Cancer remains one of the most feared diseases worldwide. Dr. Rachna Chhachhi, an integrative cancer expert and founder – Kindness Practice Foundation, has sixteen years of experience in healing cancer patients. She has been working with patients to enhance their quality of life, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, support recovery after surgery, and lower the chances of recurrence through evidence-based integrative healing. This series, Let’s Heal Cancer, is created to guide on lowering their risk of developing cancer and understanding recovery practices that are clinically validated and effective. With almost half of all cancers prone to recurrence, integrative healing becomes a critical aspect that many patients and caregivers overlook at the time of diagnosis.
In this interesting Q&A became two cancer experts, Dr Rachna invites Dr. Bharat Bhosale, a highly experienced medical oncologist associated with leading hospitals such as SL Raheja, Bombay Hospital and Medical Research Centre, and Holy Family Spirit Hospital, and Founder-Director of BB Precision OncoCare Center, to speak about the rising incidents and his expert advice. Dr. Bharat’s expertise spans a wide range of cancers, and his work reflects a strong commitment to patient-centred care.
Dr. Rachna Chhachhi (RC): Dr. Bhosale, cancer today feels almost like an epidemic. Why are cancer cases rising so much?
Dr. Bharat Bhosale (BB): There are a few key reasons:
- Aging population
People in India are living longer. Our average lifespan has gone from 50 to almost 70. Cancer is a disease of aging, so naturally we’re seeing more cases. - Lifestyle changes
After industrialisation, our lifestyle shifted toward a more Western pattern. Sedentary living, obesity, high BMI, and metabolic issues are now widespread even in younger people. These all raise cancer risk. - Dietary patterns
We transitioned from fresh, homemade meals to processed foods with added preservatives. Pesticide contamination in farming is high, and pesticides are carcinogenic. Our water and air are also affected. - Pollution
Outdoor pollution is a known risk. But indoor pollution, especially from combustion and passive smoke, is just as harmful. Lung cancer is rising even among non-smokers. - Better healthcare access
After the pandemic, even smaller towns have better diagnostic facilities. We’re detecting cases that earlier went unnoticed.
So yes, the numbers truly are increasing.
RC: The worrying part is that more young people and even children are being diagnosed. The NIH says one in nine Indians may get cancer. Does that align with what you see?
BB: Absolutely. The absolute population of India is huge. Even if our incidence rate is lower than Western countries, the total number of cases becomes very large. Breast cancer is a striking example urban women have a much higher risk than rural women.
RC: Why is breast cancer specifically rising so sharply in India?
BB: There are three main reasons:
- Hormonal exposure
Breast cancer is strongly influenced by lifetime estrogen exposure. Early menstruation, late menopause, late marriage, and not breastfeeding increase risk. Hormone replacement therapy (common in the West) can also raise risk. - Lifestyle factors
Low-fibre diets, processed foods, high red meat, lack of physical activity, alcohol, smoking, and obesity. - Genetics
Only about 5 per cent of cases are genetic (BRCA and others). Ninety-five per cent are lifestyle-related.
This is why prevention has to start early, ideally in childhood and not when symptoms appear.
RC: You mentioned substance use like tobacco or alcohol. Do you feel stress is the deeper cause behind these habits?
BB: Very much. Stress drives unhealthy coping mechanisms. And stress itself has a significant impact on overall health, including cancer risk. We’ll see this more clearly when we talk about stress as a separate topic.
RC: When a family receives a cancer diagnosis, fear is often their first reaction. What are the three things you advise them?
BB: I would advise:
- Don’t panic.
Cancer is not a death sentence. With modern diagnostics and treatments, many cancers are curable—especially when detected early. - Avoid misinformation.
Don’t get influenced by relatives, neighbours, or Google. Go to an expert and make informed decisions. - Prioritise early detection.
Screening can catch breast, oral, colon, cervical, and prostate cancers at curable stages 95 to 100 percent cure rates.
Fear delays diagnosis. Many women arrive late because they were scared. That’s when cure becomes difficult.
RC: Once treatment ends and scans look clear, why does cancer still recur in some people?
BB: Because cancer starts inside the body. Medicines treat the visible disease, but long-term healing depends on the patient’s lifestyle.
This is where self-care is essential:
- nutrition
- exercise
- mental well-being
- healthy weight
- stress management
The medical team plays a role, but the patient must take responsibility for preventing recurrence.
RC: You’ve always supported integrative healing. Why do you think it’s important?
BB: Because:
- The body is like an orchestra every system must be in rhythm.
- Mental health is often ignored despite being crucial.
- Meditation, music, breathwork, creative hobbies… all reduce anxiety and improve treatment tolerance.
This isn’t philosophy; it’s scientifically proven. In my clinic we play calming music for patients it lowers anxiety and nausea.
Integrative healing helps patients cope better during treatment and after recovery.
RC: As an integrative cancer expert, I combine nutrition, exercise, breathwork, and talk therapy with medical care. Do you feel this makes a difference?
BB: Absolutely. Your work has helped many patients. Precision medicine is powerful, but healing also comes from a calmer mind and a stronger body. We often focus only on tumour shrinkage but ignore muscle loss, gut health, and emotional stress. These matter deeply.
RC: What message would you like to leave for people listening?
BB: Talk openly. Discuss your symptoms. Small issues become big only when ignored. My mission is not just to treat cancer it is to prevent it. Prevention is far less traumatic than treatment. Cancer can be prevented, detected early, cured, and recurrence can be reduced. But it requires awareness and discipline.