Cancer is a group of diseases involving

uncontrolled cell growth typically resulting in tumors with the potential to

invade or spread to other parts of the body.
Unlike healthy cells, which follow genetic
instructions to stop growing or die when damaged (a process called apoptosis),
cancer cells ignore these signals and can spread to other parts of the body, a
process known as metastasis.
TYPES OF CANCER

1. Classification by Tissue Type

Cancers are grouped into five to seven major categories based on the specific
cells involved:
 Carcinomas: The most common type (80–90% of cases), originating in
the skin or tissues lining internal organs. Subtypes include:
[Link]: Starts in fluid-producing glandular tissues
(e.g., breast, prostate, colon).
[Link] cell carcinoma: Forms in the flat cells lining organs
like the lungs, bladder, or skin.
 Sarcomas: Rare cancers that develop in connective or supportive tissues,
such as bones, cartilage, fat, muscle, or blood vessels.
 Leukemias: Often called "liquid cancers," these affect the bone marrow
and blood-forming tissues. They do not form solid tumours but cause an
overproduction of abnormal white blood cells.
 Lymphomas: Cancers of the lymphatic system (part of the immune
system) that begin in lymphocytes (B cells or T cells).
 Myelomas: Cancers that specifically target plasma cells—immune cells in
the bone marrow responsible for making antibodies.
 Melanomas: Cancers starting in melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells
of the skin or eyes.
 Central Nervous System (CNS) Cancers: Cancers originating in the brain
or spinal cord

2. Classification by grade
Cancers can also be classified according to grade. The abnormality of the
cells with respect to surrounding normal tissues determines the grade of the
cancer. Increasing abnormality increases the grade, from 1–4.
 Grade 1 – well differentiated cells with slight abnormality
Grade 2 – cells are moderately differentiated and slightly more abnormal
Grade 3 – cells are poorly differentiated and very abnormal
Grade 4 – cells are immature and primitive and undifferentiated

3. Classification by stage
Cancers are also classified individually according to their stage. There
are several types of staging methods. The most commonly used method uses
classification in terms of tumor size (T), the degree of regional spread or
node involvement (N), and distant metastasis (M). This is called the TNM
staging.
For example, T0 signifies no evidence of tumor, T 1 to 4 signifies
increasing tumor size and involvement and Tis signifies carcinoma in situ or
limited to surface cells. Similarly, N0 signifies no nodal involvement and N 1 to
4 signifies increasing degrees of lymph node involvement. Nx signifies that
node involvement cannot be assessed. Metastasis is further classified into two –
M0 signifies no evidence of distant spread while M1 signifies evidence of
distant spread.

4. Classification by site of origin

Breast cancer, oral cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, Ca
cervix
PRESENT SCENARIO AND PROBLEM STATEMENT
As of 2026, cancer remains one of the world's most significant
public health challenges, with a rapidly growing global burden. The current
scenario reflects a "double-edged sword" of scientific progress contrasted
with deepening health inequities and rising case numbers.
The cancer scenario in India is characterized by a significant
and rising disease burden, with estimates indicating over 1.87 million new
cases annually. Despite global declines in some regions, India's cancer
incidence and mortality rates continue to rise, driven by an aging population,
lifestyle changes, and environmental factors.
 Key Statistics (2025–2026) in India
 Total Burden: India currently ranks third globally in absolute new
cancer cases and second in cancer-related deaths.
 Lifetime Risk: Approximately 1 in 9 people in India are likely to
develop cancer during their lifetime.
 Gender Trends: Females experience higher crude incidence and
mortality rates than males. Breast and cervical cancers account for
nearly 40% of all female cases.
 Age Factor: While 60% of cases are still in the 65+ age group, there is
a worrying increase in diagnoses among younger adults (under 50),
especially for breast and colorectal cancers.
Common Cancer Types
Tobacco-related cancers account for nearly 35–50% of all cancers in India.
 In Men: The most frequent sites are the lung, oral cavity
(mouth/tongue), and prostate.
 In Women: Breast cancer is the leading type, followed by cervical,
ovarian, and lung cancers.
 In Children: Lymphoid leukaemia remains the most common site for
both boys and girls.
Current Challenges & Problem Statement
 Late-Stage Diagnosis: A critical problem is that most patients seek
medical help at advanced stages (III or IV), when treatment is less
effective and more expensive.
 Infrastructure Gaps: Existing diagnostic and treatment facilities remain in
adequate to handle the present and projected load of patients.
 Inequitable Access: Significant disparities exist between urban and rural
areas regarding the availability of specialized oncology care and
radiotherapy facilities.
 Financial Burden: High out-of-pocket expenses continue to be a major
barrier, though government schemes like Ayushman Bharat (PMJAY)
now cover treatment for over 90% of registered vulnerable patients.

