17 February 2026 (Navroze Bureau) : Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death in India, and awareness about its most common forms is crucial for prevention and early treatment. According to a Raipur-based oncologist, oral cancer is the most common cancer among Indian men, while breast cancer tops the list among women—together accounting for a significant share of the country’s overall cancer burden.
Speaking on the growing cancer caseload, the oncologist explained that oral cancer has emerged as a major public health challenge in India, largely due to the widespread consumption of tobacco in smokeless forms such as gutka, khaini, and pan masala. “India contributes nearly one-third of the world’s oral cancer cases,” the doctor said, adding that the disease often affects people at a relatively younger age compared to Western countries.
Oral cancer typically begins as a small ulcer, white patch, or red lesion inside the mouth, which many people ignore until it becomes painful or starts bleeding. “The tragedy is that oral cancer is highly curable if detected early,” the oncologist noted. “Unfortunately, many patients come to hospitals only at advanced stages, when treatment becomes more complex and survival rates drop.”
Among women, breast cancer has overtaken cervical cancer to become the most commonly diagnosed cancer in India. Changing lifestyles, delayed childbirth, reduced breastfeeding duration, obesity, and lack of physical activity are believed to be contributing factors. Urbanisation and increased life expectancy have also played a role in rising breast cancer numbers.
The oncologist stressed that early detection through regular screening can dramatically improve outcomes. “A simple self-breast examination, done regularly, can help women identify lumps early,” the doctor said. “Mammography and clinical breast examinations are equally important, especially for women above the age of 40.”
Cervical cancer, once the most common cancer among Indian women, has seen a relative decline in urban areas due to improved awareness and screening. However, it remains a major concern in rural regions, where access to healthcare and routine screening is limited. The oncologist highlighted that cervical cancer is one of the few cancers that is almost entirely preventable through HPV vaccination and regular Pap smear tests.
Apart from oral and breast cancer, lung cancer is another major contributor to cancer-related deaths in India, particularly among men. While smoking remains the leading risk factor, exposure to air pollution, occupational hazards, and second-hand smoke are increasingly being recognised as significant causes.
The oncologist warned that India is facing a “silent cancer epidemic,” with cases expected to rise sharply over the next decade. An ageing population, lifestyle changes, and environmental factors are likely to push cancer numbers even higher. “What is worrying is that many cancers in India are diagnosed late,” the doctor said. “This not only affects survival but also increases treatment costs and emotional distress for families.”
One of the biggest challenges, experts say, is the lack of awareness and stigma associated with cancer. Many people hesitate to seek medical help due to fear, social pressure, or financial constraints. In some cases, symptoms are dismissed as minor ailments, leading to dangerous delays.
The Raipur oncologist emphasised the importance of preventive measures. Avoiding tobacco in all forms, limiting alcohol consumption, maintaining a healthy diet, exercising regularly, and getting vaccinated against HPV can significantly reduce cancer risk. “Lifestyle changes may sound simple, but they have a powerful impact,” the doctor said.
Public health experts also underline the need for stronger screening programmes at the community level. Regular oral examinations by dentists or trained health workers, mobile screening units in rural areas, and affordable diagnostic facilities could make a substantial difference.
The oncologist called for collective action involving government agencies, healthcare institutions, and communities. “Cancer is not just a medical issue; it’s a social issue,” the doctor said. “Awareness, early detection, and timely treatment can save countless lives.”
As India continues to battle a growing cancer burden, knowing which cancers are most common—and why—can empower people to take preventive steps. “The more informed people are, the earlier they come forward,” the oncologist concluded. “And in cancer care, early action can mean the difference between life and death.”
Summary
A Raipur oncologist reveals oral cancer as the most common cancer among Indian men and breast cancer among women, stressing early detection, tobacco control, and regular screening to reduce India’s growing cancer burden.