17 Sep 2025 : A recent Lancet study has raised alarms over the escalating burden of chronic diseases in India, highlighting that women are disproportionately affected. Despite global progress in reducing deaths from non-communicable diseases (NCDs), India is witnessing a worrying surge in conditions such as cancer, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Key Findings
According to the report, India has recorded a consistent increase in NCD prevalence over the past decade, with women showing higher vulnerability compared to men. The study indicates that lifestyle shifts, urban stress, sedentary habits, and poor nutrition are among the main drivers of this trend.
Notably, cancer rates among women have seen a steep rise, particularly breast and cervical cancers, while metabolic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension are becoming widespread across all age groups. The study also warns that younger populations are increasingly being diagnosed with diseases once considered age-related.
Global vs Indian Trends
Globally, deaths linked to NCDs like heart disease and diabetes have declined due to better awareness, early detection, and improved healthcare systems. However, India stands out as one of the few large countries where the curve is rising rather than falling.
Experts point out that India’s healthcare system has historically focused more on infectious diseases, leaving gaps in preventive care and screening for chronic conditions. This neglect is now showing in the country’s health data.
Why Women Are Most Affected
The report emphasizes a gendered dimension to chronic disease prevalence. Women in India often face delayed diagnosis, limited access to healthcare, and cultural barriers that prevent early treatment. Many continue to prioritize family responsibilities over their own health, leading to late-stage disease detection.
Nutritional deficiencies, particularly iron and vitamin D deficiency, further worsen outcomes for women, making them more prone to complications from diabetes and cardiovascular issues. “Women’s health needs a stronger policy focus. Ignoring gender disparities in healthcare can worsen India’s NCD crisis,” the study notes.
Government and Policy Response
The Indian government has launched several programs under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). However, experts argue that screening, community awareness, and lifestyle interventions remain inadequate.
There is also a call for greater investment in primary healthcare, especially for rural and underserved areas where access to diagnostic tools is limited. Public health advocates stress the importance of behavioral changes such as healthier diets, physical activity, and routine check-ups to reduce risk.
The Way Forward
The Lancet study concludes with a warning: if India fails to curb the rising tide of chronic diseases, it could face severe economic and social consequences. Lost productivity, rising healthcare costs, and increased premature mortality will place a heavy burden on families and the national economy.
“India’s health system must adapt to this new reality—chronic diseases are no longer the illnesses of tomorrow, they are the crisis of today,” the authors wrote.
Summary:
A new Lancet study warns of rising chronic diseases in India, disproportionately impacting women. Cancer, diabetes, and heart disease are surging, driven by lifestyle changes and inadequate preventive healthcare measures.