Ankur Nikam
Cancer is no longer just an elderly disease, cases among young Indians (15–39) are rising sharply, with 1.57 million new cases projected in 2025.
In 2018, 54,538 young Indians (aged 15–29) were diagnosed with cancer, over half of whom died, accounting for 4.3–6.3% of the country’s total cancer cases.
Certain cancers are becoming more common in young adults, with oral, lung, and prostate cancers rising in men, and breast and cervical cancers increasing in women.
Modern lifestyles harm health through poor diets, sedentary habits, tobacco and alcohol use, and environmental factors like pollution and chemicals.
Young people are often diagnosed late because their symptoms are mild and easy to miss, and health checks usually focus on elderly people.
You can lower your risk by eating a plant-based diet, exercising regularly, and avoiding tobacco while limiting alcohol.
Some cancers are preventable with vaccines, like Human Papillomavirus for cervical cancer and Hepatitis B for liver cancer.
Pay attention to your body for unexplained weight loss, persistent pain or fatigue, and changes in bowel habits.
Cancer in young people is serious but often treatable. Know your family history, talk to your doctor, and prioritize early detection.