- Cancer epidemiology is the study of factors affecting cancer occurrence in populations to define causes and formulate prevention strategies. - Tobacco use accounts for 30% of cancers in India while diet accounts for 35%. Other major causes include infections, radiation, alcohol, and environmental pollutants. - National programs aim to control tobacco-related cancers, screen and treat cervical cancer, and expand palliative care. Primary prevention focuses on reducing risk factors while secondary prevention uses cancer registration, screening, and treatment. - Ayurveda utilizes herbal formulations like kwaths and bhasmas, tablets, juices, and panchakarma therapies like pizhichil, shastik shali pinda sweda