With cases projected to rise significantly in India, around 100 out of every 1 lakh people are diagnosed with cancer.
Cancer is the second leading cause of death in India, following cardiovascular diseases, though it remains one of the country’s most critical public health concerns, according to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare .
Food also plays a major part in causation. Dr Jay stresses that it is not the occasional consumption of pickles and papad that can lead to cancer, but rather the overall dietary habits, especially when it comes to high salt content and processed food. Dr Jay also drew a link between the high intake of dietary salt and stomach cancer risk.
MD, DM (Medical Oncologist), HOC Vedanta, processed foods such as pickles , papad, namkeen, and similar types of foods form a significant part of the Indian diet, according to Dr Jay Dadhania. The correlation between the two has already been established, according to him. “Eating salty food on a regular basis may also affect the stomach lining and create an unhealthy environment in combination with other risk factors,” he warned.
