Cancer vaccines are a form of treatment that train the body’s immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells. mRNA vaccine technology sends a message (mRNA) into the body, which helps it produce proteins and prepares it to fight diseases. This technology proved successful during COVID-19 and is now being explored for cancer treatment.

In simple terms, just as a blueprint is created before building a house, our body has DNA, which acts as that blueprint. The information from this blueprint is delivered through a messenger called RNA. Based on this message, the body produces new cells. If we introduce a specific message into this system, the body starts working accordingly. In cancer, certain cells go out of control. mRNA technology helps the immune system recognize and fight these cells again, making it highly promising.

Why Can It Be Revolutionary?

mRNA vaccines can offer personalized treatment tailored to each patient. They directly prepare the body to fight cancer cells. In the future, they may even help prevent cancer before it develops. That is why this technology is considered a game-changer in medical science.

Why Does Misinformation Spread?

Despite its promise, misinformation about mRNA vaccines is spreading rapidly, creating fear and confusion among people.

New Subject, Old Fear

People naturally fear new medical technologies.

Role of Social Media

Platforms like WhatsApp, Facebook, and YouTube enable rapid spread of incomplete or misleading information.

Complexity of Science

Scientific concepts like mRNA are difficult to understand, making simplified misinformation seem believable.

Trust Deficit

Distrust in governments and pharmaceutical companies fuels doubts.

Profit-Driven Narratives

Some misinformation is spread intentionally for views, influence, or financial gain.

Cultural Beliefs

People often rely on word-of-mouth rather than verified sources.

Speed vs Science

Science takes time to validate facts, while misinformation spreads instantly.

Misinformation arises from fear, lack of knowledge, and rapid communication. The solution lies in spreading accurate and simple scientific information.

My advice to readers:

 Verify if the source is an expert

 Check for hidden motives

 Ensure the information serves public interest

Cancer cases in India have been rising at a concerning pace in recent years. According to information presented in Parliament, since 2021 the country has been witnessing an average annual increase of around 28,000 new cancer cases and nearly 15,000 additional deaths each year. These numbers highlight a major public health challenge, although the central government and health authorities are taking several steps to address the growing burden of cancer.

The rise in cancer cases in India is attributed to several factors. The Ministry of Health has stated that increasing life expectancy, a growing elderly population, improved diagnostic technologies, and greater health awareness are contributing to higher detection rates. In many cases, cancers that earlier went undiagnosed are now being detected in time.

Government data indicates that India recorded around 1.35 million cancer cases in 2019, which increased to more than 1.53 million by 2024. Similarly, cancer-related deaths have also been rising steadily. In 2023, an estimated 820,000 deaths in India were attributed to cancer.

To tackle this growing challenge, the Government of India has launched several health initiatives and programs. One of the key initiatives is the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). The main objective of this program is to promote prevention, early detection, treatment, and awareness regarding non-communicable diseases including cancer.

Under this program, more than 700 district-level NCD clinics, around 268 day-care centers, and thousands of special clinics at community health centers have been established across the country. These facilities provide screening, counselling, and treatment guidance for cancer and other diseases.

To ensure early detection of cancer, the government has also launched nationwide screening programs. Special focus is given to the detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and oral cancer, particularly among women. Screening activities are conducted at both rural and urban levels under the National Health Mission to ensure wider access to healthcare services.

In addition, the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides free or low-cost treatment for economically weaker sections. Through this scheme, millions of patients have been able to receive expensive hospital treatments that would otherwise be unaffordable.

The government is also expanding advanced cancer treatment infrastructure across the country. Several government medical colleges and super-speciality hospitals are being equipped with facilities such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other modern treatment options.

A noticeable increase has been observed particularly in cancers affecting women, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. In response, special screening and awareness programs targeting women have been introduced.

Research and data collection also play a crucial role in combating cancer. The Government of India, through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), runs the National Cancer Registry Programme, which collects nationwide data on cancer cases. This information helps policymakers design better health strategies and plan medical infrastructure.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch a nationwide HPV (Human Papillomavirus) vaccination campaign from Ajmer on February 28. The primary objective of this initiative is to reduce cervical cancer among women.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, and nearly 90% of cases are caused by HPV infection.

This vaccine is effective not only against cervical cancer but also against:

 Anal cancer
 Penile cancer
 Vaginal cancer
 Vulvar cancer
 Throat cancer

HPV is a commonly transmitted virus that spreads mainly through physical contact.

