- There are more than 100 types of cancers; almost any part of the body can be affected.
- The five most frequent cancers (ranking defined by total number of cases) in India in men and women are breast, cervical, oral cavity, lung and colorectal.
- Cancer is the second most common cause of death in India (after cardiovascular disease).
- Use of tobacco products (e.g. smoking cigarettes) are the single most preventable cause of death worldwide.
- More women in India die from cervical cancer than in any other country.
- Breast cancer is the most common cancer in women in India and accounts for about a quarter of all cancers in women in Indian cities.
- The average age for breast cancer in India is almost a decade lower than that in the West.
- Cancers of major public health relevance such as breast, cervical, oral and colorectal cancer can be cured if detected early and treated adequately.
- Cancers of the oral cavity as well as lung cancers due to chewing or smoking tobacco can be prevented.
