India’s Cancer Crisis: What the Latest Data Reveals About the Country’s Regional Health Struggles
Image via The Indian Express
Published: September 2, 2025
India is grappling with a growing cancer epidemic. In 2022, the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) reported over 1.46 million new cancer cases. By 2025, this number is expected to rise to 1.57 million. This surge highlights the urgency for better prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies across the nation.
📊 The Growing Cancer Burden in India
Cancer is becoming one of the leading causes of death in India. According to the ICMR’s data, which covers 43 cancer registries across 23 states and union territories, India sees a cancer incidence rate of 11% for its population. With projections indicating 15.6 lakh new cases and 8.74 lakh deaths in 2024, it’s clear that cancer is a major health crisis the country must urgently address. The data, covering nearly 10–18% of India’s population, paints a grim picture of the rise in cancer-related health issues.
👩🦰 Gender Differences in Cancer Rates
When breaking down cancer statistics by gender, it’s clear that women make up a larger portion of the total cancer population, accounting for 51.1% of cases but only 45% of cancer-related deaths. This is primarily because of the higher rates of breast and cervical cancers among women. Early diagnosis and treatment have shown positive effects, resulting in a greater number of survivors. However, the overall cancer burden for women remains high.
🧑🦱 What’s Driving Cancer Rates in Men?
Men face a different set of challenges, with oral and lung cancers accounting for the majority of cancer cases. Oral cancer has now become the most common cancer among Indian men, surpassing even lung cancer. The surge in oral cancer cases is largely attributed to tobacco and alcohol use, both of which are widespread habits in the country. Meanwhile, lung cancer rates are on the rise due to urbanization, air pollution, and smoking, especially in metropolitan areas.
🌍 Regional Disparities in Cancer Prevalence
India’s cancer statistics show a marked disparity in incidence across different regions of the country. The Northeast, particularly Mizoram, reports alarmingly high rates of cancer. The lifetime cancer risk in Mizoram is 21.1% for men and 18.9% for women, which is significantly higher than the national average of 11%. Factors contributing to these numbers include high tobacco consumption, dietary habits, and a high prevalence of carcinogenic infections like Helicobacter pylori.
Punjab: A State Facing an Increasing Cancer Burden
Punjab has witnessed a steady rise in cancer rates, particularly breast cancer among women. In 2024, the state reported 42,288 new cancer cases, reflecting a 7% increase from previous years. The primary cancer affecting women is breast cancer, which accounts for 30% of all female cancer cases in the state. However, late-stage diagnoses and inadequate access to treatment remain major barriers to tackling the disease.
Bihar: Indoor Air Pollution as a Cancer Risk Factor
In Bihar, one of the least developed states, lung cancer is increasingly prevalent, especially among non-smoking women. A major contributor to this rise is indoor air pollution. Many women are exposed to harmful PM2.5 particles from the use of biomass fuels for cooking, which have been linked to a higher incidence of lung cancer. With inadequate ventilation in kitchens, this becomes a severe public health concern.
🧪 Emerging Types of Cancer
India is seeing a rise in different types of cancer that were not as common in the past. Among men, oral cancer has now overtaken lung cancer as the most common form of the disease. Despite the declining use of tobacco in some regions, oral cancer rates have not seen a corresponding drop. This is because tobacco’s carcinogenic effects have a long latency period.
For women, breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer. Thankfully, this type of cancer can often be caught early through screening, making treatment more effective and improving survival rates. Despite significant improvements in early detection, cervical cancer continues to be a significant problem. This disease remains the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, particularly in rural areas where healthcare access is limited.
🏥 Challenges in Healthcare Infrastructure
India’s healthcare infrastructure faces serious challenges in addressing the cancer crisis. There is a stark contrast in cancer care availability between urban and rural areas. While cities have access to advanced screening and treatment facilities, rural areas often lack the necessary resources. The National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) has made strides in improving the situation by establishing cancer treatment centers, but much work remains to be done.
🛡️ Preventative Measures and Early Detection
Prevention and early detection are essential to reducing the cancer burden in India. Experts have suggested the following steps for tackling the rising cancer rates:
- Tobacco Control: Stricter regulations on tobacco sales, as well as education campaigns, can help curb tobacco-related cancers. India has made significant strides in reducing tobacco use, but much more is needed to make a lasting impact.
- Vaccination: Promoting the HPV vaccine is crucial in preventing cervical cancer, which remains highly prevalent in India. With vaccination programs, this disease can be reduced significantly, but access remains a problem in rural regions.
- Screening Programs: Early detection through regular screenings can save lives, especially for breast and oral cancers. The Indian government has recently expanded its screening programs, but implementation is still slow in many areas.
- Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Encouraging healthier eating habits, increased physical activity, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can reduce the risk of developing many types of cancer.
📈 The Road Ahead: What Needs to Be Done
With cancer rates expected to continue climbing, it’s vital for India to take a proactive approach to cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment. The healthcare system must adapt to handle the growing burden of cancer, especially in rural regions where access to care is limited. Additionally, the government must focus on addressing regional disparities, providing more cancer treatment centers in underserved areas, and encouraging lifestyle changes that can reduce the cancer risk.
India’s cancer map highlights the urgent need for comprehensive public health policies. Through awareness campaigns, improved access to treatment, and preventive measures, it’s possible to stem the tide of cancer cases and improve survival rates for millions of people across the country.
As the data shows, cancer isn’t just a medical issue; it’s a national challenge that requires a multi-faceted approach from all sectors of society.