Andhra Pradesh has witnessed a consistent increase in estimated cancer cases over the past ten years, according to new figures shared by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Lok Sabha.
The data shows that the State registered an estimated 76,708 new cancer cases in 2024, up from 75,086 in 2023, 73,536 in 2022, and 71,970 in 2021. Earlier years also reflect this steady climb, with 70,424 cases in 2020, 68,883 in 2019, 62,978 in 2018, 60,475 in 2017, 58,072 in 2016, and 55,776 in 2015—demonstrating a clear upward pattern in cancer incidence.
Public health specialists say this rise stems from several contributing factors: a growing and ageing population, lifestyle and dietary changes, pollution exposure in cities and industrial zones, and expanded screening efforts that are enabling earlier identification of cases. Rapid urbanisation and shifts in daily habits have also been linked to the increasing load of non-communicable diseases, including cancer.
Global Cancer Observatory data from IARC places India third in the world for estimated cancer cases. India recorded 14.13 lakh cases (98.5 per 1,00,000 population), following China with 48.25 lakh cases (201.6 per 1,00,000) and the United States with 23.80 lakh cases (367 per 1,00,000).
Strengthening Cancer Screening and Care
In response to the growing cancer burden, the government has broadened services under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases.
Nationwide, the health system now includes 36 State NCD Cells, 753 District NCD Cells, 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 364 District Day Care Centres, and over 6,400 NCD Clinics located in Community Health Centres.
Through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, primary care facilities have intensified screening for diabetes, hypertension, and frequently occurring cancers such as oral, breast, and cervical cancers.
To enhance specialised treatment capacity, the Centre has established 19 State Cancer Institutes and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres, while also approving cancer units in all new AIIMS locations. For 2025–26, an additional 297 District Day Care Cancer Centres have been sanctioned to expand district-level access to care.
Patients can also obtain financial assistance through AB-PMJAY, the Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund, and low-cost medicine schemes like PMBJP (Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana) and AMRIT (Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment).