Telangana records sharp increase in cancer diagnoses, fatalities
HYDERABAD: Cancer is spreading silently across Telangana, affecting both rural and urban populations. Data indicate that one person is diagnosed with cancer every 10 minutes in the state, while one person dies every 20 minutes during treatment.
The Union government informed the Rajya Sabha that Telangana recorded 53,565 new cancer cases and 29,300 deaths in 2025, based on estimates from the Indian Council of Medical Research and the National Cancer Registry Programme.
Across India, 15.69 lakh cancer cases and 8.68 lakh deaths were reported last year. The high proportion of deaths compared with the number of cases has raised concern.
Five-year data show nearly 10% rise in cases, deaths
Government estimates show a steady increase in cancer incidence and mortality over the past five years. New cases in Telangana rose from 48,775 in 2021 to 53,565 in 2025.
Cancer-related deaths also increased from 26,681 in 2021 to 29,300 in 2025. Reports note that both cases and deaths have risen by nearly 10% during this period.
Experts attribute the trend to delayed treatment and lack of awareness.
Polluted water, lifestyle habits linked to rising cancer burden
The Indian Council of Medical Research stated in its latest report that contaminated drinking water is a major cause of the surge. Hazardous chemicals released without treatment from factories, pharmaceutical waste, pesticides used in agriculture, and heavy metals are seeping into soil and contaminating ponds and groundwater.
Consumption of polluted water is linked to rectal and colorectal cancers. Chewing gutka and pan masala, smoking, and alcohol use contribute to oral and lung cancers. Consumption of adulterated and junk food is associated with an increase in breast and uterine cancers among women.
Estimates for 2025 show 7,084 women were diagnosed with breast cancer and 3,046 died. Around 3,233 women developed uterine cancer, with 1,746 deaths reported. Ovarian cancer cases also reached 1,365 during the year.
Medical experts said pollution in air, water, and food has contributed to the spread of cancer.
State plans cancer registry, notification to strengthen prevention
With cancer cases rising, the Telangana government has stepped up preventive measures. It has begun distributing the Human Papillomavirus vaccine to adolescent girls with support from the Union government.
The state has decided to establish a cancer registry and declare cancer a notified disease. Under a 100-day action plan, authorities aim to complete these steps to improve prevention and tracking.
Notification will ensure that details of every cancer case treated in private and corporate hospitals are reported directly to the government. This will help identify high-incidence areas and enable targeted intervention.
The government has also set up a cancer day-care centre in each district to provide chemotherapy services. Efforts are under way to establish four additional regional cancer centres in the state.
