A new study published in The Lancet has revealed that cancer incidence in India rose by 26% between 1990 and 2023, increasing from 84.8 to 107.2 cases per 1 lakh population. During the same period, cancer-related deaths in the country grew by 21%, despite notable advances in treatment.
India Lags Behind Global Progress
In contrast, both cancer incidence and mortality rates declined significantly in the US and China over the past 33 years. According to Dr. Abhishek Shankar, radiation oncologist at AIIMS Delhi, the success in these countries stems from strong tobacco control, universal vaccination, and organised screening programs. He noted that India continues to struggle due to high tobacco use, obesity, infections, and limited access to early detection.
Modifiable Risk Factors Drive Millions of Deaths
The study linked 42% of the estimated 10.4 million cancer deaths in 2023—equivalent to 4.3 million deaths—to 44 potentially modifiable risk factors. Tobacco use alone contributed to 21% of cancer deaths globally, making it the leading cause across all income levels except in low-income countries, where unsafe sex emerged as the top risk factor.
Preventive Strategies Remain Uneven
Evidence-based interventions such as HPV and Hepatitis-B vaccination, mammography, lung cancer screening with low-dose CT, colonoscopy screening, and timely treatment remain inconsistent or inadequate in India. Dr. Shankar stressed: “For India to reverse its trajectory, we must urgently strengthen risk prevention strategies, expand evidence-based screening programmes, and integrate cancer care into the universal health coverage agenda.”
Global Perspective on Cancer Burden
Study lead author Dr. Lisa Force from the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation (IHME), University of Washington, emphasized: “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 also pointed out that cancer control policies remain under-prioritised and funding is insufficient in many parts of the world.
Declining Trends in the US and China
As reported by TOI, the report showed a 19% decline in cancer incidence in China and a 20% decline in the US between 1990 and 2023. Mortality rates also dropped significantly—by 43% in China and 33% in the US—underscoring the impact of strong preventive and control measures.
Policy Recommendations for India
A parliamentary committee report tabled in 2023 recommended higher taxes on tobacco products to make them less affordable. It also urged linking the Population-Based Cancer Registry with the Ayushman Bharat Digital Mission to create real-time cancer data accessible through digital health IDs.
Need for Mass Screening Campaigns
Most cancer cases in India continue to be detected at late stages, leading to poor prognosis. To tackle this, the parliamentary committee recommended introducing cancer screening as a mass movement under the Jan Aandolan model. It suggested dedicating “one day a month” for cancer screening, similar to existing reproductive and child health programs, to promote early detection.