Cancer is a group of diseases where abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and may spread to other parts of the body.
Normally, our body has a system to regulate cell growth, but in cancer, this system breaks down.
Cancer can start almost anywhere—in the lungs, breast, colon, skin, or blood.It is not a single disease, but a collective term for over 100 types of malignancies.
Key Characteristics of Cancer
- Uncontrolled cell division
- Invasion into nearby tissues
- Ability to spread (metastasize) to distant organs
Cancer Statistics in India (2024)
Early detection and timely treatment can save lives and significantly improve quality of life.
- India records approximately 14–15 lakh new cancer cases every year.
- 1 in 9 people is at risk of developing cancer in their lifetime.
- Common cancers:
- Breast cancer (most common in women)
- Oral and lung cancer (most common in men)
- Cervical cancer (high in rural areas)
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Cancer burden is rising due to lifestyle changes, tobacco use, pollution,
infections (HPV, HBV), and delayed diagnosis.
- Estimated deaths due to cancer annually: over 8 lakh.
You are not alone in this journey. Let’s talk about cancer.
