Daily Habits That Increase Cancer Risk: For a long time, it was believed that cancer occurs only due to increasing age, bad luck or genetic reasons. But now new research is changing this thinking. According to a study published in the journal Nature Medicine, about 40 percent of cancer cases and almost half of cancer deaths are associated with risks that can be largely avoided by adopting the right lifestyle.

Which of our habits are making us sick?

According to experts, the problem is that many habits that increase the risk of cancer have become a part of our everyday life. Staying awake till late night, sitting at one place for hours, eating processed food from outside, ignoring stress and lack of physical activity gradually affects the body. Their harm is not visible in the beginning, but over the years these habits can become the cause of serious diseases. The World Health Organization report states that tobacco, obesity, alcohol consumption, unhealthy eating habits, lack of physical activity and air pollution are among the biggest preventable causes of cancer. In India too, there is a continuous increase in the cases of lifestyle related cancer.

Why are young people falling prey to this?

Dr Anindya Mukherjee told TOI that cancer is no longer just a disease of the elderly. Even in young people, such cancers are increasingly appearing which were earlier seen more after the age of 50 years. He says that reasons like smoking, alcohol, obesity, poor diet, lack of exercise, pollution and constant stress have increased the risk of cancer in people of all ages.

Which cancer is associated with excess fat?

According to research by America’s National Cancer Institute, excess fat in the body is linked to many types of cancer. These include breast, colorectal, uterus, kidney, liver and pancreas cancer. Experts say that when the body faces a bad lifestyle for a long time, internal swelling starts increasing. This inflammation damages healthy cells and can create an environment conducive to cancer.

Read this also-Heart Health: Morning headache-fatigue is a silent killer alert, do not ignore it otherwise you will become a victim of a dangerous disease.

Danger from tobacco and passive smoking

According to Dr. Mukherjee, tobacco is still the biggest preventable cause of cancer. Its effect is not only on the lungs but also on the mouth, throat, stomach, kidney, bladder and many other organs. Passive smoking is equally dangerous. Apart from this, air pollution is becoming a rapidly emerging threat, especially for people living in cities.

How can you protect yourself?

According to Dr. Mukherjee, to prevent cancer, it is very important to maintain a healthy weight, do regular exercise, eat fresh fruits and vegetables, stay away from tobacco, limit alcohol consumption, control stress and get adequate sleep.

Also read- Stress And Heart Health: Due to constant stress, BP is becoming high at the age of 20-30, know why office stress is becoming a silent killer?

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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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.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator