Government Launches Nationwide Screening Campaign Amid Rising Cases
New Delhi: Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Bihar, and Tamil Nadu have reported the highest incidence of cancer cases in India, the Centre stated on Friday.
In a written reply, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav highlighted that, in response to the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), the health ministry has launched a nationwide screening campaign from February 20 to March 31. The initiative aims for 100% screening of individuals aged 30 and above across Ayushman Arogya Mandirs and other healthcare facilities.
Cancer Incidence & Future Projections
Quoting data from the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)-National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), the minister provided the estimated cancer cases in the top five affected states:
- Uttar Pradesh – 2,10,958 cases
- Maharashtra – 1,21,717 cases
- West Bengal – 1,13,581 cases
- Bihar – 1,09,274 cases
- Tamil Nadu – 93,536 cases
The total estimated cancer cases in India for 2025 are projected to reach 15,69,793, while Global Cancer Observatory data suggests that by 2040, this number may increase to 22,18,694.
Reasons Behind the Rise in Cancer Cases
The ICMR attributes the increase in cancer cases to several factors, including:
- Improved diagnostic techniques leading to better detection
- Increased life expectancy and a growing geriatric population
- Greater health consciousness and improved healthcare-seeking behavior
- Higher risk factors such as tobacco and alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and lack of physical activity
India’s Cancer Burden Compared Globally
India currently records 14,13,316 cancer cases (98.5 per 100,000 population), making it the third highest in the world after:
- China – 48,24,703 cases (201.6 per 100,000)
- United States – 23,80,189 cases (367 per 100,000)
The most common cancers in India are lung cancer among males and breast cancer among females.
Government’s Initiative to Strengthen Cancer Care
As part of the Union Budget 2025-26, the government plans to establish 200 new Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCCs) in district hospitals across India. This builds on the existing 372 DCCCs, aiming to:
- Bring cancer care closer to rural and underserved communities
- Reduce the burden on tertiary care hospitals
The initiative is expected to enhance accessibility and affordability of cancer treatment, improving early detection and outcomes.
