3 Sep 2025 (Punjab Khabarnama Bureau): A new study has revealed that northeastern states of India continue to record the highest cancer incidence rates in the country, raising serious public health concerns and highlighting the urgent need for targeted cancer control programs.
Key Findings of the Study
The report, based on data from the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), shows that states like Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, and Nagaland have cancer rates significantly higher than the national average. The incidence among both men and women in these states is far above the rest of India.
In Mizoram, the age-adjusted cancer incidence rate is among the highest not just in India but globally, according to researchers. Common cancers reported include stomach, esophagus, lung, and liver cancers — all of which have strong links to lifestyle and dietary factors.
Possible Causes
Experts attribute the high burden to a combination of factors:
- Dietary habits: High consumption of smoked meats, fermented foods, and low intake of fresh vegetables.
- Tobacco and betel nut use: High prevalence of smoking and chewing tobacco among men and women.
- Genetic predisposition: Certain populations in the northeast may be genetically more susceptible to specific cancer types.
- Late detection: Limited cancer screening infrastructure leads to delayed diagnosis and poor survival rates.
Impact on Healthcare System
The high prevalence puts immense pressure on healthcare facilities in the region, many of which lack advanced cancer treatment centers. Patients often need to travel to larger cities like Guwahati, Kolkata, or Delhi for advanced care, leading to increased financial and emotional stress.
Government Initiatives
The Ministry of Health has been expanding the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) in northeastern states, focusing on early screening, awareness campaigns, and setting up regional cancer centers. Mobile cancer screening units are also being deployed in remote districts to improve early detection.
Expert Recommendations
Oncologists stress the importance of:
- Community-level cancer awareness programs
- Encouraging dietary changes and tobacco cessation
- Strengthening local diagnostic facilities
- Training healthcare workers for early detection
Dr. Soumya Swaminathan, former WHO chief scientist, remarked,
“Northeast India presents a unique cancer profile. Unless screening and preventive measures are scaled up, we risk a growing cancer epidemic in this region.”
Looking Ahead
Public health experts call for urgent collaboration between state governments, NGOs, and private healthcare providers to tackle the rising cancer burden. Focused interventions over the next decade could significantly reduce cancer-related deaths and improve quality of life for affected populations.
Summary
A study finds cancer rates highest in northeast India, with Mizoram leading. Experts cite diet, tobacco use, and limited screening facilities, urging urgent preventive measures and improved cancer care infrastructure.