New Delhi: Over the last five years, the incidence of breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers in India has shown a consistent rise, accompanied by an increase in mortality rates, according to recent government statistics presented in Parliament. As per a report in TOI, data from the National Cancer Registry Programme indicates that breast cancer cases grew from approximately 213,000 in 2021 to nearly 240,000 in 2025. Cervical cancer cases rose from about 77,000 to over 79,000, while ovarian cancer cases increased from around 45,000 to close to 49,500 during the same timeframe.
The number of deaths due to these cancers has also escalated. Breast cancer fatalities went up from roughly 91,700 in 2021 to more than 103,000 in 2025. Deaths from cervical cancer increased from about 41,500 to nearly 42,800, and ovarian cancer deaths rose from approximately 27,600 to over 30,000 within five years.
States such as Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka reported the highest absolute numbers of breast and cervical cancer cases. Meanwhile, northeastern states including Assam, Mizoram, and Manipur exhibited disproportionately high cervical cancer rates relative to their population sizes.
The Union health ministry shared this information in response to a question in the Rajya Sabha, noting that the rise in cases reflects both a growing disease burden and enhanced detection due to expanded screening efforts. Oncologists highlighted the need for urgent attention to these trends. Dr. Pragya Shukla, head of clinical oncology at Delhi State Cancer Institute, emphasized the importance of accelerating screening programs, HPV vaccination, timely referrals, and affordable treatment, pointing out that gaps in awareness and early intervention continue to contribute to preventable deaths.
To combat this increase, the government is reinforcing cancer care initiatives under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases. Currently, there are 770 district NCD clinics, 364 district day-care cancer centres, and over 6,400 NCD clinics at community health centres operating nationwide. Additionally, 297 more district day-care cancer centres have been approved for 2025–26.
Efforts to expand population-based screening for individuals aged 30 years and above are underway to facilitate early detection of breast and cervical cancers. The ministry also stated that 19 State Cancer Institutes, 20 Tertiary Cancer Care Centres, and cancer treatment facilities across 22 new AIIMS institutions are part of this expansion.
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