High Cancer Mortality Rate in India
Nearly three out of five people in India die following a cancer diagnosis, according to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). This alarming statistic is based on data from GLOBOCAN 2022, an international database providing cancer statistics for 185 countries.
India ranks third globally in new cancer cases, following China and the United States. The study, published in The Lancet Regional – Southeast Asia, reveals that India’s incidence-to-mortality ratio stands at 65%, meaning that for every five people diagnosed with cancer, three succumb to the disease. By comparison, China’s ratio is 50%, while the U.S. has a much lower 23%.
Cancer Risk Across Different Age Groups
ICMR’s study highlights age-related cancer risks:
Children (0-14 years) and reproductive-age individuals (15-49 years) have a 0.1% to 2.3% chance of developing cancer and a 0.08% to 1.3% chance of dying from it.
Middle-aged (50-69 years) and geriatric individuals (70+ years) face a significantly higher risk, with an 8.3% to 10.3% chance of developing cancer and a 5.5% to 7.6% chance of dying from it.
Women Face a Disproportionate Cancer Burden
The study also points out that women in India bear a higher cancer burden than men.
- Women’s crude cancer incidence rate: 104.5 per 100,000 population
- Women’s crude mortality rate: 64.2 per 100,000 population
- Men’s crude cancer incidence rate: 91.5 per 100,000 population
- Men’s crude mortality rate: 62.2 per 100,000 population
Rising Cancer Mortality and Future Projections
Cancer mortality rates in India have been steadily increasing for the past two decades. Future projections indicate that these numbers will continue to rise, with mortality rates expected to grow from 64.7 per 100,000 in 2022 to 109.6 per 100,000 by 2050.
ICMR warns that India will face an even greater challenge in the coming years due to the transition of the current reproductive-age population (15-49 years) into middle-aged (50-69 years) and geriatric (70+ years) groups.
Call for Proactive Measures
Experts stress the need for a multi-pronged approach to combat cancer.
Dr. Harit Chaturvedi, Chairperson of Max Institute of Cancer Care, emphasizes the importance of raising awareness about unhealthy eating habits and sedentary lifestyles, which contribute to cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
He also calls for better access to affordable diagnostic facilities and treatment to improve early detection and survival rates.
Government Plans to Expand Cancer Care Services
Recognizing the growing cancer crisis, the Indian government announced in the Union Budget 2025-26 that it plans to establish daycare cancer centers in all 759 districts. These centers will provide:
- Chemotherapy services
- Essential medications
- Biopsy facilities
- Cancer screening for high-risk individuals
As reported by economictimes, senior health ministry officials state that these centers will play a crucial role in early detection and timely treatment, reducing cancer mortality rates in the long run.
India stands at a critical juncture in its fight against cancer. With comprehensive awareness campaigns, improved healthcare infrastructure, and proactive policy measures, the country can work towards reducing the cancer burden and improving survival rates.