For decades, cancer was more common in men, primarily due to smoking and alcohol consumption. However, in recent years, the gender gap in cancer cases has been narrowing, with a significant rise in certain cancers among women. Increasing cases of breast, lung, cervical, liver, and thyroid cancers are being linked to lifestyle changes, reproductive health factors, and environmental influences. While this upward trend is alarming, experts emphasize that early detection, timely treatment, and preventive healthcare can significantly improve survival rates and enhance the quality of life.

A report by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), published in The Lancet, has highlighted that cancer incidence among women has risen more sharply than in men over the past decade, and projections indicate that this trend will continue over the next twenty years. While breast cancer remains the most frequently diagnosed cancer among women, lung cancer is responsible for the highest number of cancer-related deaths in both men and women. The study also revealed that mortality rates due to cancer are expected to rise significantly, increasing from 64.7 per 100,000 people in 2022 to 109.6 per 100,000 by 2050.

The rising number of cancer cases among women, particularly those between the ages of 35 and 65, underscores the urgent need for greater awareness, early diagnosis, and the elimination of social taboos surrounding the disease. According to Dr. Gaurav Jaswal, Senior Consultant and Radiation Oncologist at TGH Oncolife Cancer Centre in Talegaon, Pune, there has been a steady increase in cases of breast, thyroid, lung, and cervical cancers in women. Data from Onco Life Cancer Centre for the period 2023-2025 indicates that no breast cancer cases were reported among women in the 20-30 age group. However, 15.9% of cases were detected among women aged 30-40, and the percentage rose to 27% in the 40-50 age group. The highest occurrence was observed in women aged 50-60, where 28.6% were diagnosed with breast cancer, followed by 14.3% in the 60-70 age bracket.

Several factors have been identified as contributors to the surge in cancer cases among women. Obesity, sedentary lifestyles, alcohol consumption, and poor dietary habits, particularly the excessive intake of processed foods, have played a significant role in increasing cancer risk. Additionally, reproductive health factors such as delayed childbirth, reduced breastfeeding, and prolonged exposure to stress have also influenced cancer rates. While awareness is gradually increasing, particularly in urban and semi-urban areas, rural populations continue to grapple with deep-rooted fears and misconceptions about breast and gynecological cancers, which often lead to delayed diagnosis and treatment.

The key to reducing cancer-related deaths lies in early detection and intervention. Dr. Jaswal explains that cancers diagnosed at an early stage often require less aggressive treatments, leading to fewer side effects and a better quality of life for patients. For example, localized lung cancer has a five-year survival rate of 61%, but this drops drastically to just 7% when the disease spreads to distant organs. Similarly, breast cancer diagnosed at Stage I has a survival rate of over 90%, whereas in Stage IV, the survival rate falls below 30%. Any delay in cancer treatment—whether through surgery, radiotherapy, or systemic therapy—significantly increases the risk of mortality. However, the implementation of robust screening programs, particularly for breast and cervical cancers, has greatly improved survival rates and reduced the overall impact of cancer treatments.

Preventive healthcare measures play a crucial role in reducing cancer risks among women. Experts emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity to prevent obesity, and limiting alcohol consumption while avoiding tobacco. Routine screenings for breast, cervical, and colon cancers, along with regular health check-ups for blood pressure, cholesterol, and diabetes, can help detect potential health issues at an early stage. Vaccination against human papillomavirus (HPV) and hepatitis B is also essential in preventing cervical and liver cancers.

Dr. Aditi Ambekar, Consultant Gynecologist at Ankura Hospital for Women and Child, Pune, stresses the significance of routine screenings such as mammograms, breast self-examinations, and Pap smears. She notes that cancer cases among women have increased by 20% compared to last year, highlighting the urgent need for lifestyle modifications and proactive health measures. The rising incidence of breast, lung, cervical, liver, and thyroid cancers in women calls for a greater focus on awareness, timely intervention, and preventive strategies to reduce the growing cancer burden.