Breast, cervical and ovarian cancer cases have increased steadily across India over the last five years, with fatalities also climbing, according to fresh government data tabled in Parliament. The figures highlight the growing burden of cancers that disproportionately affect women and underline the urgent need for early detection and timely care.
Cases Climb Sharply Over Five Years
Data from the National Cancer Registry Programme shows that breast cancer cases rose from nearly 2.13 lakh in 2021 to around 2.4 lakh in 2025. Similarly, cervical cancer cases increased from about 77,000 to more than 79,000 during the same period. Ovarian cancer cases also saw a notable rise, climbing from roughly 45,000 to nearly 49,500.
Cancer Deaths Also Continue to Rise
Alongside rising case numbers, cancer-related deaths have followed a similar upward trend. Breast cancer deaths increased from approximately 91,700 in 2021 to over 1.03 lakh in 2025. Meanwhile, cervical cancer deaths rose from around 41,500 to nearly 42,800, and ovarian cancer deaths grew from about 27,600 to more than 30,000 over five years.
High Burden States and Regional Disparities
Large states such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu and Karnataka reported the highest absolute number of breast and cervical cancer cases. At the same time, northeastern states including Assam, Mizoram and Manipur continued to record disproportionately high cervical cancer rates relative to their population size. As per Times of India, health experts have long flagged these regional disparities as a major public health concern.
Govt Attributes Rise to Better Detection
The Union health ministry shared the data in response to a Rajya Sabha question and said the increase reflects not only a growing disease burden but also improved detection through expanded screening programmes across the country.
Experts Call for Faster Screening and Vaccination
However, oncologists stressed that the figures reveal persistent gaps in prevention and care. Dr Pragya Shukla, head of clinical oncology at the Delhi State Cancer Institute, said the data reinforces the urgent need to accelerate screening, HPV vaccination, early referral and affordable treatment. She warned that lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis continue to drive preventable deaths.
Centre Expands Cancer Care Infrastructure
In response, the Centre said it is strengthening cancer services under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Currently, 770 district NCD clinics, 364 district day-care cancer centres and over 6,400 NCD clinics at community health centres are operational nationwide. Additionally, the government has approved 297 more district day-care cancer centres for 2025–26.
Screening Drive and AIIMS Expansion Underway
Moreover, the government is scaling up population-based screening for people aged 30 years and above to enable early detection of breast and cervical cancer. The ministry added that 19 State Cancer Institutes, 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centres and cancer facilities across 22 new AIIMS are also part of the ongoing expansion.