Each day, and each moment of the day, more young people in India get infected by the disease and it is about now we should start to discuss it. Studies have revealed that the cancer incidence rises at an alarming frequency among people aged between twenty and forty years. Okay, let’s start there and see if we can figure out what we need to do about it.
Being a health issue, young Indians are more likely to suffer from or develop cancer as compared to other developed countries.
The facts do look disturbing. As per the information available in this regard from the National Cancer Registry Programme of India, there has been an overall 12 percent-enhanced rate of cancer primes in the youths of the last five years. Therefore, within the year 2023, more than one lakh Indians below the age of forty were affected by the disease.
The causes behind this trend involve multiplicity
Lifestyle Changes:
- Increased consumption of processed foods
- Less physical activity
- Rising obesity rates
- High-stress levels
- Irregular sleep patterns
- Increased smoking and alcohol use
- Extended screen time
Environmental Factors:
- Air pollution in cities
- Exposure to chemicals
- Pesticides in food
- UV radiation
- Occupational hazards
- Water pollution
- Indoor air pollution
Which cancers are most common among young Indians?
Different cancers affect different age groups. For young Indians, these are the most common types:
For young women (20-40 years):
- Breast cancer leads the list, with about 25% of cases now being diagnosed in women under 40. When caught early, the survival rate is 90% but drops to 30% in the late stages.
- Cervical cancer comes second, affecting nearly 15% of young women. Women aged 40 also account for almost 25,000 fresh cases annually in India.
- Ovarian cancer, in particular, has received increasing attention, and today, 10% of ovarian cancer is diagnosed among women under the age of 40 years.
- Young male patients within that age of a specific age, which is between twenty and forty years of age.
- There is a rise in oral cancers, especially from tobacco products. Today, thirty-five percent of oral cancer cases are diagnosed in individuals who are below forty years old.
- Blood cancer is leukemia and lymphoma and accounts for 20% of men below the age of forty with cancer.
In the last one and half decades, the research analysis shows that recently, there is an increased number of Colorectal cancer cases in patients below 40 years.
What peculiar signs should young people look for?
Many diseases have initial symptoms, and they can inform the sick individual early, but young people ignore these signs of cancer because they assume they are too young to be diagnosed with cancer. Here are some vital signs that should not be overlooked:
How are survival rates different for young cancer patients?
Survival rates are both good and bad news. Younger cancer patients often have robust bodies and can withstand more intensive treatments. According to Indian medical data of recent years:
- Unexplained weight loss or gain
- Persistent fever or fatigue
- Lumps or swellings anywhere in the body
- Changes in skin color or texture
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Persistent cough or difficulty breathing
- Changes in bowel or bladder habits
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent pain
- Unexplained night sweats
- The five-year survival rate for young adults aged 20-40 with cancer is around 80% if caught in the early stages. Advanced stages drop to 30-40%.
- Breast cancer in young women has a 90% survival rate if detected in stage 1 but only 25% in stage 4.
- Blood cancers show a 75% cure rate in young patients with modern treatments.
- Other research findings show that colon and rectal cancer, which occurs in the young, are almost certain to be treated, indicating a 90% survival rate.
What measures do youths take to avoid cancer?
It will often be advantageous to teach people to free themselves from the causes of a particular disease rather than administer a remedy to a disease once it has taken root. Of course, it remains impossible to eliminate all cancers; however, frequencies can be reduced. Here’s how it can be done:
Health Check-ups:
It is also important not to wait for the symptoms to develop. Screening tests help detect ministerial cancer in a stage where it can be easily treated.
Lifestyle:
- Exercise for at least 30 minutes daily
- Eat many fruits and vegetables
- Reduce your intake of foods containing sugars, fats, and chemicals
- Never smoke any tobacco
- Decrease alcohol intake
- Keep weight in a healthy range
- Good sleep
How is cancer treatment different for young patients?
Cancer treatment in young people needs to consider many factors:
Fertility Preservation: Young patients might want children later, so doctors often recommend freezing eggs or sperm before treatment.
Treatment Intensity: Young bodies can usually handle more potent treatments, which can lead to better outcomes.
Long-term Effects: Since young patients have many years ahead, doctors consider the long-term effects of treatments more carefully.
What support systems are available for young cancer patients in India?
India has seen improvements in cancer care for young patients:
Government Programs:
- The Ayushman Bharat scheme now covers cancer treatment for eligible young patients.
- Many government hospitals have special youth cancer units.
Support Groups:
- Organizations like CanKids and YouWeCan provide emotional and financial support.
- Online communities help young patients connect and share experiences.
What’s the financial impact of cancer on young patients?
Cancer treatment is expensive, but there are options:
Health Insurance:
- More insurance companies now cover cancer treatment.
- Some policies specifically cover young adult cancers.
Government Schemes:
- Various state and central government schemes help with treatment costs.
- Many hospitals offer subsidized treatment for young patients.
Is there hope for young cancer patients?
Absolutely! Medical advances are improving outcomes every year:
New Treatments:
Targeted therapies cause fewer side effects.
Immunotherapy shows promising results in young patients.
Precision medicine helps customize treatment plans.
Better Detection:
Advanced screening methods catch cancer earlier.
Genetic testing helps identify high-risk individuals.
Are there any Ayurvedic remedies that can prevent cancer in the youth?
Understanding Cancer Prevention Through Ayurveda
Though Ayurveda provides many practices that may help decrease the risk of cancer, no medicine gives assurance of preventing cancer; however, Ayurveda wisdom does provide good inputs on how to remain in good health, thus diminishing the possibility of having cancers.
Daily Habits Matter
Ayurveda believes that prevention goes hand in hand with our daily habits. According to Ayurvedic medicine, fresh and whole foods, proper sleeping habits, and stress control in young people can help avoid basic lifestyle choices.
The Power of Herbs
Modern science has proven that turmeric, holy basil (tulsi), and amla work. Choosing turmeric helps avoid inflammation because curcumin is found in this plant. Holy basil fortifies the immune response of the body, while amla is a rich source of antioxidants. Such herbs can be added to meals and taken as tea for healthy maintenance.
Mind-Body Connection
Daily meditation, yoga, and breathing practices reduce stress, which promotes our immune system. The need for such practices is more significant for young people going through academic or work pressures.
Food as Medicine
According to Ayurveda, food can be considered medicine. Simple practices like eating in season, locally grown fruits and vegetables, using spices like ginger, garlic, and black pepper in cooking, and warming up with warm water throughout the day will help establish good digestion. Ayurveda considers good digestion to prevent disease.
The Bigger Picture
One must remember that Ayurvedic practices can complement but not replace general cancer prevention measures. These encompass regular hospital check-ups, avoiding tobacco, lowering alcohol intake, achieving a healthy weight, and staying physically active. All these can be best achieved through the integration of modern medicine with the traditional wisdom of Ayurveda.
A Final Thought for young Indians:
Cancer in young people is serious but largely treatable when caught early. The key messages are:
Listen to your body. Don’t ignore unusual changes.
- Get regular health check-ups.
- Make healthy lifestyle choices.
- Know your family history.
- Have health insurance.
- Seek medical help promptly if concerned.
When one reaches older age, nothing can be said to be safe from cancer except nothing. However, being young has its perks. When diagnosis and treatment reach this early, many are perfectly alright again. Stay vigilant and healthy and get any cause for concern checked promptly.
This is not going to scare you but give you knowledge. Being awake early and taking action will save you and your future life. Cancer is extremely tight, but it becomes even easier to win if someone catches it when still relatively young. Cancer is challenging but often beatable, especially when you’re young and catch it early.