Urban Lifestyle Fuels Cancer Rise: Dr. Maheshwari Warns of Early Onset Cases

• Dr. Udip Maheshwari, an oncologist, observes a troubling pattern of lifestyle-driven cancer cases in urban India, affecting younger individuals.
• Over 15.33 lakh new cancer cases were recorded in India in 2024, with urban centers like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru contributing significantly.
• Nearly 20% of new cancer diagnoses now occur in individuals under 40, linked to diet, sedentary habits, tobacco, alcohol, and stress.
• Modifiable risk factors like tobacco, unhealthy diets, physical inactivity, alcohol, air pollution, and chronic stress contribute to up to 70% of cancers.
• Dr. Maheshwari emphasizes prevention through quitting tobacco, balanced diet, physical activity, stress management, screenings, and vaccinations.

Why It Matters: Urban lifestyles, marked by stress and unhealthy habits, are significantly increasing cancer risk, especially in younger populations.