Cancer cases in India have been rising at a concerning pace in recent years. According to information presented in Parliament, since 2021 the country has been witnessing an average annual increase of around 28,000 new cancer cases and nearly 15,000 additional deaths each year. These numbers highlight a major public health challenge, although the central government and health authorities are taking several steps to address the growing burden of cancer.
The rise in cancer cases in India is attributed to several factors. The Ministry of Health has stated that increasing life expectancy, a growing elderly population, improved diagnostic technologies, and greater health awareness are contributing to higher detection rates. In many cases, cancers that earlier went undiagnosed are now being detected in time.
Government data indicates that India recorded around 1.35 million cancer cases in 2019, which increased to more than 1.53 million by 2024. Similarly, cancer-related deaths have also been rising steadily. In 2023, an estimated 820,000 deaths in India were attributed to cancer.
To tackle this growing challenge, the Government of India has launched several health initiatives and programs. One of the key initiatives is the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). The main objective of this program is to promote prevention, early detection, treatment, and awareness regarding non-communicable diseases including cancer.
Under this program, more than 700 district-level NCD clinics, around 268 day-care centers, and thousands of special clinics at community health centers have been established across the country. These facilities provide screening, counselling, and treatment guidance for cancer and other diseases.
To ensure early detection of cancer, the government has also launched nationwide screening programs. Special focus is given to the detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and oral cancer, particularly among women. Screening activities are conducted at both rural and urban levels under the National Health Mission to ensure wider access to healthcare services.
In addition, the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY) provides free or low-cost treatment for economically weaker sections. Through this scheme, millions of patients have been able to receive expensive hospital treatments that would otherwise be unaffordable.
The government is also expanding advanced cancer treatment infrastructure across the country. Several government medical colleges and super-speciality hospitals are being equipped with facilities such as radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and other modern treatment options.
A noticeable increase has been observed particularly in cancers affecting women, including breast cancer, cervical cancer, and ovarian cancer. In response, special screening and awareness programs targeting women have been introduced.
Research and data collection also play a crucial role in combating cancer. The Government of India, through the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), runs the National Cancer Registry Programme, which collects nationwide data on cancer cases. This information helps policymakers design better health strategies and plan medical infrastructure.
Health experts emphasize that three factors are critical in the fight against cancer — early detection, timely treatment, and public awareness. While the government is strengthening efforts in all these areas, the growing population and changing lifestyles continue to pose significant challenges.
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