India Is The New Cancer Capital, 15 Lakh Indians May Have Cancer In 2025: Report
A new study has shed light on the prevalence of cancer among the Indian population. The Health of Nation Report released by Apollo Hospitals on World Health Day 2024 dubbed India the ¡°cancer capital of the world¡±.
It noted that the escalating incidence of cancer in India compared to global rates is particularly alarming.
15 lakh cancer cases in 2025
According to the report, 13 lakh people in India had cancer in 2020 and it is expected to go up to 15.7 lakh cases in 2025. This is an increase of 13 per cent in five years.
It is not just the increase in cancer cases in India that is worrisome but the age at which they are being diagnosed.
"Not only is there a sharp rise in the number of cancer cases in India, but their average age of incidence has also gotten significantly younger, it said.
Average age of cancer diagnosis?
"The median age for cancer diagnosis in India is lower than in other countries. According to Apollo findings, the average age of diagnosis of Breast Cancer in India is 52, while it is 63 in USA and Europe. For Lung Cancer, the average age of diagnosis in Apollo is 59 years, whereas it averages to around 70 years in the West," the report said.
At Apollo Hospitals, 30% of colon cancer patients are aged less than 50 years, it added.
Low cancer diagnosis in India
One of the biggest challenges India is facing in its battle against cancer is the low diagnosis.?
"Cancer screening rates in India remain very low. Breast Cancer screening in India is 1.9% against 82% in USA, 70% in UK and 23% in China. Cervical Cancer screening in India is 0.9%, against 73% in the USA, 70% in Uk and 43% in China," the study said.
"Our findings demonstrate a significant need for immediate interventions to fight, prevent and reverse the growing epidemic of cancer, diabetes, hypertension and obesity among others. The need to educate the public and create individualized preventive healthcare solutions has never been greater," Dr Preetha Reddy, Vice Chairperson, Apollo Hospitals Group, said.
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