Cancer is increasing rapidly in India. India ranks third in the world in terms of cancer. The government has presented worrying figures in the Lok Sabha. According to the Global Cancer Observatory (IARC), the international cancer research agency, the estimated number of cancer cases in India is 14,13,316 (rate of 98.5 per 1,00,000), which is behind China (48,24,703 cases, 201.6 per 1,00,000) and the United States (23,80,189 cases, 367 per 1,00,000). 1,00,000) is the third highest in the world.
Cancer patients are increasing rapidly in India. According to the data presented by the government in Parliament, there were an estimated 13.92 lakh cancer cases in the country in 2020, which has increased to 15.33 lakh in 2024. That means, in just five years, an increase of more than ten percent was recorded in the cases.
The state-wise analysis also revealed that the percentage increase is fastest in smaller union territories, while the total number of patients is higher in larger states like Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal and Bihar.
Where did the cases increase the most?
According to government data, cancer cases in Daman increased by 39.51%. Apart from this, a sharp jump was also seen in Dadra and Nagar Haveli (30.09%), Sikkim (26.06%), Lakshadweep (18.52%) and Manipur (18.48%). There was also an increase of more than 10 percent in Delhi, Haryana, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka. According to the report, factors related to tobacco consumption, pollution and lifestyle are playing an important role in this increase.
Heavy burden in states with large populations
In terms of population, the maximum number of patients were recorded in Uttar Pradesh (2.21 lakh), Maharashtra (1.27 lakh), West Bengal (1.18 lakh) and Bihar (1.15 lakh). The percentage increase in these states may appear small, but the total number is very large.
year-on-year increase
Year-on-year growth of cancer cases in India from 2020 to 2024 was as follows: • 2020: 13,92,179 • 2021: 14,26,447 • 2022: 14,61,427 • 2023: 14,96,972 • 2024: 15,33,055 Nearly lakhs every year New patients are joining.
Due to increase in cancer cases
According to ICMR, there are many reasons behind the increase in cases. Changes in lifestyle, increased consumption of tobacco and alcohol, increase in elderly population and increased health awareness have led to more reporting. Pollution has also become a big challenge in urban areas.
Cancer has become a rapidly growing health challenge in India. A comprehensive strategy is needed for its prevention, screening and treatment. Cancer cases may increase further in the coming years, hence it is necessary to pay immediate attention to expansion of health infrastructure, lifestyle improvement and tobacco control.
