New Delhi: India ranks third in the world in terms of cancer prevalence, after China and the United States, and is projected to witness nearly two million cancer cases by 2040, Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office Jitendra Singh informed the Rajya Sabha on Thursday.
Replying to supplementary questions during Question Hour, Singh said cancer incidence has been rising globally, with around 20 million cases reported worldwide every year. In India, the current burden stands at approximately 1.4 to 1.5 million cases annually, a figure expected to rise significantly over the next decade and a half.
The minister attributed the growing cancer burden to multiple factors, including a shift in the country’s disease profile. He noted that while India largely battled communicable diseases until the 1980s, non-communicable diseases have since emerged as a major health challenge, with both now coexisting.
Singh also highlighted a worrying trend of cancer and heart-related illnesses occurring at younger ages. Diseases that were once associated with later stages of life are now increasingly affecting younger populations, he said, pointing to lifestyle changes and other contributing factors.
While India has a demographic advantage with nearly 70 per cent of its population below the age of 40, the minister said the number of senior citizens has also risen, adding to the overall disease burden. He added that cancer patterns vary across regions, with head and neck cancers being more prevalent in northeastern states.
On healthcare infrastructure, Singh said the government is implementing a nationwide programme to expand cancer care services, with facilities being set up in district hospitals across the country to improve early detection and treatment.
The minister also informed the House that the Department of Biotechnology has developed India’s first indigenous HPV vaccine to prevent cervical cancer, which remains a major concern among young women. He said discussions are underway with the health ministry to ensure the vaccine is made available widely, either at an affordable cost or free of charge.
The response came while addressing a question on steps being taken to ensure timely access to cancer treatment and essential medicines for economically weaker sections of society.
