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Cancer: Causes, Symptoms, Stages, Treatment & Prevention — Complete WHO-Based Guide

 


Why Cancer Is India’s Fastest Growing Health Threat

Cancer is not rare anymore.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

  • Cancer causes 10 million deaths worldwide every year

  • India records 14–15 lakh new cancer cases annually

  • By 2035, India may see over 20 lakh cancer cases per year

  • More young adults (20–40 years) are being diagnosed than ever before

Why?
Because of rapid lifestyle changes, pollution, stress, tobacco use, changing diets, and genetic vulnerability.

But here is the truth most people don’t know:

More than 40% of cancers can be prevented with simple lifestyle changes.

This Swasthaay article gives you the most complete, science-based understanding of cancer:

  • what it is

  • how it starts

  • symptoms

  • types

  • stages

  • diagnosis

  • treatment

  • prevention

Everything is based strictly on WHO and global oncology guidelines, explained in simple language.

What Is Cancer? WHO Definition (Simple Explanation)

Cancer is a disease where:

  • some cells in your body start growing uncontrollably,

  • refuse to die when they should,

  • and spread into nearby tissues or organs.

These abnormal cells form a tumor.

Cancer can occur anywhere:

  • blood

  • brain

  • lungs

  • breast

  • colon

  • cervix

  • prostate

  • skin

  • stomach

Cancer is not one disease — it is 100+ diseases with different causes and treatments.

How Does Cancer Start? (The Science Made Simple)

Every cell in your body has instructions (DNA).
When these instructions get damaged due to:

  • smoking

  • alcohol

  • pollution

  • chemicals

  • poor diet

  • infections

  • radiation

the cell begins:

  • mutating

  • multiplying

  • becoming uncontrolled

This is how cancer starts.

Early Warning Symptoms of Cancer (Most People Ignore These)

Early cancer can be silent — but it ALWAYS shows some signals.

1. Unexplained Weight Loss

Losing more than 4–5 kg without trying.

2. Constant Fatigue

Always tired despite proper rest.

3. Lump or Swelling

In the breast, neck, armpit, testicles, or anywhere.

4. Long-Lasting Cough or Voice Changes

5. Abnormal Bleeding

  • in urine

  • stool

  • vagina

  • coughing blood

6. Non-Healing Sores

Mouth or skin ulcers lasting more than 2 weeks.

7. Change in Bowel Habits

Constipation, diarrhea, blood in stool.

8. Skin Changes

Dark patches, new moles, itchiness, bleeding spots.

9. Difficulty Swallowing or Persistent Acidity

10. Persistent Pain

Back pain, bone pain, stomach pain.

If ANY of these persist for more than 2–3 weeks → consult a doctor.

Early detection = 90% survival in many cancers.

Major Types of Cancer in India

India sees high rates of the following cancers:

1. Breast Cancer

Most common cancer among Indian women.

2. Cervical Cancer

One of the few cancers preventable through a vaccine (HPV vaccine).

3. Oral Cancer

Extremely common in Indian men due to:

  • tobacco

  • pan

  • gutka

  • smoking

4. Lung Cancer

Tobacco + pollution = deadly combination.

5. Colorectal Cancer

Linked to low fibre diet and sedentary lifestyle.

6. Prostate Cancer

Increasing with age and lifestyle changes.

7. Stomach & Liver Cancer

Linked to infections, alcohol, poor diet.

What Causes Cancer? (WHO-Identified Risk Factors)

Cancer is not caused by one thing.
It is caused by multiple lifestyle + environmental + genetic factors.

1. Tobacco (Biggest Cause of Cancer Deaths)

WHO: 22% of cancer deaths are due to tobacco.
Causes:

  • lung cancer

  • oral cancer

  • throat cancer

  • stomach cancer

2. Alcohol

Classified by WHO as a Group 1 cancer-causing agent (carcinogen).

Even small amounts increase risk of:

  • breast cancer

  • liver cancer

  • colon cancer

3. Unhealthy Diet

High consumption of:

  • red meat

  • fried foods

  • processed foods

  • sugary drinks

  • packaged snacks

increases risk of:

  • colorectal cancer

  • breast cancer

  • pancreatic cancer

4. Physical Inactivity

Lack of exercise increases cancer risk by altering:

  • hormones

  • immunity

  • metabolism

5. Pollution & Radiation

India’s PM2.5 levels significantly raise:

  • lung cancer

  • blood cancers

6. Infections

Some infections directly cause cancer:

  • HPV → cervical cancer

  • Hepatitis B/C → liver cancer

  • H. pylori → stomach cancer

7. Genetics

Only 5–10% of cancers are hereditary —
meaning your lifestyle still matters the most.

How Cancer Is Diagnosed (Modern Methods)

Diagnosis includes:

  • blood tests

  • ultrasound

  • CT scan

  • MRI

  • PET scan

  • biopsy (gold standard)

  • endoscopy / colonoscopy

Early diagnosis saves lives.

Cancer Stages Explained (0 to 4)

Stage 0

Very early. Highly curable.

Stage 1

Small tumor, no spread. High survival rate.

Stage 2

Larger tumor, limited spread.

Stage 3

Nearby lymph nodes affected.

Stage 4 (Advanced)

Cancer spreads to other organs (metastasis).

Advanced Treatment Options (WHO + Global Oncology)

Treatment depends on cancer type and stage.

1. Surgery

Removes tumor physically.

2. Chemotherapy

Destroys rapidly-growing cancer cells.

3. Radiation Therapy

Targets tumors with high-energy beams.

4. Immunotherapy

Boosts your immune system to fight cancer.

5. Targeted Therapy

Targets cancer-specific genes and proteins.

6. Hormone Therapy

Used for breast and prostate cancers.

7. Bone Marrow Transplant

For blood cancers.

Cancer treatment is becoming more successful than ever due to new technologies.

Can Cancer Be Prevented? YES. WHO Says: Absolutely.

At least 40% of cancers can be prevented.

Follow these powerful habits:

1. Quit Smoking & Tobacco

#1 step to prevent cancer.

2. Limit Alcohol

Zero is safest.

3. Healthy, High-Fibre Diet

  • Fruits

  • Vegetables

  • Whole grains

  • Dal

  • Nuts

  • Seeds

4. Exercise Daily (30 minutes)

5. Maintain Healthy Weight

6. Vaccinations

  • HPV (prevents cervical cancer)

  • Hepatitis B (prevents liver cancer)

7. Avoid Processed Meat

8. Use Masks in Polluted Cities

9. Get Regular Screenings

  • breast exam

  • cervical test

  • oral exam

  • colon check

Cancer Myths Indians Still Believe (And the Truth)

❌ “Cancer spreads by touching.”

➡️ False. Not infectious.

❌ “Cancer means death.”

➡️ Early-stage cancers have very high survival.

❌ “Eating sugar makes cancer grow.”

➡️ No direct evidence — but sugar contributes to obesity, which increases cancer risk.

❌ “Pain = cancer.”

➡️ Many cancers are painless in early stages.

Conclusion: Awareness + Early Detection = Saved Lives

Cancer is frightening — but knowledge is power.

If caught early, many cancers are:

  • preventable

  • treatable

  • even completely curable

Your lifestyle choices today will decide your risk tomorrow.

Stay aware.
Stay protective.
Stay Swasthaay.

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