New Delhi: A comprehensive nationwide study conducted by the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), under the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), has revealed notable differences in cancer incidence and mortality rates among men and women in India.
The findings, published in JAMA Network Open, are based on a large dataset comprising 708,223 reported cancer cases and 206,457 cancer-related deaths from 43 population-based cancer registries, spanning the years 2015 to 2019.
According to the study, women accounted for a slightly higher proportion of total cancer cases, with over 50% of reported incidences, while men made up 49%. However, mortality was higher among men, who contributed to 55% of all cancer-related deaths, compared to 45% among women.
The most frequently diagnosed cancers varied by gender. In men, the leading cancers were of the mouth (113,249 cases), lungs (74,763), and prostate (49,998). Among women, breast cancer was the most prevalent with 238,085 cases, followed by cervical (78,499) and ovarian cancer (48,984).
Overall, cancers of the female reproductive system accounted for over 171,000 cases, while cancers of the oral cavity and pharynx made up 217,327 cases in men.
The study also pointed to a rising cancer burden in rural regions of the country. Several districts with predominantly rural populations, particularly in states like Kerala and Assam, showed some of the highest incidence rates for both men and women.
In areas where more than 50% of the population resides in rural settings, the average cancer incidence was found to be 76 per 100,000 in men and 67 per 100,000 in women.
Northeastern states, including Aizawl, East Khasi Hills, Papumpare, Kamrup Urban, and Mizoram, consistently showed high cancer incidence, with oesophageal cancer being particularly prevalent in this region.
Among major metropolitan areas, Delhi recorded the highest overall incidence rate at 146 per 100,000 population. Ahmedabad also showed significant growth, with cancer incidence increasing by 4.7% among men and 6.9% among women.
Based on these patterns, the projected number of new cancer cases for 2024 is approximately 1.56 million, with an estimated 874,404 deaths. The forecast includes 781,277 new cases in females and 780,822 in males.
Researchers emphasised the urgent need to bolster cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment programs, especially in rural and underserved areas, to manage the increasing cancer burden across the country.