One in nine Indians to be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime: ICMR; How to prevent

According to a study conducted by the ICMR-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR), one in nine Indians is at risk of getting cancer at some point in their lives. Its foundation is a statistical analysis of the number of new cases of the disease reported nationwide in relation to the number of people at risk.

The study, which was published in the Indian Journal of Medical Research (IJMR), found that one in 29 women and one in 67 men are at risk of breast cancer and lung cancer, respectively, during their lifetimes (0-74 years).

According to estimates, 14.6 lakh Indians were afflicted with cancer in 2022. The most common cancers in males and women, respectively, were lung and breast cancers. According to the study, lymphoid leukemia was the most common site of juvenile (0–14 year) malignancies, accounting for 29.2% of cases in boys and 24.2% in girls. "Compared to 2020, the incidence of cancer cases is projected to rise by 12.8% in 2025," it continues.

Scientists claim that the growth and shifts in population dynamics are to blame for the rise in cancer cases. They also state that the number of people in India who are 60 years of age or older is predicted to rise, with their share rising from 8.6% in 2011 to 9.7% in 2022.

"Estimated cancer incidence would change, depending on risk factors, case findings, screening programs, and cancer detection and diagnosis methods," the researchers stated.  

According to Dr. Harshit Shah, Associate Surgical Oncologist, Fortis Hospital, Kalyan, “Cancer risk can be prevented by avoiding addiction and putting an end to tobacco consumption, both in the form of oral consumables and smoking. Both passive and active smoking should be strictly avoided.”

Take HPV screenings

Dr. Sandeep Sewlikar, Head of Medical, Roche Diagnostics India, says, ““Every year, cervical cancer claims over 79,000 lives in India—which can be significantly reduced through early detection. Our Women Health Survey 2025 reveals a critical gap: nearly 72% of women aged 25-50 have never undergone cervical cancer screening, and 1 in 3 women skip these vital checks, often because they feel nothing is wrong.”

With innovations like HPV self-sampling, women can now take charge of their health privately and comfortably, overcoming barriers such as discomfort and limited access to healthcare and achieving highly accurate results. India must act now—vaccinate girls, ensure HPV screening for women, and provide timely treatment to safeguard their health.