A new study led by the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and published in JAMA Network Open highlights key trends in India’s cancer burden.
The analysis, based on 708,223 cancer cases and 206,457 mortality cases from 43 population-based cancer registries (PBCRs) between 2015–2019, found that:
Incidence: More than 50% of cases were reported among women, compared to 49% in men.
Mortality: Men accounted for a higher death share (55%) compared to women (45%).
Males: Mouth cancer (113,249), lung cancer (74,763), prostate cancer (49,998).
Females: Breast cancer (238,085), cervical cancer (78,499), ovarian cancer (48,984).
Cancers of the female genital system contributed to 171,497 cases, while cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx accounted for 217,327 cases in men.
Rural regions showed a sharp rise, with 76 men and 67 women per 100,000 affected in areas with >50% rural population.
Kerala and Assam reported the highest rural cancer burden.
Northeastern states (Aizawl, East Khasi Hills, Papumpare, Kamrup Urban, Mizoram) recorded the highest incidence, with oesophageal cancer particularly prevalent.
Among metros, Delhi reported the highest rate (146 per 100,000), while Ahmedabad showed a rising trend of 4.7% in men and 6.9% in women.
Researchers project 1,562,099 new cancer cases and 874,404 deaths in 2024. Of these, 781,277 cases are expected in women and 780,822 in men.
“These findings highlight the urgent need to strengthen cancer prevention and control strategies, especially in rural and high-incidence regions,” the authors emphasized.