The National Cancer Registry Programme Report 2020 has projected worrying numbers for cancer incidence in India in the near future. Cancer cases in the country are likely to increase to 15.6 lakh by 2025 - which is a 12% increase from current estimated cases.

The report has been released by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Centre for Disease Information and Research (NCDIR), Bengaluru. These estimations are based on data collected through a network of population and hospital-based cancer registries across the country.

Some Important Estimates

The report provides trends and information related to cancer incidence, mortality and treatment in India in 2020.

1. In 2020, tobacco-related cancers are estimated to contribute 3.7 lakhs (27.1%) of the total cancer burden.
2. Among women, breast cancers are estimated to contribute 2.0 lakhs (14.8%) and cervix cancer are estimated to contribute 0.75 lakhs (5.4%).
3. For both men and women, cancers of the gastrointestinal tract are estimated to contribute 2.7 lakhs (19.7%) of the total cancer burden.
4. The cancer incidence rate for male population ranges from 269.4 in Aizawl district (highest in India) to 39.5 in Osmanabad and Beed district per 1,00,000 population.
5. Similarly, the cancer incidence rate for women population ranges from 219.8 (Papumpare district) to 49.4 (Osmanabad & Beed district) per 100,000 population.
6. Cancers related to use of any form of tobacco were highest in the North-eastern region of the country and in higher proportions in men.
7. Cancer of lung, mouth, stomach and oesophagus were the most common cancers among men.
8. Cancer of breast and cervix uteri were the most common cancers among women.
9. A significant increase in the incidence rates of breast cancers in women, and lung and head and neck cancers in both men and women was observed in most of the registries, however, a declining trend was seen in most of the registries for cancer of the cervix.

With regards to treatment, a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy was used for breast cancer and head and neck cancer, while cancer cervix was treated mainly with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. For cancers of the lung and the stomach, systemic therapy was the mode of treatment.