Over half a million preventable cancer cases in India (2022)
A new WHO study found that over a third of new cancer cases in India in 2022—more than half a million—were linked to things we can actually change, like infections, tobacco use (smoking and chewing), and low physical activity.
Men vs women
Men had higher rates of preventable cancers, mainly due to smoking and chewing tobacco. For men, mouth, lung, and stomach cancers were most common.
Women's main risks were infections, with cervical cancer topping the list of preventable cases, followed by breast and mouth cancers.
Simple steps can make a difference
The study highlights how simple steps—like quitting tobacco or getting vaccinated for HPV—could make a huge difference.
If global targets are met, cervical cancer could be eliminated as a public health problem.
It's a reminder that small changes today can have a massive impact on our future health.