Oncologist shares 5 most common cancers affecting men in India and the early symptoms that could save lives

A famous quote by former US President and cancer survivor Joe Biden sums up the importance of awareness perfectly: "Cancer touches us all." It does not arrive with a loud warning. More often, it slips quietly into everyday life, hiding behind symptoms that many people dismiss as fatigue, acidity, a stubborn cough, or a minor mouth problem.

In India, cancer is becoming a growing public health concern. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, the country is witnessing a steady rise in cancer cases, with tobacco-related cancers accounting for a significant proportion of the disease burden among men.

Several of the cancers that commonly affect men are also among the most preventable. Yet they continue to claim thousands of lives every year because symptoms are ignored or diagnosis comes too late.

Among Indian men, cancers of the oral cavity remain one of the biggest concerns.

Dr Devavrat Arya, Vice Chairman, Medical Oncology, Max Smart Hospital, Saket, said, "The five most common cancers in men in India are cancers of the oral cavity, cancers of the lung, cancer of esophagus, cancer of stomach and cancer of the intestines which we refer to as colorectal cancers."
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He explained that oral cavity cancer includes cancers of the tongue, lips, gums, inner cheeks, and the floor of the mouth.

Most of these cancers are strongly linked to tobacco use, including smoking and chewing tobacco.

The early signs can be surprisingly easy to overlook:

A mouth ulcer that does not heal
White or red patches inside the mouth
Swelling in the gums
Ill-fitting dentures
Pain while swallowing
Difficulty speaking
Persistent swelling in the mouth or neck

India carries one of the world's highest burdens of oral cancer, largely because of tobacco consumption.

Lung cancer cases are increasing in India.

"Cancers of the lung are increasing. One of the reasons is the high incidence of smoking in the country," said Dr Arya.

Smoking remains the biggest risk factor, but long-term exposure to air pollution, second-hand smoke, and certain workplace chemicals can also increase risk.

The early symptoms often look like common respiratory problems:

A cough that does not go away
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Back pain
Hoarseness or a change in voice

Many people continue treating these symptoms as seasonal infections or allergies. By the time they seek medical help, the disease may have progressed.

According to the World Health Organization, avoiding tobacco remains the single most effective way to reduce the risk of lung cancer.

Cancer of the food pipe, known as oesophageal cancer, often announces itself in a subtle but important way.

"It usually starts with difficulty in swallowing of solid food but as the cancer grows in size then there also is further increase in difficulty in swallowing to semi-solid food and later there can be difficulty in swallowing liquid food also," explained Dr Arya.

Many people initially blame these symptoms on acidity or indigestion.

Stomach cancer can also be difficult to identify in its early stages. Some of the warning signs include:

Vomiting blood
Feeling full after eating very little
Bloating
Upper abdominal pain
Difficulty swallowing
Persistent indigestion

Certain lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol consumption, poor dietary habits, and untreated stomach infections, can increase the risk.

Colorectal cancer, which affects the large intestine and rectum, is becoming increasingly common.

Dr Arya noted that these cancers may present with:

Constipation alternating with diarrhoea
Blood in the stool
Black-coloured stools
Persistent changes in bowel habits

Many people hesitate to discuss bowel symptoms because they feel embarrassed. But doctors say that ignoring these signs can delay diagnosis.

Some patients may also experience:

Unexplained weight loss
Loss of appetite
Constant fatigue
Abdominal discomfort

The good news is that colorectal cancer can often be detected early through screening and medical evaluation.

One of the most striking facts about these cancers is that many are linked to lifestyle choices.

"What is remarkable is that majority of these cancers are attributable to addictions like tobacco and alcohol and therefore avoidance of these substance abuse can significantly reduce the risk of cancer," said Dr Arya.

This means prevention is possible.

Simple steps can make a meaningful difference:

Avoid smoking and chewing tobacco.
Limit alcohol intake.
Eat more fruits, vegetables, and fibre-rich foods.
Stay physically active.
Maintain a healthy weight.
Do not ignore persistent symptoms.
Go for regular health check-ups if there is a family history of cancer.

Dr Arya also stressed the importance of timely medical attention.

"Whenever someone has a symptom like this it is very important that the patient goes to a close by doctor in order to ensure that the cancer if it is there is diagnosed in a timely fashion in an early stage."

He added, "An early diagnosis not only means that there is a very high chance of cure, it also means that the care that is required is less complex, simpler, cheaper and associated with lesser short-term and long-term side effects."

That may be the most important message of all. Cancer is frightening, but it is not always unbeatable. Sometimes, the difference between a difficult battle and a successful treatment is simply recognising that a persistent symptom deserves attention.

This article includes expert inputs shared with TOI Health by:

Dr Devavrat Arya, Vice Chairman, Medical Oncology, Max Smart Hospital, Saket.

Inputs were used to explain the most common cancers that disproportionately affect men, their early warning signs, and why recognising symptoms early and seeking timely medical attention can improve treatment outcomes.