Government Initiatives
The Union Budget 2025-26 and ongoing programmes aim to strengthen
the ecosystem:
 Day Care Centres: Plans to establish 200 new Day Care Cancer
Centres in district hospitals by 2026.
National Cancer Grid: A network of over 287 members treating
over 60% of India's cancer burden with standardized care.
Preventative Policy: Increased focus on HPV vaccination drives to
curb cervical cancer and customs duty exemptions on life-saving
cancer drugs
RISK FACTORS OF CANCER
I. Age: The strongest single risk factor. Most cancers are diagnosed in
individuals over 65, as DNA repair becomes less efficient and mutations
accumulate over decades.
II. Genetics and Family History: Inherited gene mutations (like BRCA1 and
BRCA2) account for roughly 5–10% of all cancers. Even without a
specific mutation, a family history of cancer can indicate shared genetic
or environmental risks.
III. Biological Sex: Certain cancers are more common in one sex due to
hormonal and anatomical differences (e.g., breast cancer in women,
prostate cancer in men).
IV. Race and Ethnicity: Incidence rates for certain cancers vary by group; for
instance, Black men have higher rates of prostate cancer compared to
other groups.
V. Tobacco: Tobacco use is a leading cause of cancer and of death from
cancer. People who use tobacco products or who are regularly around
environmental tobacco smoke (also called second-hand smoke) have an
increased risk of cancer because tobacco products and second-hand
smoke have many chemicals that damage DNA. Tobacco use causes
many types of cancer, including cancer of the lung, larynx (voice box),
mouth, oesophagus, throat, bladder, kidney, liver, stomach, pancreas,
colon and rectum, and cervix, as well as acute myeloid leukemia. People
who use smokeless tobacco (snuff or chewing tobacco) have increased
risks of cancers of the mouth, oesophagus, and pancreas.
VI. Alcohol Consumption: There is no safe level of drinking. Regular intake
increases the risk of cancers in the liver, breast, colon, and esophagus.
VII. Diet and Physical Inactivity: Diets high in processed and red meats or low
in fruits and vegetables are linked to higher cancer rates. Regular activity
independent of weight helps improve immune function and hormone
balance.
VIII. Infections: Certain viruses and bacteria, such as HPV (cervical cancer),
Hepatitis B and C (liver cancer), and H. pylori (stomach cancer), EB
 virus (Hodgkin Lymphoma) are major contributors. Parasite like
Schistosoma haematobium cause bladder cancer.
IX. Occupational Exposures. Long-term exposure to substances like asbestos,
benzene, and certain pesticides, particularly in workplace settings like
construction or manufacturing, significantly increases [Link] and
indoor air pollution have been linked to lung cancer.
X. Hormonal Factors: Getting hormonal replacement therapies and hormonal
factors in general also leads to a person getting cancer. Cancer
development due to this reason primarily affects regions like sensitive
tissues of the breast, prostate and uterus. For instance, long exposure to
estrogen, either by early menstruation, hormone therapy, or late
menopause, has been linked with an increased risk of developing breast
cancer.
XI. Obesity: Individuals with obesity may have a higher chance of getting
several types of cancer such as breast cancer, colorectal cancer,
endometrium cancer, oesophageal cancer, kidney cancer, pancreas cancer,
and gallbladder cancer.
XII. Radiation: Radiation of certain wavelengths, known as ionizing radiation,
has enough energy to damage DNA which can increase the risk of cancer.
Ionizing radiation includes radon, x-rays, gamma rays, and other forms of
high-energy radiation.
XIII. Failure of the Immune System: People who have a weakened immune
system, like those with AIDS/HIV or individuals who have
immunosuppressive medications after getting organ transplants, are at an
increased risk of developing cancerous cells. Having a weak immune
system means that they are less able to detect and destroy the abnormal
cells of the body before they turn cancerous.