Cancer is a disease in which some cells of the body grow uncontrollably and spread to other parts of the body. There are more than 100 types of cancer and it can be seen in every age group. Yes, you heard us here! Did you know? Along with some risk factors such as obesity, smoking, bad eating habits, lack of exercise, age can also increase the risk of cancer. Age is one of the established risk factors behind the occurrence of cancer. In the following article, we decode the connection between cancer and age. Read on to learn more about this and take good care of yourself.Also read – World Obesity Day: 6 Best Ways to Avoid Obesity While Working From Home
Globally, after cardiovascular disease, cancer is the leading cause of disease. India is home to millions of cancer patients. According to a report, about 1,392,179 people in India had cancer in 2020, and the number is expected to increase in 2025. The most common types of cancer, according to research, were breast, lung, mouth, cervix, uterus and tongue. Did you know? In males, the estimated incidence rate was 94.1 for 100,000 individuals and females; According to the Cancer Statistics Report, 2020, for 2020 it was 103.6 per 100,000 people. Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hemato-Oncologist of Asian Cancer Institute Dr. “Cancer is not limited to any particular gender or age,” says Suhas Agra. It can affect people of all age groups, including children. Also read – WHO: Covid-19 triggers 25% increase in anxiety and depression globally, find out the reason behind it and how to fight it – see
Here we decode the relationship between cancer and age:
- The average age of diagnosis is 62 years for breast cancer, 67 years for colorectal cancer, 71 years for lung cancer, 66 years for prostate cancer, 70 years for pancreatic cancer, 62 years for breast, 50 years for cervix and 63 years for ovary. Common cancers over the age of 50 are prostate, bladder, lung and melanoma. But, cancer can happen to anyone at any age. Now, even young women in their 30s have been diagnosed with breast, ovarian or cervical cancer. We also read that adolescents are fighting bone cancer, leukemia or lymphoma.
- As a person gets older, most types of cancer become more common because the cells can be damaged over time. After this damage our age increases and can lead to cancer. Risk factors such as smoking, pollution, UV rays of the sun, certain medical conditions can invite cancer. If you are over 70, you have a higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer. Thus, you need to adopt a healthy lifestyle and follow the instructions given by the doctor.
- The good news is that due to technological advances, the survival rate has increased. Early detection and immediate treatment of cancer can save a person’s life. You should not wait until your condition worsens. Also, if you have a family history of cancer, go for screening and get proper treatment.
Take-away: Age is one of the risk factors that cannot be changed when it comes to cancer. But, to reduce the risk of cancer, you can eat a well-balanced diet, exercise regularly, quit smoking and maintain maximum weight. Also read – Covid-19: 2 new features of Omicron variant BA. 2 which should not be ignored
(Inputs of Dr. Suhas Agra, Consultant Medical Oncologist and Hemato-Oncologist, Asian Cancer Institute)
