CANCER
Cancer is a large group of diseases that can start in almost any organ or tissue of the body when abnormal cells grow uncontrollably, go beyond their usual boundaries to invade adjoining parts of the body and/or spread to other organs. The latter process is called metastasizing and is a major cause of death from cancer. A neoplasm and malignant tumour are other common names for cancer.[1]
KEY FACTS
- Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for nearly 10 million deaths in 2024, or nearly one in six deaths.[1]
- The most common cancers are lung, breast, colon and rectum and prostate cancers.[1]
- Tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity and air pollution are major risk factors for cancer and other noncommunicable diseases.[1]
- Approximately 38% of cancers can currently be prevented by avoiding risk factors and implementing existing evidence-based prevention strategies.[1]
- Some of the most common cancer types, such as breast cancer, cervical cancer, oral cancer, and colorectal cancer, have high cure probabilities when detected early and treated according to best practices.[1] Cancer Burden in India
- According to the ICMR–National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) National Cancer Registry Programme, an estimated 1.39 million new cancer cases occurred in India in 2020, with the number projected to increase to approximately 1.57 million by 2025. Tobacco-related cancers were estimated to constitute approximately 27% of all cancers. [2]
- Lung, mouth, stomach and oesophageal cancers were among the most common cancers in men, while breast and cervical cancers were the most common cancers among women. [2]
References:
1. World Health Organization. Cancer. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2026 Jul 3. Available from: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/cancer
2. Indian Council of Medical Research-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR). Report of National Cancer Registry Programme 2020. Bengaluru: ICMR-NCDIR; 2020. Available from:
https://www.ncdirindia.org/All_Reports/Report_2020/resources/NCRP_2020_2012_16.pdf
2. Indian Council of Medical Research-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR). Report of National Cancer Registry Programme 2020. Bengaluru: ICMR-NCDIR; 2020. Available from:
https://www.ncdirindia.org/All_Reports/Report_2020/resources/NCRP_2020_2012_16.pdf