Over the last fifteen years, a quiet yet deeply concerning shift has been unfolding in oncology clinics. As Dr Sandip Ganguly, Senior Consultant Medical Oncology, Apollo Cancer Centre Kolkata observes,
more women across demographics and socio-economic groups are being diagnosed with cancer, often at ages that were once considered relatively low risk.
Breast cancer at 47, colon cancer at 48, and uterine cancer at 52 are no longer rare occurrences. What’s even more striking is the shared pattern behind these cases: lifestyle factors.
What Are Lifestyle Cancers?
Lifestyle cancers refer to those significantly influenced by modifiable behavioural and environmental factors. While they may not be the sole cause, these factors play a crucial role in increasing risk.
According to Dr Sandip Ganguly, three key drivers are fuelling this rise among urban women, poor diet, chronic stress, and a persistent gap in preventive screening.
Dietary Patterns: A Growing Concern
The eating habits of urban women have undergone a noticeable decline. This is not merely due to lack of awareness but also the pressures of modern life. Many are skipping meals or relying heavily on ultra-processed convenience foods that are high in trans fats and additives but low in essential nutrients.
As Dr Ganguly explains, such dietary patterns contribute to chronic inflammation, a known hallmark in cancer development.
Obesity, often driven by metabolic imbalances, is also on the rise and is directly linked to increased risks of breast, colon, and uterine cancers. Additionally, higher consumption of alcohol and tobacco among women is further compounding the problem.
Chronic Stress: The Silent Disruptor
Modern urban life places immense pressure on women, who often juggle careers, household responsibilities, social expectations, and inadequate sleep. This chronic psychological stress has serious biological consequences.
Dr Sandip Ganguly notes that prolonged stress elevates hormones such as cortisol and estrogen, which can promote inflammation and weaken the body’s immune surveillance. This, in turn, creates an environment conducive to tumour growth. Elevated estrogen levels, in particular, are associated with a higher risk of breast and uterine cancers.
The Screening Gap: A Preventable Risk
One of the most alarming issues is the lack of routine health screening. Many individuals avoid medical tests if they are asymptomatic, a trend especially prevalent among women.
However, as Dr Ganguly emphasises, cancer screening is specifically designed for those without symptoms.
A large number of women have never undergone basic screenings such as Pap smears (for cervical cancer), mammograms (for breast cancer), or colonoscopies (for colon cancer). Common reasons include busy lifestyles or the misconception that cancer “won’t happen to them.”
Yet, cervical cancer is largely preventable with regular Pap smear tests. Early-stage breast cancer has a survival rate exceeding 90% when detected through routine mammography. Similarly, periodic colonoscopies can identify colon cancer at precancerous stages.
What Urban Women Should Do Now
Eat with intent: Prioritise whole, fibre-rich foods and minimise regular consumption of processed foods and alcohol.
Manage stress and sleep: Incorporate yoga, physical activity, and better sleep habits into daily routines.
Prioritise screening: Do not wait for symptoms. Regular check-ups and screenings are essential.
Know your family history: Be aware of genetic risks and discuss them openly with your doctor.
Cancer does not discriminate but it often exploits ignorance. As Dr Ganguly highlights, urban women have broken barriers in every sphere of life. It is now equally important to break the barrier of health denial and prioritise preventive care.