Key Highlights of the Campaign

Under this national campaign:

Special focus will be on 14-year-old girls
A single dose of the HPV vaccine will be administered
The target is to vaccinate approximately 11.5 million girls every year

Vaccination during adolescence provides stronger and long-lasting protection.

Which Vaccine Will Be Used?

Currently, the campaign will use the Gardasil vaccine.

India’s indigenously developed Cervavac by Serum Institute is awaiting approval from World Health Organization and is therefore not being used at present.

In the future, it may be included once approved.

GAVI Vaccine Alliance will supply 26 million doses to India, out of which 10 million doses have already arrived.

Is One Dose Enough?

Yes.

According to experts at the World Health Organization:

A single dose is effective for girls aged 9 to 20 years
Women aged 21 years and above require two doses
Individuals with weakened immunity are advised three doses

Is This the First Time in India? What About Other Countries?

After HPV vaccination began in Australia:

HPV prevalence among young women dropped from 22.7% to 1.5%.

Some Indian states have already implemented the program:

Sikkim launched it in 2018, covering over 95% of girls
Punjab started in 2016 and vaccinated 97% of the target group.

Senior Bollywood and television actress Praveena Deshpande passed away at the age of 61 years on Tuesday. The information was shared by her family through her official Instagram account. Her last rites were performed on Tuesday afternoon at a crematorium in Andheri, Mumbai. The actress had been battling cancer for a long time.

She was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2019. During her bone marrow transplant, she remained in isolation for 17 days. Even after her diagnosis, she continued to stay active, but she had mentioned that her strength was gradually declining and she was losing the ability to work. She passed away on February 17.

Praveena Deshpande played the role of Shalini Choudhary in Ready. She also worked in films like Ek Villain, Gabbar Is Back, and Parmanu: The Story of Pokhran. Recently, she appeared in a cameo role in Emraan Hashmi’s web series ‘Taskari: The Smugglers Web’.

What is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a type of blood cancer. It begins in the plasma cells of the bone marrow. It destroys normal blood cells and produces abnormal proteins. This can weaken bones and damage the kidneys.

It is a serious but treatable disease. Treatment options include chemotherapy and stem cell transplant.

Symptoms:

Bone pain in the spine, chest, or hips
Fatigue
Frequent infections
Kidney problems
Weight loss

Causes and Risk Factors:
The exact cause is unknown, but it is more common in older adults (60+) and in men.

Diagnosis:

Blood and urine tests (for M-spike)
Bone marrow biopsy
Bone scans

Early diagnosis and consultation with a specialist oncologist can help in effective management of the disease.

In today’s world, many of us stay up late — scrolling through our phones or watching “just one more episode.” But while it may feel harmless at the moment, habitual late nights can take a real toll. Chronic lack of restorative sleep can leave your body more vulnerable to fatigue, stress, inflammatory conditions, and even metabolic diseases such as diabetes.

During healthy sleep, our bodies produce critical hormones — like melatonin — and initiate repair and immune-boosting processes. Disrupting that cycle impairs the body’s ability to “recharge,” making immune cells less effective at defending against infections or potential malignancies.

What I tell my patients: Treat sleep as a medical priority

If you care about long-term health — including lowering the risk of cancer and other diseases — maintaining consistent, good-quality sleep is as important as any diet, exercise or screening recommendation I could give.

Here’s what I recommend:

- Aim for 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep every night. This gives your immune system the time it needs to regenerate.

- Avoid blue-light exposure (phones, screens) at least an hour before bedtime — that late-night scrolling habit disrupts melatonin release, making restorative sleep harder.

- Make sleep a non-negotiable part of your daily routine — just as you would for taking medication or attending routine checkups.

The broader view: Sleep is foundational to immunity and health

Good sleep isn’t a luxury; it’s a biological necessity. Over the years in cancer care, I have seen how lifestyle factors — nutrition, physical activity, stress management — play a huge role in shaping a person’s overall wellbeing. But among all habits, chronic sleep deprivation stands out as a silent — and common — culprit that wears down the body’s natural defences.

If you want to protect your immunity, improve healing, and reduce long-term risk of disease — start by honouring your nights.

Cancer is now no longer a disease of older age. In India today,adults in the 20–40 age-bracket are being diagnosed with various cancers that were once largely limited to those 50 and above. As a practising physician, this shift demands urgent attention — both from patients and from the health-system.

