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Cancer in women is not just a medical issue — it is a social and gender equity challenge. In India, breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers together account for more than half of all cancers in women. The tragedy is that most of these are detectable, preventable, or treatable if caught early. The Changing Landscape Over the last two decades, India has witnessed a sharp rise in breast cancer, especially in urban women under 50. Lifestyle changes, delayed childbirth, obesity, an

In recent years, oncologists across India have noticed an unsettling trend — more young adults are being diagnosed with cancers traditionally seen in older patients. Breast, colorectal, and head-and-neck cancers are increasingly appearing in people under 40. This rise in young-onset cancers is not just a medical issue; it’s a social and generational one. The Alarming Shift Globally, cancer incidence among younger adults has been rising by 1–2% each year, but in India, the pac

Cancer may appear to strike at random, but science tells a different story. Nearly 40% of all cancers are linked to modifiable lifestyle factors — smoking, diet, alcohol, infections, and inactivity. In India, where both traditional habits and modern lifestyles coexist, prevention is not a slogan; it’s the most powerful cancer therapy we have. Understanding the Indian Reality India’s cancer landscape is unique. Oral and lung cancers dominate among men due to tobacco, while cer

Cancer treatment today is no longer about choosing one drug over another — it’s about choosing the right combination. The modern oncologist is less a prescriber and more a strategist, combining chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted agents in ways that deliver maximum benefit with minimal toxicity. Understanding the Rationale Every cancer is biologically unique. Chemotherapy attacks rapidly dividing cells, immunotherapy unlocks the patient’s immune system, and targeted the

In a country where cancer treatment can wipe out a family’s lifetime savings, the conversation around “affordable cancer care” is not academic — it’s moral. India faces the dual challenge of a growing cancer burden and limited resources. Yet, affordability must not mean inferior care. The true art lies in delivering value-based oncology — maximizing outcomes while minimizing waste. The Economics of Cancer in India India adds over 14 lakh new cancer cases each year, but only

Artificial intelligence (AI) has entered almost every field imaginable — and oncology is no exception. Yet, the excitement surrounding AI often oscillates between utopian promise and dystopian fear. In India, where oncologists face overwhelming patient loads and resource limitations, AI may not replace human expertise — but it can certainly amplify it. From Diagnosis to Decision: Where AI is Already Making a Difference AI tools are now being integrated into pathology, radiol

When I first started practicing oncology, cancer treatment largely followed a one-size-fits-all approach. Today, the landscape has changed dramatically. We’ve entered an era where genetic and molecular insights allow us to choose therapies tailored to each patient’s tumor biology. This is precision oncology India — an approach that’s reshaping how we treat and think about cancer. Understanding precision oncology Precision oncology isn’t about doing more tests—it’s about doing

Immunotherapy has changed how we think about cancer treatment worldwide, and India is rapidly catching up. As an oncologist practicing in Mumbai, I’ve seen how these therapies—once limited to a few research centers—are now reaching more patients across the country. Immunotherapy India, once a distant dream, is fast becoming part of routine care for lung, head-and-neck, kidney, and melanoma patients. From hype to hope Early headlines portrayed immunotherapy as a miracle cur

Cancer is a word that evokes fear in many. It is a term that encompasses a wide range of diseases, each with its own unique characteristics. Among these, rare cancers often remain in the shadows, overlooked and under-discussed. As a medical oncologist, I have seen firsthand the challenges faced by patients with these less common forms of cancer. In this post, we will explore what rare cancers are, their impact on patients, and the latest insights into their treatment and mana