Mizoram Tops India in Cancer Cases, Boosts Healthcare Efforts

Mizoram currently records the highest cancer incidence and mortality rates in India, with Aizawl district reporting an age-adjusted incidence rate of 269.4 cases per one lakh men, according to state health officials. The alarming figures have raised serious public health concerns in the northeastern state.

A senior official from the Health and Family Welfare Department stated that stomach and lung cancers are the most prevalent forms of the disease in Mizoram. The high burden has been largely attributed to widespread tobacco and betel nut consumption, unhealthy dietary habits — including frequent intake of smoked meat, pork fat and oils — as well as possible genetic factors.

In response to the growing crisis, the Mizoram government signed an Externally Aided Project loan agreement with the Asian Development Bank on January 23 for a major initiative titled “Supporting Public Health Care System Strengthening to Achieve Universal Healthcare for Mizoram,” widely known as the Mizoram Universal Healthcare Scheme (MUHCS). The state is also implementing the World Bank-funded Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project, which is expected to conclude by March 2026.

As part of efforts to enhance cancer care infrastructure, the Mizoram State Super Speciality Cancer and Research Centre is being established in Aizawl under the Health and Family Welfare Department. Authorities hope the centre will significantly improve diagnosis, treatment and research facilities within the state.

Addressing a public function in Aizawl, State Health and Family Welfare Minister Lalrinpuii expressed deep concern over the state’s disproportionately high cancer rates relative to its population size. She noted that even the Director of Tata Memorial Hospital in Mumbai, where many Mizo patients seek treatment, had remarked on the unusually large number of cancer cases among people from Mizoram.

The Minister highlighted that breast cancer remains the most common cancer among women in India, followed by cervical cancer. She pointed out that 99.7 per cent of cervical cancer cases are linked to Human Papillomavirus (HPV), underscoring the importance of preventive vaccination. Urging all eligible 14-year-old girls to take advantage of the free HPV vaccination programme, she described it as a crucial step toward reducing future cancer cases.

Mizoram Chief Secretary Khilli Ram Meena, speaking at the same event, observed that one in five cervical cancer patients worldwide is from India. He emphasised that Mizoram has one of the highest cervical cancer rates in the country, while screening coverage among women remains low. He expressed hope that the vaccination drive would save lives and strengthen families.

On Saturday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually launched the nationwide HPV Vaccination Campaign for 14-year-old girls from Ajmer, extending the initiative across all states and union territories to help prevent cervical cancer.

With Inputs From Ians