Cancer Risk in India: Study Reveals 1 in 11 People Could Face the Disease, Northeast Worst Affected

Cancer continues to emerge as one of the deadliest health challenges in India, with new research highlighting alarming trends. A recent study based on data collected between 2015 and 2019 has revealed that nearly 1 in 11 Indians is likely to develop cancer during their lifetime. Experts warn that the rising cases and regional disparities make it a growing public health concern.

Rising Cases Across the Country

According to the findings, India reported 15.6 lakh new cancer cases in 2024, with approximately 8.74 lakh deaths linked to the disease. While the study only covered around 10–18% of the population across 23 states and union territories, it provides crucial insights into cancer incidence, mortality, and demographic differences.

Women accounted for 51.1% of total cases, though their mortality rate (45%) was lower compared to men. Researchers say this is largely because breast and uterine cancers, which make up about 40% of cancer cases among women, are easier to detect in early stages, improving survival chances.

Gender Differences in Cancer Types

Dr. Prashant Mathur, Director of the ICMR – National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research, explained that while women face higher risks of breast and uterine cancers, these are often diagnosed early, making treatment more effective.

On the other hand, men are more likely to suffer from lung and stomach cancers, which are typically diagnosed late. According to AIIMS oncologist Dr. Abhishek Shankar, this late detection leads to higher fatality rates among men. Unlike breast cancer, which shows visible symptoms such as lumps, lung cancer progresses silently, often without early warning signs.

Lifestyle Risks: Tobacco and Alcohol

The study also highlights concerning lifestyle factors driving cancer rates. Oral cancer has now become the most common cancer among Indian men, surpassing lung cancer. This trend persists despite a drop in tobacco use among adults—from 34.6% in 2009-10 to 28.6% in 2016-17.

Experts attribute this to rising alcohol consumption, which not only damages the liver but also increases the risk of cancers in the mouth, throat, stomach, and colon. The combined effect of tobacco and alcohol use significantly raises cancer risks.

Northeast India: The Epicenter of Cancer Risk

The study reveals that Northeastern states record the highest cancer incidence rates in the country, with both men and women facing elevated risks. Among women, cervical, lung, and oral cancers are particularly widespread.

Several factors contribute to this trend:

• High tobacco consumption among both men and women.
• Traditional diets, including smoked or heavily spiced meats and fish.
• Infectious agents like HPV, Hepatitis, and Helicobacter pylori, which increase cancer susceptibility.

Mizoram stands out as the state with the highest cancer risk in India. Here, 21.1% of men and 18.9% of women are expected to develop cancer during their lifetime—almost double the national average.

The Bigger Picture

The rising cancer burden poses major challenges for India’s healthcare system. Despite progress in awareness and treatment, late detection, lifestyle-related risks, and unequal access to healthcare facilities continue to push mortality rates upward.

Experts emphasize the need for:

• Stronger cancer screening programs for early detection.
• Public health campaigns to reduce tobacco and alcohol use.
• Improved healthcare infrastructure in high-risk regions like the Northeast.
• Awareness drives to educate communities about preventive measures and lifestyle changes.

Final Word

Cancer remains one of the most feared diseases, but awareness, early detection, and lifestyle modifications can make a significant difference. While women’s cancers such as breast and uterine cases are increasingly being caught early, men face the challenge of silent killers like lung and stomach cancers.

With 1 in every 11 Indians at risk, the latest findings serve as a wake-up call for individuals and policymakers alike. Addressing lifestyle risks, improving screening, and focusing on high-burden regions such as the Northeast are essential steps in India’s fight against cancer.