Life Style cancers are emerging as a public health challenge in AP
Our expert contributor on Community Health issues *Dr. Naresh Purohit, (Exec. Member of Fedn. of Hospital Administrators) warns on rapidly spreading Lifestyle Cancers in most area of Andhra Pradesh and South Indian states!
Tirupati / New Delhi: Life Style cancers are emerging as a public
health challenge in Andhra Pradesh. These cancers are spreading rapidly in regions where populations are shifting towards urban living. This shift is marked by increased caloric intake, consumption of ultra-processed foods, reduced physical activity, and exposure to agricultural chemicals like fertilisers and pesticides, said Dr. Naresh Purohit, Advisor National Cancer Control Programme.
Delivering an oration at a Cancer Awareness Programme organized by Tirupati based Venkateshwara Institute of Cancer Care and Advance Research on the occasion of World Cancer Day occasion of World Cancer Day , acclaimed Epidemiologist Dr Purohit revealed that cancer has become a widespread concern, with almost every family being affected directly or indirectly.
‘That nearly 40-50 percent of cancers are potentially preventable through simple lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking, maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity and reducing the intake of processed foods.”pointed preventive oniologist.
Despite growing awareness about cancer and its treatment, he said many myths and misconceptions still prevail. “These myths can only be dispelled through proper education and counselling,” he added.
According to Dr Purohit advancements in cancer treatment are ushering in a new era of precision medicine. “With cutting-edge research uncovering the molecular profiles of tumours, treatments can now be tailored to individual patient c
haracteristics. This approach minimizes side effects, avoids ineffective therapies, and maximises treatment benefits,” he explained.
“Cancer is no longer a death sentence if detected and treated early. One-third of cancers are preventable through lifestyle modifications, another third are curable with early intervention, and for the remaining cases, palliative care can significantly improve the quality of life,” he said.
He averred that
food adulteration, consumption of packaged and pre-cooked foods, smoked foods, highly processed red meats and foods high in salt and nitrosamines such as salted tea and pickles are contributing factors to increased cancer risk.
To mitigate these risks, he recommend fresh, unprocessed foods, fruits rich in antioxidants (apples, pears, and berries), folate-rich and cruciferous vegetables, high turmeric and ginger consumption, and eggs and fibre-rich diets
He stressed that aging is an independent risk factor because the chances of genetic mutations increase over time. Urban India is also seeing lower fertility rates, which adds to breast cancer risk. At the same time, better awareness and screening mean more cancers are being detected than before.
“Earlier, many cancers went undiagnosed or unspoken,” he added “Today, people talk about can
cer, get screened, and seek treatment. That also makes the numbers appear higher.”
He urged the public to adopt conscious lifestyle modifications, prioritize early detection through regular screenings, and seek timely medical intervention to combat the growing threat of cancer.
“Cancer may be a formidable foe, but with awareness, prevention, and advancements in treatment, it’s a battle we can win,” he concluded.
*Dr. Naresh Purohit-MD, DNB, DIH, MHA, MRCP(UK), is an eminent Epidemiologist, 
Advisor-National Communicable Disease Control Program of Govt. of India, Madhya Pradesh and several state organizations.)
Dr. Purohit is also Principal Investigator for the Association of Studies For Kidney Care.
