Mon Feb 24 10:44:13 UTC 2025: ## India Faces Dire Cancer Crisis: Three in Five Diagnosed Die, Women Disproportionately Affected

**New Delhi, India** – A new study published in *The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia* paints a grim picture of India’s cancer burden, revealing that a staggering 60% of individuals diagnosed with cancer succumb to the disease. The research, conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), utilized data from the Global Cancer Observatory (GLOBOCAN) 2022 and Global Health Observatory (GHO) databases, analyzing trends across 36 cancer types over the past two decades.

India ranks third globally in cancer incidence, after China and the U.S., accounting for over 10% of worldwide cancer deaths – second only to China. The study highlights a stark contrast with the U.S., where the incidence-to-mortality ratio is approximately one in four, and China, where it’s one in two.

The research reveals a significant gender disparity, with women bearing a disproportionate burden. Breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer in India, accounting for 13.8% of new cases across both genders, and nearly 30% of new cases among women alone. Cervical cancer is the third most common cancer among women, comprising over 19% of new cases and almost 20% of related deaths. Among men, oral cancer is the most common (16% of new cases), followed by respiratory and oesophageal cancers.

The study projects a concerning rise in cancer cases over the next two decades, with a projected two percent annual increase, driven partly by an aging population. The highest cancer burden is observed in the geriatric age group (70 years and above), followed by the reproductive age group (15-49 years). Middle-aged and older individuals face an 8-10% higher chance of developing cancer, with a 5.5-7.7% chance of death from the disease.

The findings underscore the urgent need for targeted interventions and strategies to combat the escalating cancer crisis in India, with approximately 70% of cases and deaths occurring in middle-aged and older individuals. The study represents the first comprehensive assessment of India’s cancer landscape, emphasizing the critical need for improved prevention, early detection, and treatment strategies.

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