The National Cancer Registry Programme Report 2020, recently released, forecasts that cancer cases in India are set to increase by 12% and reach 15.6 lakhs in 2025. This research report was initiated by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), Bengaluru.
Projected Number of Cases
According to the report, the number of cancer cases is expected to rise from 13.9 lakhs in 2020 to nearly 15.6 lakhs by 2025.
The Major Culprit: Tobacco
Tobacco-related cancers are predicted to account for 27.1% of the total cancer burden. These types of cancers were the most prevalent in the northeastern region of India and were largely found in men.
Cancer Prevalence by Gender
In women, breast cancers and cervical cancer (a tumor of the cervix – the lowermost part of the uterus) are estimated to contribute 14.8% and 5.4% respectively to the total cancer cases. Both men and women are susceptible to gastrointestinal tract cancers, which constitute 19.7% of the total burden. Men are more prone to cancers of the lung, mouth, stomach, and oesophagus (the muscular tube linking the throat and stomach).
Detection and Progression
Lung cancers are commonly identified at a stage where they have spread to distant parts of the body. On the other hand, cancers of the head and neck, stomach, breast, and cervix are generally confined to a localized region upon detection.
Cancer Incidence Rate
For males, the incidence rate ranges between 269.4 (in Aizawl, Mizoram) and 39.5 (in Osmanabad and Beed, Maharashtra) per 1,00,000 population. For females, the rate ranges from 219.8 (in Papumpare, Arunachal Pradesh) to 49.4 (in Osmanabad and Beed, Maharashtra) per 1,00,000 population.
Trends in Cancer Incidence
The report noted a significant upward trend in incidence rates of breast cancer in women and lung and head and neck cancers in both genders. A contrasting declining trend was observed for cervical cancer in most registries.
Understanding Cancer
Cancer is a term for a large group of diseases marked by abnormal cell growth beyond their usual boundaries that can invade adjacent parts of the body and/or spread to other organs. It is among the leading causes of death globally. Each year on February 4th, the Union for International Cancer Control (UICC) organizes World Cancer Day. The theme for 2020 was ‘I Am and I Will’, emphasizing individuals’ potential to create an impact on the global cancer burden.
About Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
ICMR, India’s premier body for biomedical research formulation, coordination, and promotion, aims to conduct, coordinate, and implement medical research for societal benefit. It translates medical innovations into applicable products/processes and introduces them into the public health system. The Government of India funds it through the Department of Health Research, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
About National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR)
NCDIR is a unique institution that incorporates information science into health research. Its objective is to develop and maintain a national research database on prevalent diseases like cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and stroke by leveraging recent advances in electronic information technology.
Last Modified: February 8, 2024