New Delhi: According to data presented in the Rajya Sabha, 15.33 lakh new cancer cases were detected across the country in 2024, up from 14.96 lakh in 2023 and 14.61 lakh in 2022. In the national capital, Delhi alone, 28,387 new cases were reported in 2024, up from 27,561 in 2023 and 26,735 in 2022. This indicates that despite the expansion of screening and treatment facilities, the pressure on cancer care (oncology) services in Delhi continues to grow.
According to new projections from the ICMR-National Cancer Registry Program, Uttar Pradesh tops the list in the country with 2.21 lakh new cancer cases in 2024. Maharashtra reported 1.27 lakh new cases, followed by West Bengal with 1.18 lakh, Bihar with 1.15 lakh, and Tamil Nadu with 98,386 new cases. Although the overall number of cases in Delhi is lower than in other states, Delhi remains among the worst-affected areas when measured by population density.
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Responding to the questions raised in Rajya Sabha, Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Shri JP Nadda gave his remarks on Janani Shishu Suraksha Karyakram, highlighting advancements in cancer care. He emphasized the establishment of a large-scale National Cancer Institute, comparable to leading institutions, and the expansion of medical colleges within AIIMS. He also discussed the crucial role of community health officers in NCD Screening and connecting patients through a hub-and-spoke model, enabling early detection and treatment of various cancers.
Oncologists warn that lifestyle factors, pollution, and delayed diagnosis are contributing to the rising number of cancer cases in Delhi. Experts say this increase indicates a changing health risk environment in India. Dr. Ankit Jain, Senior Consultant, Medical Oncology, Indraprastha Apollo Hospital, explained that more patients are now presenting to hospitals at a younger age and in the early stages of the disease. This highlights how rapidly the risk environment is changing. Dr. Jain said that toxic air, stress, unhealthy diet, and low screening in Delhi are creating favorable conditions for cancer. Furthermore, delays in treatment are putting a constant strain on cancer care services.
Elaborating on lifestyle-related risks, Dr. Pooja Babbar, Medical Oncologist at Fortis Manesar, said that long working hours, lack of physical activity, increased dependence on processed food, and increasing use of tobacco and alcohol are rapidly increasing the risk of cancer. She added that Delhi’s poor air quality particularly increases the risk for lung cancer. Dr. Babbar said that in many cases, cancer is detected late because people ignore early symptoms or delay consulting a doctor. Dr. Babbar further said, “Small, regular lifestyle changes and timely screening can make a huge difference in cancer prevention and treatment.”
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