Brig. (Dr.) Arvind Kumar Tyagi is a senior surgical oncologist and Director of Surgical Oncology & Robotic Surgery at Yashoda superspeciality hospital & cancer institutes. He was interviewed by Dr. Soumya Singh, Creative Editor at InnoHEALTH m agazine on the importance of prevention, early diagnosis, and compassionate, patient-centric care in improving cancer outcomes across the country.
Cancer is increasingly recognized as a major public health challenge. How significant is its impact today?
Cancer has emerged as one of the leading causes of death worldwide and in India. In a country with a population exceeding 1.4 billion, the absolute number of cancer cases is substantial. What makes this burden particularly concerning is that many cancers are preventable or treatable if detected early. Late presentation, lack of awareness, and lifestyle-related risk factors continue to drive high mortality, making cancer not only a medical issue but a public health priority.
Your professional journey is unique, combining military service with medicine. How has that experience shaped your approach to cancer care?
Training and serving as a paratrooper instills discipline, resilience, and the ability to perform under extreme physical and mental pressure. Military medicine demands precision, teamwork, and rapid decision-making—qualities that translate directly into surgical oncology. Exposure to high-risk environments and leadership roles strengthens accountability and calmness, which are essential when dealing with complex cancer surgeries and emotionally challenging patient care. The soldier’s mindset reinforces the commitment to duty, perseverance, and service to humanity.
What exactly is cancer, and why can it develop in almost any part of the body?
Cancer originates from the body’s own cells when they lose normal regulatory control and begin to divide uncontrollably. These abnormal cells can invade nearby tissues or spread to distant organs. Since every organ in the body is composed of cells, cancer can arise virtually anywhere. This is why cancer is not a single disease but a diverse group of diseases, each with distinct behavior, prognosis, and treatment strategies.
What are the most common risk factors for cancer, especially in the Indian population?
Cancer is multifactorial. In India, tobacco use—both smoking and chewing—is one of the most significant contributors, particularly to oral, throat, and lung cancers. Alcohol consumption, air pollution, obesity, physical inactivity, and poor dietary habits also increase risk. Certain infections, such as Hepatitis B and C or Human Papillomavirus, are known causes of liver and cervical cancers respectively. Genetic predisposition plays a role in some cancers, but lifestyle and environmental factors remain dominant contributors.
Can lifestyle changes genuinely reduce the risk of developing cancer?
Yes, lifestyle modification can significantly reduce cancer risk. Avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol, maintaining a healthy body weight, engaging in regular physical activity, eating a balanced diet, and ensuring adequate sleep all strengthen immunity and reduce cancer incidence. While genetic factors are beyond control, lifestyle choices are powerful tools for prevention and long-term health.
What early warning signs or symptoms should people be vigilant about?
Any unexplained bleeding—from the mouth, nose, urine, or stools—should never be ignored. Persistent lumps or swellings in the breast, neck, armpit, or groin require prompt evaluation. Sudden weight loss, loss of appetite, prolonged fatigue, or unexplained pain are also warning signs. Awareness of one’s own body and early medical consultation can lead to timely diagnosis and improved outcomes.
How important is early detection, and what screening tests are advisable?
Early detection dramatically improves survival rates. Cancers identified at early stages are often curable. Screening tests such as Pap smears for cervical cancer and mammography for breast cancer are particularly valuable. Ultrasound examinations can help detect certain abdominal cancers. Advanced imaging techniques like PET scans are primarily used for staging rather than routine screening due to cost and limited applicability.
There are many myths surrounding cancer. Which misconceptions need to be corrected?
A common myth is that sugar causes or “feeds” cancer. In reality, all cells—healthy and cancerous—require sugar for energy; sugar itself does not cause cancer. Another misconception is that only smokers develop cancer, whereas non-smokers can also develop cancer due to genetic, infectious, or environmental factors. Such myths can delay diagnosis and distract from genuine preventive measures.
How has cancer treatment evolved, particularly in surgical oncology and technology?
Advances in surgical techniques, including minimally invasive and robotic surgery, have improved precision and recovery in selected cases. However, these technologies are not suitable for all cancers, especially large or advanced tumors where open surgery remains essential. Artificial intelligence and advanced imaging assist in diagnosis and planning, but the surgeon’s expertise, judgment, and hands-on skill remain irreplaceable.
Can cancer be cured, and what is the most important message for the public?
Many cancers are curable when detected early. Early-stage cancers respond well to treatment, while advanced-stage cancers are often managed to prolong life and improve quality of life rather than cure. The most important message is prevention and awareness: avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight, eat a balanced diet, sleep adequately, and seek medical evaluation early. A disciplined lifestyle—much like military training—can be the strongest defense against cancer.
