Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru

Mangaluru, Mar 28: The number of cancer cases in Dakshina Kannada (DK) district is on the rise, with 13,322 individuals diagnosed with cancer in government and private hospitals over the past one year.

Under the state’s ‘Gruha Arogya’ scheme and the non-communicable disease detection campaign, cancer screening drives are being conducted. During 2025-26, in Dakshina Kannada district, including patients from within and outside the district, oral cancer was detected in 1,540 individuals in both private and government hospitals. Breast cancer was diagnosed in 938 persons, cervical cancer in 539, and other types of cancer in 10,305 individuals.

Compared to government hospitals, a higher number of cancer cases have been reported in private hospitals. In 2023-24, 1,045 cases were recorded, while in 2024-25, the number rose to 1,411. However, during that period, the health department was not collecting data from private hospitals.

From the past year, cancer cases diagnosed in private hospitals are also being officially recorded. Changes in people’s lifestyle over the years and increased awareness about disease detection have contributed to the rise in reported cases. Under the state government’s Gruha Arogya scheme, ASHA workers visit every household in rural areas and conduct screening for individuals above 30 years of age.