lifestyle changes Archives - InnoHEALTH magazine

Cancer in India: Prevention, Early Detection, and the Human Side of Oncology

Khushi Khandelwal — Wed, 01 Apr 2026 06:30:00 +0000

Brig. (Dr.) Arvind Kumar Tyagi is a senior surgical oncologist and Director of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery at Yashoda superspeciality hospital & cancer institutes. He was interviewed by Dr. Soumya Singh, Creative Editor at InnoHEALTH m agazine on the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and compassionate, patient-centric care in improving cancer outcomes across the country.

Cancer is increasingly recognized as a major public health challenge. How significant is its impact today?

Cancer has emerged as one of the leading causes of death worldwide and in India. In a country with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, the absolute number of cancer cases is substantial. What makes this burden particularly concerning is that many cancers are preventable or treatable if detected early. Late presentation, lack of awareness, and lifestyle-related risk factors continue to drive high mortality, making cancer not only a medical issue but a public health priority.

Your professional journey is unique, combining military service with medicine. How has that experience shaped your approach to cancer care?

Training and serving as a paratrooper instills discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under extreme physical and mental pressure. Military medicine demands precision, teamwork, and rapid decision-making—qualities that translate directly into surgical oncology. Exposure to high-risk environments and leadership roles strengthens accountability and calmness, which are essential when dealing with complex cancer surgeries and emotionally challenging patient care. The soldier’s mindset reinforces the commitment to duty, perseverance, and service to humanity.

What exactly is cancer, and why can it develop in almost any part of the body?

Cancer originates from the body’s own cells when they lose normal regulatory control and begin to divide uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues or spread to distant organs. Since every organ in the body is composed of cells, cancer can arise virtually anywhere. This is why cancer is not a single disease but a diverse group of diseases, each with distinct behavior, prognosis, and treatment strategies.

What are the most common risk factors for cancer, especially in the Indian population?

Cancer is multifactorial. In India, tobacco use—both smoking and chewing—is one of the most significant contributors, particularly to oral, throat, and lung cancers. Alcohol consumption, air pollution, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits also increase risk. Certain infections, such as Hepatitis B and C or Human Papillomavirus, are known causes of liver and cervical cancers respectively. Genetic predisposition plays a role in some cancers, but lifestyle and environmental factors remain dominant contributors.

Can lifestyle changes genuinely reduce the risk of developing cancer?

Yes, lifestyle modification can significantly reduce cancer risk. Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep all strengthen immunity and reduce cancer incidence. While genetic factors are beyond control, lifestyle choices are powerful tools for prevention and long-term health.

What early warning signs or symptoms should people be vigilant about?

Any unexplained bleeding—from the mouth, nose, urine, or stools—should never be ignored. Persistent lumps or swellings in the breast, neck, armpit, or groin require prompt evaluation. Sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, prolonged fatigue, or unexplained pain are also warning signs. Awareness of one’s own body and early medical consultation can lead to timely diagnosis and improved outcomes.

How important is early detection, and what screening tests are advisable?

Early detection dramatically improves survival rates. Cancers identified at early stages are often curable. Screening tests such as Pap smears for cervical cancer and mammography for breast cancer are particularly valuable. Ultrasound examinations can help detect certain abdominal cancers. Advanced imaging techniques like PET scans are primarily used for staging rather than routine screening due to cost and limited applicability.

There are many myths surrounding cancer. Which misconceptions need to be corrected?

A common myth is that sugar causes or “feeds” cancer. In reality, all cells—healthy and cancerous—require sugar for energy; sugar itself does not cause cancer. Another misconception is that only smokers develop cancer, whereas non-smokers can also develop cancer due to genetic, infectious, or environmental factors. Such myths can delay diagnosis and distract from genuine preventive measures.

How has cancer treatment evolved, particularly in surgical oncology and technology?

Advances in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, have improved precision and recovery in selected cases. However, these technologies are not suitable for all cancers, especially large or advanced tumors where open surgery remains essential. Artificial intelligence and advanced imaging assist in diagnosis and planning, but the surgeon’s expertise, judgment, and hands-on skill remain irreplaceable.

