Why Are Cancer Cases Rising In India? Oncologist Dr. Archit Pandit Explains The Biggest Risk Factors

Overview

Oncologist Dr. Archit Pandit discusses why cancer diagnoses are rising in India, ways to reduce risk, and changes in the body that should prompt medical attention. He says some of the increase reflects better access to diagnostic technology and more cancer specialists, while lifestyle and environmental factors may also contribute.

Risk Factors Discussed

• Tobacco and alcohol are major cancer risks.
• Obesity and physical inactivity are linked to several cancers. Dr. Pandit explains that excess body fat can raise estrogen levels, which may be relevant to some breast and endometrial cancers. He emphasizes that cancer risk involves multiple factors; having one child or no children does not mean someone will get cancer.
• Air pollution is a concern, including for lung cancer in people who do not smoke.
• Diet and regional patterns: Dr. Pandit discusses red meat in relation to colorectal cancer, charred meat in relation to cancers of the esophagus and stomach, and pan masala in relation to oral cancer.
• Stress and cancer: Dr. Pandit says he cannot establish a factual link, though he has observed stressful events in some patients’ histories. He recommends meditation for general well-being, not as a proven way to prevent or cure cancer.

Prevention and Self-Care

• Be physically active and work toward a healthy weight. Dr. Pandit mentions yoga and a daily target of 10,000–15,000 steps.
• Consider meditation for mental well-being.
• Ask a healthcare professional about appropriate screening. The discussion mentions mammography, ultrasound, and some blood tests, but does not suggest that every test is suitable for everyone.
• Ask a healthcare professional about vaccines that can prevent certain cancers.
• Pay attention to persistent or changing symptoms rather than assuming they are harmless.

Dr. Pandit says the World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 40–50% of cancers may be preventable.

Changes to Get Checked

Dr. Pandit advises seeking medical assessment for:

• A lump that is growing or changing.
• A mouth ulcer that does not heal or a persistent change in voice.
• A lump in the neck.
• Breast changes such as a lump, nipple retraction, skin puckering, or unusual skin redness.
• Persistent reflux.
• Changes in bowel habits or stool color, including possible bleeding. He cautions against assuming rectal bleeding is simply hemorrhoids.
• A mole or other skin mark that changes color, shape, borders, or elevation.

He says early diagnosis has improved: in his practice, a greater share of patients now arrive with stage one or two disease than in the past. He encourages prompt evaluation rather than relying on symptoms alone.

Treatment, Mindset, and Emotional Support

Dr. Pandit recounts a patient whose cancer progressed after she initially chose naturopathy instead of recommended treatment. When she returned, she received chemotherapy and also practised meditation and yoga. He credits the medicines as having played a role and describes faith and mindset as important to patients’ experience. The story does not establish that meditation or faith can cure cancer.

The discussion stresses that complementary practices should not replace medical treatment.

Presenters and Sources

• Sonal Mehrotra Kapoor — host
• Dr. Archit Pandit — Director of Surgical Oncology at Fortis Escorts
• World Health Organization (WHO) — cited by Dr. Pandit regarding preventable cancers and air pollution
• Nature studies from 2023 and 2025 — mentioned by Dr. Pandit in connection with particulate pollution and cancer risk