Fri Sep 05 20:20:40 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summary of the text, followed by a rewritten version as a news article suitable for The Hindu.
**Summary:**
A recent study reveals an alarming increase in cancer cases in Rajasthan, India, with Jaipur being the worst-hit city. The study, based on ICD-10 coded data from 2024, highlights a significantly higher cancer incidence rate in Rajasthan compared to the national average. Cancers of the lip, oral cavity, pharynx, and digestive organs are the most prevalent, linked to lifestyle factors like tobacco and alcohol use, and pesticide exposure. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital in Jaipur, a key data reporting center for the Indian Cancer Registry, emphasizes the need for urgent action and recommends primary prevention measures like reducing tobacco and alcohol use, alongside early detection and treatment strategies. The study emphasizes the need for comprehensive real-time statistical information to help policymakers and care providers address this escalating public health challenge.
**News Article:**
**Rajasthan Faces “Alarming Increase” in Cancer Cases; Jaipur Worst Hit**
*JAIPUR, September 6th, 2025* – A new study has revealed a concerning surge in cancer cases across Rajasthan, with rates significantly exceeding the national average. The findings, based on data from 2024, identify Jaipur as the epicenter of the crisis, reporting the highest number of cancer patients per capita in the state.
The study, utilizing the International Classification of Diseases (ICD)-10 coding, examined the geographic distribution of patients across Rajasthan. Out of 14,911 registered patients, 10,363 were diagnosed with cancer in 2024. The Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital in Jaipur, the central reporting hub for the Indian Cancer Registry, facilitated the data collection.
According to Shri Gopal Kabra, Director (Clinical) at Bhagwan Mahaveer Cancer Hospital, the high prevalence of oral, digestive, and respiratory cancers is directly linked to lifestyle factors. “Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, and exposure to pesticides are major contributors,” Dr. Kabra explained. He also noted the increasing incidence of breast and cervical cancer in women, underscoring the critical need for early detection and treatment programs.
The analysis revealed that Jaipur reported 2,837 patients, equivalent to 332.24 per one lakh population. Alwar, Ajmer, Sikar, and Jhunjhunu followed with 1,031, 855, 685, and 649 patients respectively. The overall cancer incidence in Rajasthan is estimated at 134.57 cases per one lakh population, surpassing India’s national average of 113.
“The alignment of data with the Indian Cancer Registry underscores the reliability of our findings. There is an urgent need to act on this escalating public health challenge,” Dr. Kabra said.
While oral and respiratory cancers are most prominent, the study also identified significant numbers of patients diagnosed with bone, cartilage, melanoma, soft tissue, male genital organ, urinary tract, thyroid, and endocrine-related malignancies.
Dr. Kabra stressed the importance of comprehensive, real-time data collection to inform policymakers and healthcare providers. He advocated for prioritizing primary prevention measures, including public awareness campaigns to reduce tobacco and alcohol consumption, and minimize pesticide exposure. Furthermore, he highlighted the crucial role of secondary prevention through early screening, diagnosis, and treatment to significantly reduce cancer prevalence in the state.
The rise in cancer centers within Jaipur over the past five years reflects the growing concern, although the patient load at Bhagwan Mahaveer Hospital remains consistently high. The hospital emphasized that the analysis should inform targeted interventions by policymakers and care providers in the region.
First Piper 