Cancer cases on the rise in Kerala

KOCHI: The estimated incidence of cancer cases is increasing in Kerala and along with it, cancer-related deaths are also increasing. In 2016, cancer incidence rate in Kerala was 135.3 per 1 lakh people, and in 2022, it has jumped to almost 169 per 1 lakh population. The mortality rate in the state is now about 92 deaths per 1 lakh population.
In 2020, when Covid was at its peak, nearly 57,155 people were detected with cancer; by 2022 it jumped to 59,143 in the state.In cancer-related deaths, there were 31,166 deaths in 2020 and it jumped to 32,271 in 2022.
This is as per ICMR's national cancer registry programme and shared by the health and family welfare minister Dr Mansukh Mandaviya in the Rajya Sabha.
All states have seen an increase in incidence and mortality over the last three years, despite the central government taking steps to ensure treatment and access to medicines for all. Besides, the preventive aspect of cancer is strengthened under the comprehensive primary health care through Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centre scheme, by promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level. Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in India.
"Cancer incidence is definitely increasing because of our ageing population and lifestyle changes. Advanced centres for cancer treatment have ensured that there is early detection of indolent cancers like prostate, thyroid and some types of breast cancers that would have otherwise remained undetected," said oncologist Dr Arun Warrier.
The most common cancers are breast, lung, colon, rectum and prostate cancers. Around one-third of deaths from cancer are due to tobacco use, high body mass index, alcohol consumption, low fruit and vegetable intake, and lack of physical activity.
"As the number of cancer cases increase, the number of deaths will also increase. This is a global phenomenon. Also, early cancer detection is still a problem here and treatment is still challenging," said oncologist Dr Aju Mathew. Many cancers can be cured if detected early and treated effectively.
Studies have shown that financial toxicity among patients with cancer in India is associated with poor quality of life, accumulation of debts, premature entry into the labour market, and non-compliance with therapy. And Kerala is no exception.