Can cancer be cured, and what is the most important message for the public?

Many cancers are curable when detected early. Early-stage cancers respond well to treatment, while advanced-stage cancers are often managed to prolong life and improve quality of life rather than cure. The most important message is prevention and awareness: avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, sleep adequately, and seek medical evaluation early. A disciplined lifestyle—much like military training—can be the strongest defense against cancer.

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Urbanization and Breast Cancer in India: Unravelling the Statistical Trends and Implications for Women’s Health

Khushi Khandelwal — Mon, 09 Dec 2024 10:30:00 +0000

Shilpi Bariar

As per global cancer statistics GLOBOCAN 2020, breast cancer is the number one diagnosed cancer among women across the globe. For the first time in GLOBOCAN 2020, statistics show breast cancer has become the most diagnosed cancer, leaving behind lung cancer in low- and middle-income countries. As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the National Cancer Registry Programme Report 2020 incidence of breast cancer is 2 lakh (14.8%) of the total cancer burden. Further evidence of changing lifestyles due to urbanization and its influence on the incidence of breast cancer is increasing. Consequently, changing lifestyle factors are essential to consider when developing a strategy for breast cancer prevention and reducing the global burden of disease. In recent years, there has been a notable increase in the incidence of breast cancer, coinciding with profound changes in the lifestyle of women in this urban setting. India, amidst rapid urbanization, stands at the crossroads of progress and public health challenges. As cities burgeon and lifestyles evolve, the specter of breast cancer looms larger, casting a shadow over the health landscape of urban women. Delving into statistical evidence provides crucial insights into the complex interplay between urbanization and the escalating incidence of breast cancer among Indian women. By examining the statistical trends and referencing pertinent studies, we can unravel the multifaceted relationship between changing lifestyles due to urbanization and the burgeoning breast cancer burden in India.

Statistical Trends in India: Statistical data underscores the alarming rise in breast cancer incidence across urban cities in India. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), breast cancer has surpassed cervical cancer to become the leading cancer among Indian women, with urban areas bearing a disproportionate burden. Studies have revealed a significant urban-rural divide, with urban regions reporting higher breast cancer incidence rates compared to rural counterparts. For instance, a study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research found that metropolitan areas exhibited a 1.5 to 2-fold higher incidence of breast cancer than rural areas, highlighting the profound impact of urbanization on disease prevalence.

Sedentary Lifestyles and Obesity: Urbanization catalyzes the proliferation of sedentary lifestyles characterized by desk-bound occupations, dependence on motorized transport, and reduced physical activity opportunities. Coupled with the influx of changed dietary patterns dominated by processed foods and high-calorie diets, urban communities are increasingly predisposed to obesity and metabolic syndromes, potent risk factors for breast cancer. Statistical studies corroborate this association, with studies such as the India State-Level Disease Burden Initiative reporting a rising prevalence of obesity among urban women, particularly in metropolitan areas like Delhi and Mumbai. The confluence of sedentary behaviours and dietary shifts emphasizes the breast cancer risk landscape, necessitating targeted interventions to promote physical activity and healthy eating habits among urban populations.

Reproductive Trends: The urban milieu engenders transformative shifts in reproductive behaviors, with delayed childbearing, declining fertility rates, and reduced parity becoming more commonplace among Indian women. Studies have elucidated a positive correlation between delayed childbirth and increased breast cancer risk, attributing this association to prolonged exposure to endogenous estrogen and reduced duration of breastfeeding. The National Family Health Survey (NFHS) data corroborates these findings, revealing a declining trend in fertility rates and breastfeeding practices among urban women in India. Addressing the implications of altered reproductive patterns on breast cancer incidence necessitates comprehensive reproductive health education and family planning initiatives tailored to urban contexts.

