North India Sees 10% Rise in Cancer Cases Over 5 Years

The estimated cancer burden across northern Indian states showed a steady increase between 2021 and 2025. According to estimates from the National Cancer Registry Programme, regional cases rose by nearly 10%. Specifically, combined incident cases across Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh grew from 78,514 to 86,352. Consequently, healthcare providers must prepare for an increasing clinical workload across secondary and tertiary facilities.

State-Wise Analysis of the Estimated Cancer Burden

State-level projections reveal noticeable variations across the region. Haryana recorded the highest percentage growth among the three northern states. Indeed, Haryana’s estimated annual cases increased from 30,015 in 2021 to 33,395 in 2025, marking an 11.26% rise. This growth rate exceeds both the regional average of 9.98% and the national trend of 10.05%.

Meanwhile, Punjab continues to report the largest absolute volume of cancer diagnoses in the northern belt. The state’s yearly burden climbed from 39,521 in 2021 to 43,196 in 2025, reflecting a 9.29% expansion. In contrast, Himachal Pradesh registered the lowest growth rate in the region at 8.72%. Specifically, Himachal Pradesh added 783 cases over five years, reaching 9,761 cases by 2025. Nationally, total cases rose from 1,426,447 in 2021 to 1,569,793 in 2025.

National Health Initiatives and Screening Strategies

To address this expanding burden, the Union Health Ministry has strengthened early detection and screening infrastructure. Under the National Health Mission, population-based screening targets common non-communicable diseases, including oral, breast, and cervical cancers. Frontline health workers, including ASHAs and ANMs, actively screen all individuals above 30 years at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Therefore, early identification remains a pivotal component of primary healthcare delivery.

Additionally, financial protection and treatment accessibility have expanded through major national schemes. The Ayushman Bharat scheme provides health coverage of five lakh rupees per family annually for secondary and tertiary hospitalization. Furthermore, government initiatives like AMRIT pharmacies and the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana improve access to affordable anti-cancer medicines. Essential anti-cancer drugs are also included in district hospital essential drug lists under national non-communicable disease programs. Furthermore, the Centre supports establishing State Cancer Institutes and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres to ensure equitable oncology services.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the projected increase in cancer cases in North India from 2021 to 2025?

According to ICMR-NCRP estimates, the combined number of cancer cases across Haryana, Punjab, and Himachal Pradesh will rise by 9.98%, increasing from 78,514 cases in 2021 to 86,352 cases in 2025.

Q2: Which North Indian state is estimated to have the highest percentage growth in cancer cases?

Haryana is estimated to have the sharpest increase in cancer cases, with a growth rate of 11.26%, rising from 30,015 cases in 2021 to 33,395 cases in 2025.

Q3: What government initiatives support cancer screening and treatment in India?

Key initiatives include population-based screening for common cancers at Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, health coverage up to five lakh rupees under Ayushman Bharat (AB-PMJAY), affordable anti-cancer drugs via AMRIT and PMBJP pharmacies, and the establishment of State Cancer Institutes and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres.

References

1. Estimated cancer cases in North India rise nearly 10% over 5 years; Haryana seessharpest spike – ETHealthworld
2. Sathishkumar K, Chaturvedi M, Das P, et al. Cancer incidence estimates for 2022 & projection for 2025: Result from National Cancer Registry Programme, India. Indian J Med Res. 2022;156(4):598-607.
3. National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR). Report of National Cancer Registry Programme. Bengaluru: ICMR-NCDIR; 2020.

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