Late marriage, unsafe relationships and kissing raises cancer risk:Tata Memorial expert at AIIMS Bhopal explains how common viruses silently damage body

Cancer is not caused only by tobacco or poor diet; some common-looking viruses can also be its root cause. Kissing, unsafe sexual intercourse, multiple sexual partners, and even late marriage or late childbearing can increase the risk of cancer. This information was shared by Dr Sumeet Gujral, Senior Oncopathology Specialist at Tata Memorial Centre, Mumbai. He visited on Thursday to deliver a special guest lecture at the Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, AIIMS Bhopal. According to Dr Gujral, viruses such as HPV, Epstein–Barr, Hepatitis and H. pylori can remain in the body for a long time, damaging cells, which may later turn cancerous. This is why cancer is no longer only a disease linked to age or habits. How do viruses cause cancer? Dr Sumeet Gujral explained that some viruses, after entering the body, do not disappear completely. They remain dormant for years and gradually damage the DNA of cells. When this damage continues over a long period, cells begin to grow uncontrollably, leading to cancer. A weak immune system, unhealthy lifestyle and poor habits accelerate this process. ‘Kissing Disease’ and cancer risk Dr Gujral said the Epstein–Barr virus (EBV), commonly known as the kissing disease, spreads mainly through saliva. It can easily be transmitted through kissing, sharing utensils or close contact. This virus is present in about 90% of the world’s population. During adolescence and young adulthood, it causes a condition called mononucleosis, marked by severe fatigue, fever and sore throat. According to Dr Gujral, EBV can stay in the body for life. In some cases, it can lead to Hodgkin lymphoma, Burkitt lymphoma and stomach (gastric) cancer, especially when the immune system is weak. Multiple sexual partners and cervical cancer HPV, or Human Papillomavirus, spreads mainly through sexual contact. The risk of infection increases several times with multiple sexual partners. Dr Sumeet Gujral stated that HPV is the leading cause of cervical cancer in women. It is also linked to cancers of the throat, mouth and genitals. The positive news is that a vaccine is available to prevent HPV. Timely vaccination and safe sexual practices can largely prevent this cancer. Silent threat of Hepatitis and Liver cancer The Hepatitis virus primarily affects the liver. There are five types, of which Hepatitis B and C are considered the most dangerous. These viruses spread through infected blood, unsafe injections and sexual contact. Dr Gujral explained that long-term infection with Hepatitis B or C increases the risk of liver cirrhosis and eventually liver cancer. Patients often show no symptoms initially, making it a silent killer. A vaccine is available for Hepatitis B, while modern treatments exist for Hepatitis C. Stomach cancer linked to H. Pylori H. pylori is a bacterium, often mistakenly referred to as a virus, that infects the stomach. It enters the body through contaminated food and water. Prolonged infection increases the risk of stomach inflammation, ulcers and gastric cancer. According to Dr Gujral, timely diagnosis and antibiotic treatment can eliminate the infection and significantly reduce cancer risk. Late marriage and late childbirth raise risk Dr Sumeet Gujral said late marriage and late childbirth go against the body’s natural physiology. In women, prolonged hormonal changes occur, which can increase the risk of breast and ovarian cancer. Women who have not given birth or breastfed have been observed to face a higher cancer risk compared with others. This is one reason cancer cases are rising in today’s urban lifestyle. Elderly cancer cases to rise Dr Gujral noted that in the future, cancers related to old age will increase, with prostate and liver cancers becoming more prominent. These cancers can be controlled, but a complete cure is often difficult. In contrast, cancer treatment in children has now become largely possible, provided the disease is detected early. MP districts with highest patient numbers According to AIIMS Bhopal data, more than 36,000 cancer patients seek treatment every year. About 60% of these patients come from outside Bhopal. Districts with the highest number of cases include Agar Malwa (3,664), Raisen (1,776), Vidisha (1,536), Narmadapuram (1,216), Sagar (1,072) and Rewa (944).