LEARN. PREVENTION
Reducing your risk
of cancer
Not all cancer is preventable — but a large share is. This page covers what genuinely lowers risk, and separates fact from the myths that cause needless worry.
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Avoid tobacco — in every form
For most people in India, quitting or never starting tobacco is the most powerful thing they can do to lower their cancer risk. And it is not only about smoking.
~27%
of all cancers in India are caused by tobacco
~3.7 lakh
new tobacco-related cancer cases a year
~80%
of oral cancers in India are linked to tobacco
Yet 60–80% of oral cancers in India are still found only at an advanced stage. Screening is how we change that number.
Smokeless tobacco counts too. Gutka, khaini, masheri, mishri and chewing tobacco carry serious cancer risk — they are not a safe alternative to smoking. In much of Maharashtra, smokeless tobacco is the more common form.
Sources: ICMR National Cancer Registry Programme (2020); GATS-2 (2016–17). Please confirm the current quitline dialling format before publishing.
OTHER THINGS THAT GENUINELY HELP
HPV vaccination
The HPV vaccine is the strongest single tool against cervical cancer, which is one of the most common and most preventable cancers in Indian women. It works best when given before adolescence, but is worth discussing with a doctor at any eligible age. Vaccination, together with screening, can prevent the great majority of cervical cancers.
Alcohol
For cancer risk, no level of alcohol has been established as safe. Alcohol is linked to cancers of the mouth, throat, liver, breast and bowel, and the risk rises with the amount consumed. Less is always better, and none is best.
A healthy diet, weight and activity
Eating plenty of fruit and vegetables, keeping a healthy weight, and staying physically active all lower the risk of several cancers. These same habits protect against heart disease and diabetes too — small, steady changes add up.
Sun and skin
Protecting your skin from excessive sun — shade, covering up, and avoiding the harshest midday hours — lowers the risk of skin cancers, and is a simple habit to build.
Protecting against infections
Some infections raise cancer risk — for example, hepatitis B (linked to liver cancer) and HPV (linked to cervical and some other cancers). Vaccination and safe practices reduce that risk. Ask a doctor what applies to you.
Regular check-ups and screening
Prevention and early detection go together. Even with a healthy lifestyle, regular check-ups and recommended screening catch problems early, when they are most treatable. See our screening guide for what to check and when.
Myths and misconceptions
Some things people fear cause cancer don’t — and some real risks get ignored. Here’s what’s true.
“Cancer always runs in the family — if my relative had it, I will too.”
Not true. Only a small share of cancers are inherited. A family history means it is wise to be watchful and get regular check-ups — not that cancer is certain.
“Cancer is contagious — I can catch it from a patient.”
No. You cannot catch cancer from another person. It is safe and important to support people living with cancer.
“A cancer diagnosis is always a death sentence.”
No. Many cancers, found early, are very treatable — and survival keeps improving. Fear that delays a check-up is far more dangerous than the check-up itself.
“Only smoking is harmful — chewing tobacco is safer.”
No. Smokeless tobacco — gutka, khaini, masheri — is a major cause of oral cancer in India. It is not a safe alternative.
Prevention is only half the story
Lowering your risk is powerful. Checking early is the other half. PRACHI runs free screening camps for breast, cervical and oral cancer across Maharashtra and Goa.
This page is general information adapted from PRACHI’s cancer guide. It is not medical advice and is not a substitute for seeing a doctor. If you have symptoms or concerns, please consult a qualified physician.