Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Doctors Say Nearly Four in Ten Cancers Are Preventable
Doctors say that many cancers may be preventable.
The article says nearly four in 10 cancers could be avoided.
Tobacco is one of the biggest preventable causes.
This includes both smoking and chewing tobacco.
Tobacco can increase the risk of cancers in the mouth, head, neck and lungs.
Alcohol, obesity and some infections can also contribute to cancer.
Dr. Mohit Agarwal says he often sees patients with advanced cancers that might have been avoided.
He says stopping tobacco use could help reduce the number of these cancers.
Nearly four in 10 cancers are described as preventable.
Tobacco use is identified as one of the most important preventable causes of cancer.
The risk includes cigarettes and smokeless tobacco products such as chewing tobacco.
Dr. Mohit Agarwal says eliminating tobacco could reduce oral, head and neck cancers.
Alcohol, obesity and infections are also cited as factors contributing to the cancer burden.
- Who
- Doctors, including Dr. Mohit Agarwal, Principal Director and Head of Medical Oncology at Fortis Hospital.
- What
- They highlight that nearly four in 10 cancers are preventable and identify tobacco and other risk factors.
- Where
- The article discusses the issue in the context of India.
- Why
- Reducing tobacco use, alcohol consumption, obesity and infection-related risks could lower the cancer burden.
- Preventable cancers
- Nearly four in 10 cancers are described as preventable.
- Major risk factor
- Tobacco use, including smoking and smokeless tobacco, is identified as a leading preventable cause.
- Tobacco-linked cancers
- The article mentions oral, head and neck, and lung cancers.
- Other cited factors
- Alcohol, obesity and infections are also said to drive the cancer burden.
- Medical expert
- Dr. Mohit Agarwal, Principal Director and Head of Medical Oncology at Fortis Hospital.
- Recommended change
- Eliminating tobacco in all forms could substantially reduce some cancer cases.