India’s cancer burden has been steadily mounting over the past decade, but what is particularly worrying is that cancer-related deaths are rising at a far faster rate than new diagnoses.
According to a written reply in the Lok Sabha by Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav on December 5, 2025, the total number of cancer cases in India increased from 13.9 lakh in 2015 to 15.3 lakh in 2024—a 10.4% rise. During the same period, cancer mortality climbed from 6.8 lakh to 8.7 lakh, marking a 28.6% spike.
This widening gap pushed India’s mortality-to-incidence ratio from 49% in 2015 to 57% in 2024, indicating that a significantly higher proportion of diagnosed patients are dying today compared to a decade ago.
India Now Third-Highest Worldwide
The government reply also cites findings from the Global Cancer Observatory of the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), which show India recording the third-highest number of cancer cases globally. The estimated cancer incidence rate in India stands at 98.5 cases per lakh population, behind China (201.6 per lakh) and the United States (367 per lakh).
Trend Over Time
The time-series data indicates:
- A steady rise in cancer cases until 2018
- A noticeable dip in 2019
- A return to year-on-year growth from 2020 onwards, culminating in 2024 levels
State-Wise Data: Stark Contrasts in Per Capita Burden
India’s national average in 2024 was 109 cancer cases per lakh population. However, the burden varies greatly across states:
Highest per capita cancer rates (2024):
- Kerala: 170 cases per lakh
- Mizoram: 169
- Andhra Pradesh: 144
- Karnataka: 139
- Telangana: 137
Urbanised and coastal regions also reported elevated rates:
- Delhi: 131
- Punjab: 137
- Tamil Nadu: 128
- Himachal Pradesh: 127
Lowest per capita cancer rates (2024):
- Daman & Diu: 28
- Dadra & Nagar Haveli: 36
- Lakshadweep: 46
- Manipur: 69
- Tripura: 69
Large States Add to the Absolute Burden
Even though some northern and eastern states have lower per capita rates, their large populations contribute heavily to India’s overall caseload. In 2024:
- Uttar Pradesh: 2.21 lakh cases
- Maharashtra: 1.28 lakh
- West Bengal: 1.19 lakh
- Tamil Nadu: 98,386
Together, these states account for a significant portion of the national cancer burden.
A Warning Sign for India’s Healthcare System
The sharp rise in mortality compared to incidence highlights critical gaps in:
- Early detection
- Screening programs
- Access to affordable treatment
- Oncology infrastructure
With an ageing population and lifestyle-related risk factors increasing, experts warn that India must urgently strengthen cancer care systems to prevent further escalation of mortality.
Disclaimer: This content, including any advice, is intended for general informational purposes only. It should not be considered a substitute for professional medical consultation.