Daijiworld Media Network – New Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 8: Cancer continues to be one of the deadliest diseases in India, with new data from 43 Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) revealing 7.08 lakh cases and 2.06 lakh deaths between 2015 and 2019. The study, published in JAMA under the title “Cancer Incidence and Mortality Across 43 Cancer Registries in India”, paints a grim picture of the growing cancer burden in the country.

According to the findings, over half of the cases were reported among women (51%), while men recorded a higher mortality rate at 55%. Among women, breast cancer (2.38 lakh), cervix (78,499), and ovarian (48,984) were the most common, while among men, oral cancer (1.13 lakh), lung (74,763), and prostate (49,998) topped the list.

Researchers pointed out that cancers of the female genital system accounted for 1.71 lakh cases in women, while oral cavity and pharyngeal cancers contributed to 2.17 lakh cases in men. “This underscores the urgent need to strengthen cancer prevention and control measures in India,” the study noted.

The findings further revealed a sharp rise in cancer incidence in rural areas, especially in Kerala and Assam. “An average of 76 men and 67 women per one lakh population were affected in areas with over 50% rural population,” the study said.

Northeastern states such as Mizoram, Aizawl, East Khasi Hills, Papumpare, and Kamrup Urban consistently recorded the highest incidence rates, with oesophageal cancer proving particularly prevalent in the region. Mizoram reported the highest lifetime risk — 21.1% in men and 18.9% in women.

Among metro cities, Delhi saw the highest incidence rate at 146 per 100,000 population, while Ahmedabad reported a notable increase of 4.7% in men and 6.9% in women.

Looking ahead, the study estimated that India could record 15.62 lakh new cancer cases and 8.74 lakh deaths in 2024 alone. The lifetime risk of developing cancer in India now stands at 11%.