5 Sep 2025: India is facing an unprecedented cancer crisis, with new cases rising at an alarming rate, according to the latest report from the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP). Experts warn that cancer has now become one of the leading causes of premature death in the country, and urgent action is required to prevent an impending public health disaster.
Rising Numbers and Key Findings
The NCRP report reveals that over 15 lakh (1.5 million) new cancer cases are being reported annually, with breast, cervical, lung, and colorectal cancers leading the chart. Worryingly, cancer incidence is growing fastest in urban centers, where lifestyle risk factors such as smoking, alcohol consumption, processed food intake, and pollution are most prevalent.
The northeastern states report the highest cancer prevalence rates, particularly esophageal and stomach cancers, largely attributed to dietary habits such as betel nut chewing and consumption of smoked meats.
Contributing Factors
Medical experts say that India’s cancer crisis is being fueled by:
- Tobacco use, responsible for nearly 27% of all cancer deaths.
- Sedentary lifestyles and increasing obesity, particularly among urban youth.
- Environmental pollution, including air pollution linked to lung cancer.
- Late diagnosis, with nearly 60% of cases detected at advanced stages.
Lack of Awareness and Screening
One of the biggest challenges remains early detection. A large percentage of Indians do not undergo routine cancer screenings, leading to delayed diagnoses and reduced survival rates.
“Awareness campaigns are limited and mostly urban-focused. Rural populations remain largely unaware of the early symptoms and risk factors,” says Dr. Anuradha Sharma, an oncologist at AIIMS.
Government and Private Sector Initiatives
The Union Health Ministry recently announced plans to expand the National Cancer Control Programme with more screening centers at district hospitals, subsidized chemotherapy, and tele-oncology services to reach remote areas. Private hospitals are also partnering with NGOs to run free screening camps for breast and cervical cancer.
Call to Action
Experts insist that prevention and education are crucial. Reducing tobacco and alcohol use, promoting healthy eating, encouraging physical activity, and creating robust screening programs are essential to reversing the trend.
“Cancer should not be a death sentence if caught early,” says Dr. Sharma. “But we must act now — as a nation — to make early detection and treatment accessible to all.”
Summary
India faces a growing cancer crisis with rising cases and late diagnoses. Experts urge awareness campaigns, early screenings, and lifestyle changes to curb the trend and save millions of lives.