In a sobering revelation, health experts warn that Indian men are increasingly succumbing to preventable non-communicable diseases (NCDs), with heart attacks, diabetes, and cancer emerging as the top causes of premature death. As lifestyles shift and screening rates improve, the true extent of the crisis is now coming into sharp focus.
A Nation’s Heart in Peril
Cardiovascular disease (CVD) has firmly taken its place as the leading cause of death among Indian men. The World Health Organization (WHO) and Indian health agencies note that Indian men are experiencing heart attacks nearly a decade earlier than their Western counterparts — often in their 40s and early 50s.
A recent surge in cardiac medication sales — nearly 50% over five years — underlines the growing crisis. Doctors attribute the rise to a combination of sedentary habits, stress, unhealthy diets, and earlier screening, which has led to a broader detection of hypertension and cholesterol imbalances.
“This isn’t just a health problem. It’s a time bomb,” said Dr. Sandeep Ghosh, a cardiologist in Delhi. “We’re seeing more men in their prime years suffer sudden heart attacks, often without prior warning signs.”
Diabetes: The Silent, Widespread Menace
India now hosts one of the world’s largest diabetic populations — over 74 million — and nearly half of them remain undiagnosed, according to national health surveys. Type 2 diabetes, traditionally associated with obesity and inactivity, is now prevalent even among lean Indian men, suggesting a strong genetic and metabolic component.
What makes diabetes particularly deadly is its link to other conditions. “More than 70% of diabetic patients eventually develop cardiovascular issues,” said Dr. Meena Rao, an endocrinologist in Mumbai. “It’s not a standalone disease — it’s a gateway to complications.”
Public health experts predict the number of diabetics in India could cross 100 million by 2035 if preventive efforts remain inadequate.
Cancer: India’s Unchecked Risk
Among the most alarming findings is the rise of certain cancers, particularly oral, lung, and esophageal cancers, which disproportionately affect Indian men. These cancers are closely tied to high rates of tobacco chewing, smoking, and alcohol consumption — habits still culturally normalized in many parts of the country.
Lung cancer, once viewed primarily as a smoker’s disease, is also being driven by worsening air pollution, especially in urban areas like Delhi and Kanpur. Experts warn that secondhand smoke and toxic environmental exposure are adding fuel to the fire.
“Too many men are diagnosed at late stages,” said Dr. Sushil Kumar, a senior oncologist. “By the time they come in, treatment becomes about managing pain rather than saving lives.”
A Call to Action
Medical professionals are urging Indian men to undergo routine screenings, adopt healthier lifestyles, and seek early treatment. Regular check-ups for blood pressure, blood sugar, cholesterol, and cancer markers can reduce mortality by nearly 40%, according to recent studies.
The government’s flagship program, the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), is expanding outreach and early-detection initiatives across rural and urban areas. But experts agree: policy efforts must be matched by individual responsibility.
“This is no longer about healthcare — it’s about awareness, discipline, and a cultural shift,” said Dr. Ghosh. “Men need to take their health as seriously as their careers.”