Lifestyle changes and industrial and environmental pollution are among a host of factors leading to an alarming rise in the number of cancer cases in India.

'India sees 1.2 million new cancer cases every year which means one in every four cases reported globally are from India,' Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor-National Cancer Control Programme told UNI after a seminar on the occasion of World Cancer Day today. Increasing urbanisation, life style changes, high consumption of tobacco, processed food, industrial and environmental pollution are factors that are spurring an alarming rise in the number of cancer patients in India.

The average age of the cancer-affected in India is 10 years lower than the global average, so more young people are being affected in India, he revealed. 'The statistics are very alarming and we need to act fast by being aware and responsive,' he cautioned. He further added, 'India has reported more number of curable cancers like oral and cervical. Breast cancer is also treatable if detected early.

'But here, only 25 - 30 per cent breast cancer cases are detected, while in the US the rate is more than 75 per cent,' he said. Regular screening, lifestyle changes and healthy lifestyle avert many forms of cancer and ensure a much higher survival rate, Dr Purohit averred. The reason for rapid increase in cancer cases globally and its prevention, cure and implications on the society was discussed at length by expert speakers from the healthcare industry on the occasion of World Cancer Day.

The east zone association of oncologists, in association with the Chittaranjan Cancer Hospital here, organised the interactive seminar with medial and nursing students, patients and their relatives. The early detection and prevention of cancer in India, with a special attention on women related cancers, including breast, cervical and ovarian, were discussed.

On the occasion Regional Cancer Centre Board of Directors joined hands to appeal for a ban on sale of smoke-less tobacco like 'gutka' and 'pan masala' responsible for increase in cases of oral cancer. Speakers from CNCI also burst some myths related to cancer. Speaking on the latest advancement in technology and medial science, city oncologists said 60 per cent cancer cases were being cured. Oncology, experts replied to a number of queries put forward by patients and students.