The changing face of cancer

Traditionally, we thought of cancer as something that develops slowly over decades as wear-and-tear accumulates. But doctors in major Indian cancer centres are reporting a striking rise in early-onset cases.

For instance, one oncologist in Delhi says that meeting a cancer patient in their 20s used to be a rarity — now, it happens every week.

Reports show that in India, forms of cancer such as breast, colon, lung, stomach, thyroid, uterine and prostate are being diagnosed in younger individuals (even late teens or early-20s) than before. 

Why is this happening?

1. Air and environmental pollution – In urban India, the air is thick with fine particulate matter (PM2.5) that penetrates deep into the lungs, damages DNA, causes inflammation and may trigger malignant changes in cells — even in people who never smoked.

2. Lifestyle and stress – Younger professionals often live on adrenaline: late nights, high workloads, poor sleep, instant food, irregular routines. Chronic stress keeps cortisol and adrenaline levels high, suppressing immunity and interfering with DNA-repair mechanisms — creating a conducive environment for cancer to thrive.

3. Diet, body-clock and reproduction factors – Delayed childbirth, shorter or no breastfeeding, high processed-food consumption, lack of exercise and disrupted sleep patterns may contribute to earlier onset of hormone-sensitive cancers (such as breast cancer) in urban India.

4. Genetics, microbiome and unseen toxins – Emerging science indicates that early-onset cancers may differ biologically; gene mutations, gut-microbiome dysbiosis, exposure to microplastics or persistent chemicals may all play a role.

5.Better detection and reporting – While more cases are being found because of better awareness and diagnostics, that alone cannot explain the marked shift downward in age.

Why younger cancer matters

When cancer strikes in one’s 20s or 30s, the consequences ripple far beyond the individual health issue. Young adults are often in their most productive life stage — career growth, family formation, long-term contributions to society. 

What can be done? A call to action

1.Awareness & screening: Younger adults should not assume they are immune. Persistent symptoms such as unexplained fatigue, lumps, changes in bowel habits, unexplained weight loss or persistent acidity need evaluation. Early detection improves outcomes significantly.

2.Lifestyle interventions: Avoiding tobacco remains critical, but so too are clean-air initiatives (especially in our cities), healthy diet (rich in fruits/vegetables, low in processed food/preservatives), regular physical activity, sufficient sleep, stress-management and timely reproduction/gynecologic health for women.

3.Environmental policy: This is not merely an individual issue. Clean air, safe food (regulation of preservatives, colouring agents, microplastics), safe workplaces — all are public-health priorities.

4. Support systems for young cancer-patients: From fertility-preservation counselling, psychological support, financial planning to long-term survivorship care — the younger age at diagnosis requires a tailor-made framework.

5. Research & registry: Understanding early-onset cancers in India (molecular differences, lifestyle + environment interactions) will guide better screening, prevention and treatment protocols.

Breast cancer was considered a disease affecting mostly middle-aged women. But now, it is now being diagnosed increasingly in women under 45 years.It is a trend that is alarming doctors and families across India. The reasons behind this rise are complex, spanning genetics, lifestyle, reproductive choices, and environmental exposure. Let us look into these factors in detail. 

1. Genetic Factors and Limited Screening

Genetics play a crucial role in early-onset breast cancer. Pathogenic mutations, particularly BRCA1 and BRCA2, appear more frequently in younger patients. Indian studies have shown a higher-than-expected BRCA prevalence, yet genetic testing remains rare due to cost and limited access. There is a need for more liberal and affordable genetic screening, which could identify at-risk women years before disease onset.

2.  Environmental and Chemical Exposure

Modern life is steeped in endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) found in plastics, cosmetics, pesticides, and processed food packaging. These chemicals can interfere with hormones and may increase the risk of early-onset breast cancer.Growing evidence links EDC exposure to hormonal disruption.

3. Lifestyle and Metabolic Health

Poor metabolic health, sedentary habits, and unhealthy diets are significant contributors. Obesity, chronic inflammation, and hormonal imbalances linked to these factors can increase risk even in younger women. Urban stress, air pollution, and sleep deprivation further worsen the problem by disrupting hormones like cortisol and melatonin, which are vital for immune function and cellular repair.

