Lifestyle Changes, Preventive Measures, and Regular Screenings: A Three-Pronged Strategy to Reduce Cancer Risk – Experts

Pune, 4th February 2024: While not all cancers are preventable, many risk factors can be minimized. According to Dr. Ashish Pokharkar, Oncosurgeon at Noble Hospitals and Research Centre, adopting a three-pronged strategy—lifestyle changes, preventive measures, and regular health screenings—can significantly reduce cancer risk.

Need for a Personalized, Patient-Centric Approach

World Cancer Day is observed on February 4 every year to raise awareness, encourage preventive measures, and address the growing challenge of cancer worldwide. This year, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) has declared the theme “United by Unique,” emphasizing collective and compassionate efforts against this disease.

Dr. Pokharkar highlights that cancer is unlike other diseases—each patient is unique in terms of cancer type, stage, social values, and economic challenges. “This is why personalized care tailored to each patient is crucial. A patient-centric approach is needed instead of a disease-centered approach,” he said.

“It is a collective effort involving the patient, doctors, and everyone participating in the decision-making process. This year’s theme underlines the importance of united efforts by individuals, families, and communities to ensure more humane and holistic care that addresses patients’ physical, mental, and social needs,” he added.

Rising Cancer Trends in India

Dr. Pokharkar noted alarming trends in cancer cases associated with lifestyle factors in India.

Among men, cancers linked to tobacco use, such as mouth, throat, lung, and kidney cancers, are the most common. Additionally, colorectal cancer cases are rising in the Indian population. Among women, while cervical cancer incidence has significantly decreased in both urban and rural areas, there has been a notable
increase in breast, uterine, oral, and lung cancers.

The major risk factors contributing to this rise include:

✅ Sedentary lifestyle

✅ Obesity

✅ Air pollution

✅ Certain viruses like Human Papillomavirus (HPV) and Hepatitis B

✅ Dietary factors such as high consumption of processed food, red
meat, and low intake of fruits, vegetables, and fiber

How to Reduce Cancer Risk?

Dr. Pokharkar emphasizes that adopting a healthy lifestyle and undergoing regular screenings are key to cancer prevention. He suggests the following:

✅ Lifestyle Changes: Avoid tobacco and alcohol, maintain a healthy
weight, follow a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and limit sun
exposure.

✅ Vaccinations: Get HPV and Hepatitis B vaccines to prevent related cancers.

✅ Regular Screenings for Early Detection:

Mammogram – For breast cancer
Colonoscopy – For colorectal cancer
Pap Smear/HPV Test – For cervical cancer
Low-Dose CT Scan – For high-risk lung cancer individuals (e.g., smokers)
PSA Test – For prostate cancer in men

✅ Environmental Precautions: Reduce exposure to polluted air and
contaminated water.
✅ Genetic Counseling: Consult a geneticist in case of a family history
of cancer.
✅ Mental Well-being: Manage stress to improve overall health.

“Regular communication with healthcare professionals and staying informed about personal risk factors are crucial steps toward cancer prevention,” Dr. Pokharkar concluded.