The incidence of cancer in India has increased by 26%, rising from 84.8 per 100,000 population in 1990 to 107.2 in 2023, according to a new study published in The Lancet. The study reveals that cancer-related deaths have also risen by 21% during this period, even with advancements in treatment options.
In stark contrast, both cancer incidence and mortality rates have significantly decreased in the United States and China over the past 33 years. Dr. Abhishek Shankar, a radiation oncologist at AIIMS Delhi, attributes this disparity to robust tobacco control measures, universal vaccination, and organized screening programs in these countries. He noted that India continues to struggle with high tobacco use, obesity, infectious diseases, and limited access to early detection.
The study indicates that early detection and effective treatment methods remain unevenly applied, particularly for evidence-based strategies such as HPV and Hepatitis-B vaccinations, mammography, lung cancer screening with low-dose CT, and colonoscopy. Dr. Shankar emphasized the importance of strengthening risk prevention strategies and expanding evidence-based screening programs as part of India’s universal health coverage.
Lead author Dr. Lisa Force from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME) at the University of Washington stated, “Cancer remains an important contributor to disease burden globally and our study highlights how it is anticipated to grow substantially over the coming decades, with disproportionate growth in countries with limited resources.” She pointed out that cancer control policies remain under-prioritized on a global scale and that many regions lack sufficient funding to address this challenge.
According to the study, cancer incidence has dropped by 19% in China and by 20% in the US between 1990 and 2023, with significant reductions in mortality rates—43% in China and 33% in the US. Furthermore, approximately 42% (4.3 million) of the estimated 10.4 million cancer deaths in 2023 are attributed to 44 potentially modifiable risk factors, suggesting that preventive actions could be effective.
The study highlights that behavioral risk factors, particularly tobacco use, accounted for 21% of cancer deaths globally, serving as the leading risk factor across various country income levels. In low-income countries, unsafe sex was the primary risk factor responsible for 12.5% of cancer deaths. A parliamentary committee report from 2023 has called for raising taxes on tobacco products in India to enhance affordability challenges and mitigate cancer risks.
The committee recommends that the Health Ministry work with the Department of Revenue to expedite decisions regarding tobacco taxation and emphasizes the need to link the Population-Based Cancer Registry with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission for real-time cancer patient data. This initiative aims to provide digital health IDs for all Indian citizens to streamline access to health records.
Most cancer cases in India are diagnosed at late stages, resulting in poor prognosis. The parliamentary committee urged the implementation of a mass movement for timely cancer screening, suggesting that a dedicated day each month be established for cancer screenings, similar to initiatives for reproductive and child health.