Environmental Exposures: Urban environments in India are fraught with myriad environmental pollutants and carcinogens, ranging from vehicular emissions and industrial effluents to indoor air contaminants and pesticide residues. Studies have highlighted the role of environmental exposures in fuelling the breast cancer epidemic among urban women, with urban residents facing heightened risks due to chronic exposure to airborne pollutants and endocrine-disrupting chemicals. Research published in Environmental Health Perspectives has identified urban air pollution as a significant risk factor for breast cancer, emphasizing the urgent need for stringent regulatory measures and pollution control strategies to safeguard women’s health in urban India.

Conclusion: As India undergoes rapid urbanization, the escalating burden of breast cancer among urban women demands urgent attention and concerted action. By leveraging statistical evidence and referencing pertinent studies, we can elucidate the intricate nexus between changing lifestyles due to urbanization and the burgeoning breast cancer epidemic in India. Empowering women with knowledge, promoting healthy lifestyle choices, enhancing reproductive health awareness, and advocating for environmental stewardship are imperative to mitigate the adverse impact of urbanization on breast cancer incidence and foster a future of health equity for all women in India.

Authors Biography

Shilpi Bariar has worked as science administrator in University scientific Administration.Presently she is working as Grant Manager in School of Natural Sciences Shiv Nadar Institute of Eminence Delhi/NCR.

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A Consequence of Modern Day Living – Burnout

InnoHEALTH Magazine — Thu, 13 Dec 2018 07:10:28 +0000

This is often how people unknowingly express the sensation of burnout. It is widely known that burnout is closely linked with stress, but it is much more than simply being tired, and it is often the case that the seriousness of burnout is overlooked.

HIGHLIGHTS

It possible to prevent burnout?
Burnout can happen to anyone and everyone
Burnout should not be underestimated

Have you ever heard someone say, “I’m exhausted”, or “I’m dead tired”? This is often how people unknowingly express the sensation of burnout. It is widely known that burnout is closely linked with stress, but it is much more than simply being tired, and it is often the case that the seriousness of burnout is overlooked.

Let us then ask the questions that need to be asked when talking about the subject of burnout. Is it possible to prevent burnout? How do we know when we have been exposed to either too much – positive or negative stress? How can we change our lifestyles accordingly to make the meaningful and sustained change to make ourselves more immune to burnout?

Stress is perception based

It is primarily our perception or evaluation of something that determines whether or not we become stressed. If we perceive an object to be too challenging or potentially dangerous in some way, the “flight” type of emotional and mental reactions surface, eventually influencing the body – this is the route of negative stress. If something is challenging enough and we deem the odds of success leading to a potential opportunity in our favour, the “fight” type of emotional and mental reactions occur, and we experience positive stress.

Regardless of the polarity of stress (positive or negative), biochemically your body reacts in the same way. Whenever our subconscious autopilot system detects a stressor, adrenaline and cortisol are released from our adrenal glands located on top of the kidneys. Our blood pressure rises, our muscles tense, heart rate elevates, and digestion is inhibited, all preparing us to either fight or take flight. We all have experienced this feeling, like a sudden rush. However, being constantly exposed to prolonged episodes of stress impacts the health of our body and reinforces unhealthy patterns mentally as well as emotionally. It can weaken the immune system, cause more regular mood swings, and can manifest as if being ‘on the ashes’, ultimately resulting in burnout.

However, whether it is a one-time major life event (think of a tsunami), or the constant day-to-day sub-threshold sensation of being ‘stressed’ (think minor but regular waves), at one point you’ll reach your breaking point where the stress reaction gives way to exhaustion, resulting in the sensations of feeling burnt out.

I can handle everything – Always! Burnout usually works in either of the two ways, more frequently as a manifestation of chronic stress, or the result of one sudden life-changing event. Because burnout is closely linked with increasing stress, you may already assume that this isn’t a result of one single event but is rather a question of lifestyle choices and skills to handle the inner turmoil that gets triggered by certain events.

Burnout can happen to anyone and everyone, however, there are certain types of people more prone than others. Those who are success or achievement oriented, so-called “career” people, managers and entrepreneurs tend to be more susceptible. They are the people who seem capable of anything. These sorts of people live for their work, strive for success and never switch off.