4. Changing Reproductive Patterns

Modern reproductive trends also play a role. Delayed marriage, late motherhood, fewer pregnancies, and shorter breastfeeding durations are all known to modestly increase lifetime breast cancer risk. These are established risk factors that likely contribute to young-onset cases.

5. Gaps in Screening and Early Detection

One of the biggest challenges is that most breast cancer screening programmes exclude women under 40. Mammography — the standard tool — is less effective for younger women due to denser breast tissue and is rarely offered to them. As a result, many cases are diagnosed only after symptoms appear, often at an advanced stage.

Alarmingly, younger women are often being diagnosed with more aggressive subtypes, such as HER2-positive and triple-negative breast cancers, which progress rapidly and are harder to treat. These forms offer fewer targeted therapy options and poorer prognoses compared to hormone receptor-positive cancers seen more commonly in older women.

There is a need for improved access to low-cost breast ultrasounds and clinical breast exams, especially in primary care settings. It is urgently needed to update the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) to include younger women and adopt risk-based screening models.

India urgently needs stronger breast cancer registries to monitor young-onset trends and guide targeted interventions. Equally critical is public education: young women must be encouraged to perform regular self-examinations, report symptoms early, and seek clinical evaluation without hesitation.

Early detection saves lives.But for that, we need awareness, access, and proactive policy — especially for younger women who are increasingly at risk.

A latest study published in JAMA Internal Medicine in the U.S. reveals some important findings. The report shows that cancer cases are rising among young people, i.e., those under the age of 50. However, the reason behind this is surprising. The study explains that the increase in cases is largely due to advanced diagnostic methods and growing awareness about cancer. This is a positive sign, because if cancer is detected early, it can be treated effectively.

The report also highlights that although the number of cases has increased, there is no need to panic as mortality rates have not gone up. In fact, in some cases, death rates have actually declined.

In short, improved diagnostic methods have led to an increase in case numbers. These methods allow for more precise and deeper detection, which is good news. Another encouraging point is that mortality rates have not increased.

Here are the key points from the study:

1. Screening is the main reason for rising cases: The study suggests that the rise in cancer among people under 50 is mainly due to better and more frequent screening and intensive diagnostic practices.

2. Stable mortality rates: For most cancers (such as thyroid, kidney, rectal, and pancreatic), despite more cases, the mortality rate among young adults has remained unchanged or even declined.

3.High-risk cancers: Out of the eight cancers studied, only two – colorectal (intestinal) and endometrial – showed a slight increase in mortality.

4. Breast and colorectal cancers: Cases of these cancers have increased among young adults, but thanks to early detection and treatments like immunotherapy, the death rate has almost halved.

5. Earlier screening: To enable earlier diagnosis, the U.S. has lowered the age for breast cancer screening from 50 to 40 and for colon cancer screening from 50 to 45.

Doctors in the U.S. caution that as more powerful diagnostic tools become available, cancers that may never actually harm a person’s health are also being detected. Treating such cancers that are not “clinically significant” creates unnecessary financial burdens and mental stress for young patients. Experts recommend that instead of rushing into treatment for every detected cancer, doctors should assess whether it is truly dangerous. If a tumor is small, continuous monitoring with patient consent may be the better strategy.

Former Australian cricket captain Michael Clarke has once again been diagnosed with skin cancer. He first faced the disease in 2006, and this week he shared a photo on Instagram from what appeared to be a hospital bed, with a bandage across his nose. His message to the public was simple but vital: get your skin checked regularly.

As a cancer physician, I cannot stress this enough. Skin cancer occurs when skin cells multiply uncontrollably, most often due to long-term ultraviolet (UV) exposure from the sun or tanning beds. It is the most common cancer worldwide. Australia, in particular, has the highest skin cancer rates in the world, with research showing that two out of three Australians will develop some form of skin cancer by the age of 70.

Why Early Detection Matters

The earlier we detect skin cancer, the higher the chance of complete cure. Many patients who seek help at the first sign of unusual spots, persistent sores, or changing moles recover with minor procedures. Delay, however, can lead to more invasive disease and complex treatment.

Simple but Life-Saving Precautions

1. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) every day, not just in summer.
2. Cover up with wide-brimmed hats, full-sleeved clothing, and UV-protective sunglasses.
3. Avoid direct sunlight during peak hours (10 am – 4 pm).
4. Never use tanning beds.
5. Examine your skin monthly and schedule annual professional skin checks.

