Tue Feb 04 15:17:23 UTC 2025: ## Lifestyle Choices Fuel Cancer Rise in India, Warn Oncologists
**Visakhapatnam, February 4, 2025** – Oncologists in Visakhapatnam have warned of a rising cancer risk in India, largely attributed to lifestyle factors rather than hereditary causes. Speaking at a World Cancer Day awareness program at GITAM School of Science, experts highlighted the significant role of diet, smoking, and alcohol consumption in cancer development.
Dr. B. Ravishankar emphasized the alarmingly high prevalence of head and neck cancer (HNC), accounting for nearly 30% of all cancer cases in India, primarily due to widespread tobacco use, especially among men. He also noted a concerning increase in e-cigarette use in urban areas and traditional tobacco consumption in rural regions, both significantly increasing cancer risk. Dr. Ravishankar stressed the importance of preventative measures such as maintaining good oral hygiene and adopting a healthy lifestyle.
Dr. N. Raghu Vamsi linked changing dietary habits, particularly the adoption of Western-style diets, to a rise in stomach cancer cases. He advocated for a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains to mitigate this risk.
Dr. Bala Stalin Chowdary provided an overview of the current cancer situation and treatment levels in India. GITAM School of Science Dean K. S. Krishna further added that environmental factors, such as global warming, are contributing to emerging diseases. The oncologists collectively urged the public to adopt healthier lifestyles to combat the rising cancer rates.
First Piper 