They are burdened with numerous to-do lists and they check their work emails on a Sunday. They are always on the go and find it difficult taking time out. They validate themselves based on their achievements and getting things done. Even during their vacation, they feel the need to be on the go, filling their days with planned activities and engagements. The bigger picture is very often completely lost; they just don’t seem to be able to stop the lifestyle of ‘busyness’.

When you look at that description you may notice that these people seem invincible, they don’t seem to complain and seem to be able to manage everything. However, their lives are filled with dangerous amounts of positive stress or eustress. Of course, this positive stress feels good in the beginning and is indeed useful because it helps to get things done and achieve goals. However, in positive stress ‘mobilizing us for action’ means the constant release of adrenaline and cortisol from the adrenal glands – the stress hormones.

From the perspective of burnout, it is irrelevant whether the events that lead to the need to mobilize are “positive” or “negative” and if this lifestyle becomes habitual, it can quickly lead to near addiction because one adrenaline rush primes the craving for another. Negative stress is not a problem because everyone already avoids it due to its association with negative feelings. Most of the cases of burnout today are caused by people “riding the wave” of positive stress because people do not expect it to be dangerous – on the contrary, it is almost actively encouraged and often glorified.

Lifestyle Changes – No Easy Way Out

It is very much the common and accepted prevailing attitude of our modern working world that it’s perfectly normal to be “stressed”. It is no wonder then that more and more of us are facing burnout.

In order to prevent or recover from burnout, we must adjust our whole lifestyle. Already the term “lifestyle” suggests that this is not just a minor phenomenon that can be simply fixed with a few good night’s sleep or a vacation. This is not a bacterial infection that can be cured by taking a few pills and then rushing back to our “normal” life where stress reaction is considered inevitable. It is this attitude that is what really needs changing leading to skills that help in handling reactions.

One must consider both the physical and psychological sides, understanding that psychological arousal leads to a stress reaction in the physical body. It’s not just about reassessing values, setting priorities or time management. The most crucial elements to address are the chronic emotional and mental reactions.

What can be done to prevent burnout from taking hold? By educating ourselves on how we function internally will help us further understand the problems associated with burnout. This will help you make better and more informed choices for yourself.

Learning relaxation exercises, in particular stress relieving breathing exercises will also help, but in essence it’s already alleviating a consequence caused by a reaction. It is important to take time out during our busy days to just sit and simply be. It seems obvious, but many of us feel guilty for investing in sufficient leisure time. Make it a point to put aside a certain time each week to do that thing you have been meaning to do, make good on that promise to meet a friend, do something with your loved ones, or do something entirely for yourself. Just make sure you do it. Making sure we are getting 7-9 hours per night of continuous quality sleep can make all the difference in how we think and feel.

Finally, try consulting a competent specialist, psychiatrist, psychologist, nutrition therapist, fitness trainer, or a yoga teacher to guide you in all directions – physical, emotional, mental, conscious and the self. Seek a solution that enables you to release automatic emotional reactions. You have found an effective method when the same situations do not trigger the reaction that was previously the problem.

CONCLUSION

Burnout should not be underestimated or downplayed as a mere side effect of modern day living. In understanding the physiological effects, we see just how dangerous burnout can be in the long-term. By implementing a lifestyle adjustment will ensure that burnout is prevented, however learning to discontinue emotional reactions that lead to stimulation of the adrenal glands is the key. Learning intra-personal skills and training awareness will naturally expand your understanding in many other areas of life, helping to transition from dealing with problematic consequences to skillfully creating your own destiny.

About the author

Dr. Helena Lass is a psychiatrist specialising in mental wellness and the founder of Wellness Orbit. She is passionate about entrepreneurship, medicine, functioning of the mind and the role of awareness in each of these areas. As a medical doctor, she has been treating patients for over 10 years. She is a well-known and highly sought-after public speaker on the topics of awareness and mental wellness.

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