Uttar Pradesh records maximum cases of cancer

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research Cancer Registry data, Uttar Pradesh, registered the highest count of cancer cases in India. During the year 2022, the state documented an astonishing 210,000 new cases, marking a significant uptick from the 201,000 cases registered in 2020.

The state of Uttar Pradesh also logged the highest count of fatalities linked to cancer, with a remarkable 116,818 individuals succumbing to this formidable ailment.

Comparative Cancer Mortality Rates Highlight Reporting Discrepancies and Burden in Uttar Pradesh

The mortality rate in Uttar Pradesh was on par with the national average, while Maharashtra ranked second in terms of fatalities. Experts suggest that these figures likely underestimate the true trend, given that only 15 states mandate reporting of cancer as a notifiable disease. Notably absent from this list is Uttar Pradesh, which carries the highest burden of both cases and deaths.

Government Initiatives and Healthcare Access

In response to the growing cancer crisis, the Union government has implemented a range of initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access for cancer patients. Government hospitals offer either free or highly subsidized treatment for cancer patients in need.
Additionally, the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) extends coverage for cancer treatment, providing a ray of hope for patients struggling with the financial burden of medical expenses.
Quality generic medicines, an essential component of effective cancer treatment, are made accessible to all through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), in collaboration with state governments.
Moreover, the establishment of Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) pharmacy stores within select hospitals and institutions aims to provide cancer drugs at significantly reduced prices, thereby easing the financial strain on patients.

Alarming Cancer Mortality Rates in India Highlight Urgent Concerns

The concerning mortality rate linked with cancer instances in India emphasizes the pressing need to confront this matter. Among the total reported cases nationwide in 2022, an astonishing 808,558 individuals lost their lives to the illness, reflecting a distressing mortality rate exceeding 55 percent. Notably, Uttar Pradesh’s fatality rate mirrored the national average, indicating a widespread struggle in addressing and managing cancer.