Population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) covering 10–18% of India’s population across 23 states/UTs (2015–2019) provide insights into incidence, mortality, and geographical disparities.

• Estimated 2024 burden: 15.6 lakh cases, 8.74 lakh deaths. Data informs public health planning, policy interventions, and resource allocation.

About the Study

• Data Source: Analysis of 43 cancer registries (2015–2019).
• Findings: Recorded 7.08 lakh cancer cases and 2.06 lakh deaths.
  • The lifetime risk of developing cancer in India stood at 11%.
• Conducted By: Researchers from AIIMS Delhi, Tata Memorial, and Adyar Cancer Institute.
• Exclusion: 2020 data omitted due to COVID-19 impact on health systems.

Key Trends

1. Gender-based Trends

• Disparity due to types of cancers prevalent in women: Early detection is possible in Breast and cervical cancers; better prognosis and survival, supported by screening programs.
• Men’s leading cancers: oral, lung, liver, stomach, oesophagus – typically diagnosed late, poorer outcomes.

2. Rising Oral Cancer

• Prevalence: Oral cancer has surpassed lung cancer as the most common cancer in men.
• Risk Factors: Despite a decline in tobacco use (34.6% → 28.6% from 2009–2017), the long latency period (~20 years) and alcohol consumption contribute to rising incidence.
• Combined Risk: Alcohol and tobacco together increase the risk of oral, gastric, colorectal, and liver cancers.

3. Regional Variations

• Highest incidence reported from Aizawl: males 198.4/100,000; females 172.5/100,000.
• Contributing factors:
  • High tobacco and betel nut use.
  • Dietary habits: sa-um (fermented pork fat), smoked/salted meats and fish, very spicy food, hot beverages, soda additives.
  • Environmental/infectious exposures: H. pylori, hepatitis, Salmonella typhi, HPV.
  • Indoor pollution from heating practices.
• Lifestyle and environmental risk factors lead to a high cancer burden in the Northeast.

4. Geographical Spread of Key Cancers

• Breast cancer: Hyderabad – 54/100,000.
• Cervical cancer: Aizawl – 27.1/100,000.
• Lung cancer: Men – Srinagar 39.5; Women – Aizawl 33.7.
• Oral cancer: Men – Ahmedabad 33.6; Women – East Khasi Hills 13.6.
• Prostate cancer: Srinagar – 12.7/100,000.
• Lung cancer is prevalent in southern/metropolitan cities: Visakhapatnam, Bengaluru, Kollam, Thiruvananthapuram, Malabar region, Chennai, and Delhi.
• Oral cancer is prevalent in western, central, and northern regions (e.g., Ahmedabad, Bhopal, Mumbai, Prayagraj).

Significance of the Analysis

• Targeted Cancer Programs: Highlights the need for screening, awareness, early detection, and timely treatment.

• Breast Cancer Burden: With 30% of female cancer cases, focused screening and awareness campaigns are crucial.
• Cervical Cancer Control: Stresses HPV vaccination and regular screening due to high incidence across registries.
• Regional Focus – Northeast: Calls for strengthened healthcare infrastructure, community participation, and lifestyle interventions in the region.
• Prevention Potential: As per the WHO, 30–50% of cancers are preventable through lifestyle changes and early detection, underlining the role of public health initiatives.

Initiatives Towards a Cancer-Free India

• National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS)(2010)
  • 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 (2019)
  • Expanding specialised cancer care facilities across states.
  • Aims to decentralise cancer treatment for better accessibility.
• 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) (2009)
  • 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 – PMJAY 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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