Cancer is becoming a growing health concern among Indian men. With changing lifestyles, increased stress, pollution, and habits like tobacco use, the numbers steadily rise, and certain types of cancer are showing up more frequently. What makes it even more challenging is that many men either ignore the early signs or delay going to the doctor, often out of fear or lack of awareness, leading to late diagnoses.
According to a 2023 study published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research, cancer is becoming more common in India, with over 14.6 lakh new cases estimated in 2022. Experts say cancer cases could rise by nearly 13% by 2025, underscoring the urgent need for more awareness, early detection, and better access to treatment.
Therefore, knowing which cancers are most common can make a real difference. In Indian men particularly, five types of cancer are reported most frequently, according to the World Health Organization's International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) GLOBOCAN 2022 data.
Also Read: HPV Vaccine For Men: How It May Help Reduce Cancer Risk
Oral Cavity Cancer
Oral cavity cancer, also known as mouth cancer, is the most common cancer diagnosed among Indian men. It occurs when cells in the mouth grow uncontrollably, affecting the lips, tongue, gums, and inner cheeks. It is often caused by tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and the Human Papillomavirus (HPV).
Early symptoms of oral cancer can include persistent sores, lumps, or white/red patches in the mouth, but some people may not experience significant symptoms until the cancer is more advanced.
Treatment options include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy, with the best outcomes often seen when the cancer is detected early.
Lung Cancer
According to the WHO, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. It develops in the lungs, often in the cells lining the air passages. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, accounting for approximately 85% of all cases.
Early lung cancer symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, coughing up blood, and fatigue. Experts suggest that treatment options depend on the type and stage of the cancer, and can include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapies.
Oesophageal Cancer
The third most common cancer among Indian men is oesophageal cancer, a type of cancer that occurs in the oesophagus, the tube that carries food from your mouth to your stomach. It's characterised by the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells within the lining of the oesophagus. The most common symptoms include difficulty swallowing, weight loss, and chest pain.
Also Read: Why Lung Cancer Is Not Just A Smoker's Disease: Risk Factors To Note
Colorectal Cancer
Colorectal cancer, also known as colon or bowel cancer, is a type of cancer that develops in the colon or rectum. It is the third most common cancer worldwide, accounting for approximately 10% of all cancer cases and is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, according to the WHO. Colorectal cancer often begins as a polyp, which can be removed to prevent cancer development.
Some of the common symptoms include changes in bowel habits (like diarrhoea, constipation, or narrowing of the stool), blood in the stool, abdominal pain or cramping, and unexplained weight loss or fatigue.
Stomach Cancer
Stomach cancer, or gastric cancer, happens when cells in the lining of the stomach start growing uncontrollably and form a tumour. Over time, this tumour can grow deeper into the stomach wall or even spread to nearby organs. The most common type is called adenocarcinoma, which starts in the glandular cells that make up the stomach’s inner lining. It's a serious condition, but spotting it early can make a big difference in treatment and recovery.
Early symptoms can be subtle and therefore, overlooked. Some common warning signs include persistent indigestion, heartburn, feeling full quickly after eating, bloating, nausea, and abdominal pain.
Conclusion
Cancer can bring tremendous change in people's lives. It not only affects the person diagnosed but also affects the entire family. For Indian men, cancers of the mouth, lungs, oesophagus, colon, and stomach are among the most common—and often preventable. Many of these are linked to everyday habits like tobacco use, unhealthy eating, or simply ignoring early warning signs. But the good news is that detecting cancer early can make a huge difference. Regular check-ups, being aware of unusual symptoms, and making small lifestyle changes can go a long way. At the end of the day, it’s about taking care of your health.