India Records 15.3 Lakh Cancer Cases in 2024; Government Steps Up Fight Against NCDs

India has seen a steady rise in cancer cases, reaching an estimated 15.33 lakh in 2024, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) National Cancer Registry Programme data disclosed by Union Minister Jadhav in the Lok Sabha. This marks a significant increase from 13.5 lakh cases reported in 2019, with incremental rises each year—13.9 lakh in 2020, 14.2 lakh in 2021, 14.6 lakh in 2022, and 14.9 lakh in 2023.

The death toll from cancer has also surged, with an estimated 8.2 lakh deaths in 2023—the highest since 2019, when 7.5 lakh deaths were recorded. The numbers for the intervening years have steadily increased, indicating a worrying trend in cancer mortality.

Jadhav attributed the rise in cancer incidence to multiple factors including better diagnostic capabilities, increased life expectancy, a growing elderly population, higher health awareness, and proactive health-seeking behavior. Furthermore, lifestyle and behavioral risks such as tobacco and alcohol use, unhealthy diets high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats, and insufficient physical activity have compounded the problem.

In response, the government has enhanced its National Programme for Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), targeting the prevention and control of risk factors associated with cancer and other NCDs. The program emphasizes health promotion, early diagnosis, effective treatment, case management, referral systems, infrastructure strengthening, and capacity building at all healthcare levels. Awareness campaigns and behavior change communication are also key pillars of this integrated approach aimed at curbing premature morbidity and mortality.

This initiative, supported by the National Cancer Registry Programme, aims to improve outcomes for cancer patients through comprehensive healthcare services, including screening for common cancers like oral, breast, and cervical cancer under national health schemes.

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