pollution levels, and highly processed diets have all become part of the modern lifestyle and they’re contributing to the growing cancer burden among the young.
What makes this issue even more dangerous is delayed detection. Symptoms in younger individuals are often overlooked, dismissed as minor issues, or misdiagnosed. From persistent fatigue and unexplained weight loss to irregular bleeding and gastrointestinal issues, early warning signs often go unheeded.
“There’s an urgent need to raise awareness and reconsider our screening protocols to include younger populations,” stresses Dr. Sarin. “Early intervention can save lives.”
Today, breast cancer, colorectal cancer, cervical cancer, and even blood cancers are appearing more frequently in younger age groups. Doctors are advocating for greater public health education, proactive symptom recognition, and preventive screening even for those under 40 — especially if there’s a family history or high-risk lifestyle.
The rising incidence is not just a statistic, it’s a call to action. Rewriting our health narratives, being vigilant about symptoms, and pushing for early, proactive care can shift the tide in favor of survival and long-term wellness for a younger generation.
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl…Read More
Swati Chaturvedi, a seasoned media and journalism aficionado with over 10 years of expertise, is not just a storyteller; she’s a weaver of wit and wisdom in the digital landscape. As a key figure in News18 Engl… Read More
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