Four out of ten cancer cases can be avoided, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on the eve of World Cancer Day. Citing the findings of a new global analysis, the UN health agency said three cancer types – lung, stomach and cervical cancer – accounted for nearly half of all preventable cancer cases in both men and women, globally.“This is the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent,” said Dr André Ilbawi, WHO Team Lead for Cancer Control, and author of the study. “By examining patterns across countries and population groups, we can provide governments and individuals with more specific information to help prevent many cancer cases before they start.”“This landmark study is a comprehensive assessment of preventable cancer worldwide, incorporating for the first time infectious causes of cancer alongside behavioural, environmental, and occupational risks,” said Dr Isabelle Soerjomataram, Deputy Head of the IARC Cancer Surveillance Unit and senior author of the study. “Addressing these preventable causes represents one of the most powerful opportunities to reduce the global cancer burden.”
“The real battle lies in raising awareness”
“On this World Cancer Day, we are reminded that cancer is no longer a distant or rare disease, it is a growing public health challenge in India, with cases rising steadily across age groups and geographies. While advances in medical science have significantly improved survival outcomes, the real battle lies in raising awareness, promoting early detection, and ensuring equitable access to timely care. Far too many lives are still lost because cancer is detected late, when treatment becomes more complex and outcomes are uncertain,” Dr. Mandeep Singh Malhotra, Director – Surgical Oncology at the CK Birla Hospital, Delhi told TOI Health.
“This is the first global analysis to show how much cancer risk comes from causes we can prevent.”
Dr André Ilbawi, WHO Team Lead for Cancer Control
“The Government’s recent initiatives announced in the Union Budget 2026–27 reflect a strong commitment to reducing India’s cancer burden. Enhanced focus on preventive healthcare, expanded screening programmes, improved access to affordable and advanced therapies, and targeted policy support are important steps in strengthening the country’s cancer care ecosystem,” he added.
Cancer in India
India reports over one million cancer cases every year. “According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India registers more than 1.4 million new cases of cancer every year, with 60-70% of these patients being diagnosed with advanced cancer (ICMR, 2023),” says Dr Darshana Rane, Consultant Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Centre, Borivali.“The main cause of the lack of early cancer detection in India is the low level of screening. According to the National Family Health Survey-5 (NFHS-5), only 1.9% of women aged 30-49 years have ever been screened for breast cancer, and less than 2% have been screened for cervical cancer. There is also a lack of awareness, fear of testing, stigma, and lack of access to healthcare facilities, especially in rural areas, which is why these numbers are low (BMC Cancer, 2022),” the expert says. Dr. Darshana Rane stresses on women’s health when it comes to cancer. “In India, women are at a higher risk of cancer, and breast cancer is the most common type of cancer, while cervical cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths in women. Although high-risk Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is responsible for 70% of cervical cancer cases, cervical cancer can be avoided; yet, underuse of HPV screening and vaccination is a reality (NAMS Task Force, 2024).Social stigma, lack of awareness, and socio-economic inequalities are some factors that further hinder the utilization of preventive strategies. Breast cancer is increasing, especially among young women, because of a lack of knowledge about self-examination and screening tests,” the doctor says.
7.1 million cancer cases worldwide could have been prevented
The WHO’s global report finds that close to 40% of the cancer cases in 2022, which is around 7.1 million cases, could have been avoided. “Drawing on data from 185 countries and 36 cancer types, the study identifies tobacco as the leading preventable cause of cancer, globally responsible for 15% of all new cancer cases, followed by infections (10%) and alcohol consumption (3%),” the WHO says. It found that smoking remained the leading cause of cancer in men, followed by infections and alcohol. “Among women globally, infections accounted for 11% of all new cancer cases, followed by smoking at 6% and high body mass index at 3%,” it said. While awareness and early detection are key factors in controlling the spread of cancer, controlling myths and misinformation is another significant step. “Misconceptions still exist that work against early screening and treatment. One such misconception is that cancer screening is required only when symptoms occur, while in early-stage cancer, people may not have symptoms. Another myth is that biopsies cause cancer to spread, when in fact there is strong clinical evidence that they are safe and necessary for diagnosis.. The myth that “cancer means death” is also common, while in fact, early-detected breast and cervical cancers have a survival rate of over 90% if treated on time (BMC Public Health, 2025),” says Dr. Darshana Rane. On World Cancer Day, experts stress that awareness, and early detection remain the most effective weapons against cancer, especially in a country like India, where late diagnosis, myths, taboos continue to drive cancer mortality.
