India, Aug. 4 -- Cancer was once considered largely a disease of older adults, but that is rapidly changing. Today, more people in their 20s, 30s and 40s are being diagnosed with cancers once associated with later life. While genetics remain a factor, lifestyle and environmental influences are increasingly driving this trend. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), nearly 40% of cancers are linked to preventable risk factors, highlighting the importance of healthy habits, greater awareness, and timely screening for early detection.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Ankur Nandan Varshney - senior consultant, medical oncology at Medanta Hospital, Noida - explains, "We are seeing more young patients walk into oncology clinics ...