Shocking Cancer Crisis: 3 in 5 Die After Diagnosis in India, Says Study; Why Are Women Most Affected?

A shocking cancer analysis in India has said three in every five people in India die following their diagnosis, with women bearing a disproportional burden as compared to men.

According to the study published in The Lancet Regional Health Southeast Asia journal, India ranks third highest in cancer incidence, after China and the US, and accounts for over 10 per cent of the world's cancer-related deaths, ranking second after China. The incidence-to-mortality ratio in the US was found to be about one in four, while in China it was one in two.

According to the researchers, in the coming two decades, India will face a formidable challenge in managing deaths related to cancer incidence, with a yearly increase of two per cent in cases as the population ages.

According to the study, breast cancer is the most prevalent cancer, contributing to 13.8 per cent of new cases from both genders, and cervical cancer is the third most.

"Factors such as late diagnosis, inadequate healthcare access, and socio-cultural barriers significantly contribute to this alarming trend,” Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit, Senior Director - Medical Oncology at BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, told Times Now, shedding light on the reasons behind these figures and emphasizes the urgent need for intervention.

According to Dr. Rajpurohit, the lack of cancer detection programmes is the main reason behind the surge in cases of the deadly disease. Dr. Sajjan Rajpurohit explains, “Unlike developed nations where screening programs are robust, India still struggles with timely cancer detection. Many patients come to us in advanced stages when treatment options become limited.”

The main reasons behind women bearing the cancer burden include:

Many women delay seeking medical help due to a lack of awareness, social stigma, or financial dependency.

Rural and semi-urban areas in India have limited cancer care facilities. “Women in these regions face challenges in accessing specialized oncologists and advanced treatment options,” said Dr. Rajpurohit.

Women’s health often takes a backseat in families, especially in lower-income households. Many prioritize other expenses over medical check-ups, leading to late-stage diagnosis and reduced survival chances.

To improve cancer survival rates, India must focus on early detection, awareness, and better treatment accessibility.

According to Dr. Rajpurohit, it is important that government and private healthcare institutions implement large-scale screening initiatives, particularly for breast, cervical, and oral cancers. Also, “education on cancer symptoms, preventive measures, and treatment options should be a priority,” he said.

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