Cancers Increasing In Young Adults: World Cancer Day is celebrated every year on 4 February across the world, but in 2026 its importance is being felt more than ever. Cancer continues to impact millions of lives around the world. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in the year 2022, about 2 crore new cancer cases were reported globally and about 97 lakh people died due to cancer related reasons.

Situation is very serious in India

The situation is worrying in India also. A continuous increase in cancer cases is being seen here. While about 13.5 lakh cases were registered in the year 2019, by 2024 this number will increase to 15.3 lakh. There were 13.9 lakh cancer cases in 2020, 14.2 lakh in 2021, 14.6 lakh in 2022 and 14.9 lakh in 2023. That means every year the figures are giving new warnings.

What is the theme this time?

The theme of World Cancer Day 2026 is ‘United by Unique’. If we talk about its meaning, it means that every patient’s cancer journey is different, but everyone’s aim is the same, better treatment, better support and better results. This theme puts the human being at the center rather than the disease and talks about a health system that understands the needs of every person and provides care accordingly.

World Cancer Day should not be limited to just social media posts. This day reminds us that there is a need to take action against cancer at both individual and collective levels. Early detection can save lives, but even today screening tests are not done regularly in many places. People keep postponing the screening of breast, cervical, oral and colorectal cancer.

What do experts say?

Speaking to TOI Health, Dr. Vaishali Jamre said that if people have to be prepared for any one test, it would be mammography. Early stage breast cancer is often without pain and symptoms, in such a situation the disease can be detected earlier through mammography, which makes treatment easier and chances of survival are better. She also explains that people often do not take symptoms like painless lump, sudden weight loss, persistent fatigue, prolonged cough, bleeding, non-healing wounds or skin changes seriously. Nowadays, cases of breast, colorectal, thyroid, endometrial and skin cancer are also increasing among the youth, which can be detected through tests at the right time.

Also read: Why do some people become thin even without diet and going to the gym? know the reason

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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Cancer is such a disease that people get scared on hearing its name. This disease is often detected when it has spread widely in the body. But if it is detected in time, treatment becomes easier and the chances of recovery also increase manifold. Therefore, doctors now give more emphasis not only on treatment but also on prevention and early detection. Health experts say that especially men and women above 35 years of age should get their health checked regularly so that any serious disease, especially cancer, can be detected in the early stages. There are four screening tests that can detect cancer in its early stages. When symptoms are negligible or not visible at all. In such a situation, let us know which 4 screening tests must be done after the age of 35 years.

1. Regular Cancer Screening Test – Regular checkups i.e. standard screening tests are considered the backbone of cancer prevention. These tests have been decided after many years of study and are recognized by experts all over the world. The first one is colonoscopy. Every person should get this test done after the age of 45 years. This test helps in detecting cancer of the large intestine. It detects not only cancer but also the initial growth before it becomes cancer. Generally it is advised to repeat it every 10 years. The second test is mammogram. Women above 40 years of age should get a mammogram done once every 1 to 2 years. This is an imaging test that can detect breast cancer at an early stage. Apart from this, the third one is Pap smear or HPV test. Women above 21 years of age should get this test done for cervical cancer. Pap smear shows whether any abnormal changes are taking place in the cells of the uterus. Along with this, PSA test comes in the standard screening test. This test can give early indications of prostate cancer.

2. Gallery Test — Today’s modern technology has made cancer screening even easier. The Gallery test is a blood test that can detect more than 50 types of cancer early in a single sample. It detects the presence of cancer by detecting changes in DNA in the blood, often before symptoms are visible. Although this test does not make a complete difference in itself, but if any indication is found then the doctor can get further investigation done. People who have a history of cancer in their family or who are above 35-40 years of age can get this test done every year.

3. Genetic Test – Many times cancer occurs not only due to lifestyle but also due to genetic reasons, that is, if someone in the family has cancer at a young age, then the risk of it may increase in other members too. In such a situation, genetic testing proves to be very useful. This test identifies gene mutations such as BRCA1, BRCA2, CHEK2 or Lynch Syndrome, which can make a person susceptible to cancer. If changes in these genes are found, doctors can do early monitoring, do timely scanning and make prevention.

4. Whole body MRI – Full body MRI is a modern scan which gives an opportunity to look inside the body without radiation. It can detect hidden abnormalities or early tumors in many organs, even when symptoms are not visible. If it is done in combination with gallery test or genetic testing, it proves to be even more effective. However, doctors say that not every small abnormality is a matter of concern, so it is important to look at the MRI results with wisdom and expert advice.

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