Michael Clarke’s courage in speaking openly about his diagnosis is a reminder that cancer can touch anyone—athletes, professionals, parents, or children. But with vigilance and prevention, we can significantly reduce our risk.

Let his experience be the nudge we all need: protect your skin today, check it regularly, and never ignore early warning signs.

In March 2024, following planned abdominal surgery, Kate was diagnosed with cancer—a revelation she shared in a video message urging privacy and understanding as she began chemotherapy. Over the next months, she embraced treatment with quiet determination, completing chemotherapy in September 2024 and declaring remission in January 2025. Despite entering remission, Kate underscores that recovery is far from linear. On July 2, 2025, during a visit to Colchester Hospital, she spoke candidly about the emotional aftershocks and adjustments that follow treatment:

“You put on a sort of brave face… then it’s like, ‘I can crack on, get back to normal,’ but actually the phase afterwards is really, really difficult… It’s a roller coaster.” 

She emphasized the need for structured support through this transitional period—beyond the initial medical care. Kate credits her recovery in part to nature and alternative therapies also.

Kate’s openness about her struggles marks a significant shift in royal communication. No longer the reserved persona, she’s now sharing candid insights—on vulnerability, resilience, and the gradual process of finding stability. 

She spoke of life being “life‑changing… for both patient and family” and urged patience with the healing process.

Her advocacy extends beyond her personal journey: as joint patron of the Royal Marsden Hospital and supporter of NHS Charities Together, she’s fostering awareness, emotional care, and community for fellow survivors.

In the months following her diagnosis, Kate has made selective public returns:

-Trooping the Colour (June 2024)
-Wimbledon visits
-The poignant hospital garden visit on July 2, 2025, marked by her symbolic planting and heartfelt remarks. 

Though she recently skipped Royal Ascot to preserve inner balance, she continues stepping forward at her own pace.

Apart from medical victory, Princess Kate’s cancer journey is a beacon of empathy, empowerment, and authenticity. By sharing her story—warts and all—she’s not only defended her health, but amplified the conversation around post-cancer care, mental wellness, and compassionate recovery. 

Her path reminds us: courage isn’t just surviving—that’s the starting line—it’s also having the grace to heal compassionately, live mindfully, and help others navigate their own “new normals.”

In the age of social media, health trends spread faster than wildfire. One such trend—the #HaldiChallenge—has brought turmeric (commonly known as haldi) back into the limelight. From golden lattes to homemade immunity shots, people across the globe are embracing turmeric as a “miracle spice.”

But as a cancer physician, I often get asked:“Can herbs like haldi really help in cancer prevention or treatment?”

The answer, though nuanced, lies in the intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science. Turmeric has been used for centuries in Indian kitchens and Ayurvedic medicine. The compound that gives turmeric its bright yellow color—curcumin—is where much of its medical potential lies.

What Research Says:

Anti-inflammatory effects: Chronic inflammation is linked to the development of several cancers. Curcumin has been shown to suppress inflammatory pathways in laboratory models.

Antioxidant properties: Curcumin neutralizes free radicals that can damage cellular DNA and potentially trigger cancerous changes.

Apoptosis induction: In some lab studies, curcumin has been observed to promote apoptosis—programmed cell death—in cancer cells without harming healthy cells.

But Here's the Caveat. Despite the promise, curcumin’s low absorption in the human body limits its therapeutic effect.

Researchers are exploring formulations like curcumin with piperine (from black pepper), liposomal curcumin, and nanoparticle-based delivery systems.

Clinical trials are ongoing to determine safe and effective dosages, especially when used alongside chemotherapy or radiation.While herbs have shown promise, it is crucial to understand they are not substitutes for evidence-based cancer treatment. Their role is best defined in integrative oncology, where they may: Support immune function,Reduce side effects of treatment,Improve quality of life.

Any use of herbs or supplements must be discussed with an oncologist to avoid interactions with ongoing treatments.

Though seemingly lighthearted, viral health trends like the Haldi Challenge are reminders of our cultural connection to natural wellness. 

As a cancer physician, I welcome these moments to:

-Foster scientific conversations about traditional medicine
- Encourage evidence-backed integrative care
-Promote prevention through lifestyle and nutritionTurmeric and other herbs can be allies in the fight against cancer, but they are not cures. Science continues to explore how best to harness their power—responsibly and effectively. Let’s continue to respect the wisdom of nature, while anchoring our care in clinical evidence.