A new analysis published in The Lancet highlights that four out of 10 cancer deaths are linked to modifiable risk factors such as smoking, poor diet, and high blood sugar.
- As per study global cancer deaths reached 10.4 million and new cases rose to 18.5 million in 2023.
Global Trends in Cancer Burden
- Rising Cases and Deaths: New cases jumped to 18.5 million in 2023, a 105% increase since 1990; deaths increased by 74% in the same period.
- Future Projection: By 2050, 30.5 million new cases and 18.6 million deaths expected — a 75% rise compared to 2023.
- Most Diagnosed Cancer: Breast cancer (highest incidence globally).
- Leading Cause of Death: Tracheal, bronchus, and lung cancers.
Cancer in India
- Cases: Estimated 5.43 million cancer cases in 2023.
- Incidence Rate: Age-standardised rate rose from 84.8 per lakh (1990) to 107.2 per lakh (2023) — a 26.4% rise.
- Mortality Rate: Rose from 71.7 per lakh (1990) to 86.9 per lakh (2023) — a 21.2% rise.
- Cancer Registries: 38 registries cover ~12% of the population. In 2022, India reported 1.4 million new cases and 910,000 deaths.
- Top Cancers:
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- Women: Breast, cervical, ovarian.
- Men: Oral, lung, oesophagus.
- Both sexes: Colon, stomach.
Key Risk Factors
- Global: 42% of deaths (4.3 million) linked to 44 modifiable risk factors.
- Men (46%): Tobacco, alcohol, unhealthy diet, occupational risks, air pollution.
- Women (36%): Tobacco, unsafe sex, unhealthy diet, obesity, high blood sugar.
- India: Diet, alcohol use, air pollution, and obesity highlighted as major drivers.
Ageing and Population Growth
- Demographic Drivers: Most increase in incidence and mortality linked to population growth and ageing.
- Global Distribution: Majority of future burden will fall on low- and middle-income countries.
Recommendations
- Prevention: Reduce tobacco use, promote healthy lifestyles, and tackle obesity and alcohol use.
- Early Detection: Strengthen awareness and training of primary healthcare workers for timely diagnosis.
- Treatment: Expand affordable and evidence-based cancer treatment close to patients’ homes.
- Data Systems: Enhance cancer surveillance and registries, particularly in resource-poor settings.
- Policy Alignment: Accelerate progress towards SDG 3.4, which seeks to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases, including cancer, by one-third by 2030.
Initiatives Towards a Cancer-Free India
- CAR-T cell therapy: India’s first home-grown gene therapy launched for cancer at IIT Bombay.
- It is the world’s most affordable CAR-T cell therapy.
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)
- A flagship initiative under the National Health Mission (NHM).
- Focuses on controlling non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer.
- Targets the three most common cancers: oral, breast, and cervical.
- Emphasises health promotion, early detection, and strengthening treatment infrastructure.
- Strengthening of Tertiary Care for Cancer Scheme
- Expanding specialised cancer care facilities across states.
- Aims to decentralise cancer treatment for better accessibility.
- Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana (PMSSY): It includes the establishment and upgrade of government medical colleges and institutions, enhancing resources for cancer care and strengthening the National Cancer Grid (NCG).
- Ayushman Bharat Yojana (2018)
- Landmark health initiative for universal health coverage, especially for rural and vulnerable groups; Ensures cancer treatment within 30 days.
- Covers chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology for economically weaker families.
- Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF)
- It operates under Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN).
- Provides financial aid up to ₹5 lakh for BPL patients.
- National Cancer Grid (NCG) – 2012
- Ensures standardised, high-quality cancer care across India.
- Collaborates with Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY to provide affordable, evidence-based treatment.
- Union Budget 2025–26 Provisions
- Nearly ₹1 lakh crore has been allocated to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
- Day Care Cancer Centres: To be established in all district hospitals within three years.
- Customs Duty Exemptions: 36 lifesaving drugs for cancer, rare and chronic diseases are exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD) to reduce costs.
Awareness Programmes
- Community Awareness & Media – Ayushman Aarogya Mandir, social/print/electronic media, and observance of Cancer Awareness Days promote preventive health.
- Healthy Eating – FSSAI’s Eat Right India campaign encourages nutritious food habits.
- Fitness & Wellness – Fit India Movement and AYUSH-led yoga programs promote physical activity and holistic health.
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26 Sep 2025
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