Chandigarh — The burden of cancer continues to rise steadily in Punjab, with more than 1.26 lakh new cases reported or estimated in the state over the past three years.
A recent report published in the Punjabi daily Ajit by journalist Narpinder Singh Dhaliwal, citing figures presented by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, has highlighted the growing cancer crisis in Punjab.
According to the available data, a total of 1,26,821 new cancer cases have been reported or estimated in Punjab during the last three years. As per assessments by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the National Cancer Registry Programme, 41,337 new cancer cases were recorded in 2023.
The number increased to 42,288 in 2024, while 43,196 new cases were estimated for 2025. The figures indicate an annual increase of roughly 900 to 1,000 cancer cases in the state.
Cancer Death Rate a Major Concern
Along with the increasing number of cancer cases, the mortality rate associated with the disease has also emerged as a serious concern.
According to available figures, the mortality rate among cancer patients has been estimated at around 57.6 per cent. For 2025, Punjab was also estimated to witness an average of nearly 68 to 70 cancer-related deaths every day.
As the cancer burden continues to grow, questions are also being raised over the state’s capacity to provide adequate treatment facilities to the increasing number of patients.
According to the Union Health Ministry, public health and hospitals are primarily state subjects, and the main responsibility for providing cancer treatment facilities lies with state governments. At the same time, the Centre provides financial and technical assistance to states through the National Health Mission based on proposals submitted by them.
Treatment Facilities Available, but Patient Load Increasing
India currently has 524 Day Care Cancer Centres. In Punjab, Government Medical College, Amritsar, has been approved as a State Cancer Institute, while Civil Hospital, Fazilka, has been designated as a Tertiary Cancer Care Centre.
Cancer treatment facilities associated with the Tata Memorial Centre are also available in Sangrur and Chandigarh.
Despite these facilities, the increasing number of patients is putting additional pressure on government healthcare institutions. A shortage of specialist doctors, limited availability of advanced medical facilities and the growing demand for treatment have emerged as major challenges for the healthcare system.
Different Types of Cancer Affecting Men, Women and Children
Cancer trends in Punjab also vary among men, women and children.
Among men, cancers of the oesophagus and lungs remain major concerns. Among women, a significant number of cases involving breast cancer, cervical cancer and ovarian cancer are being reported.
Children are also being diagnosed with serious forms of cancer, including blood cancer, brain tumours and lymphoma.
Health experts say early detection remains one of the most important factors in improving cancer treatment outcomes. Government programmes are being implemented to screen people above the age of 30, but lack of awareness and limited access to healthcare services in rural areas continue to pose significant challenges.
In many cases, late diagnosis makes treatment more difficult and reduces the chances of successful outcomes.
Long-Term Treatment Adds to Financial Burden
Cancer treatment is not only prolonged but can also be extremely expensive, placing a heavy financial burden on poor and middle-class families.
Various government schemes, including Ayushman Bharat, provide health coverage and access to affordable medicines for eligible patients.
The Punjab government also provides financial assistance of up to Rs 1.5 lakh under the Chief Minister Punjab Cancer Relief Fund.
However, patients and their families have at times complained that the process of obtaining government assistance can be lengthy and complicated.
Need to Examine Environmental Factors
Environmental factors have also remained part of the debate surrounding Punjab’s rising cancer cases.
Questions have repeatedly been raised over the quality of groundwater, the use of pesticides in agriculture and adulteration in food products.
Experts believe these factors require detailed scientific investigation to determine whether and to what extent they may be linked to the rising incidence of cancer in the state.
Health experts maintain that expanding cancer treatment facilities alone will not be enough to address the growing crisis.
Greater emphasis will also have to be placed on prevention, early diagnosis, wider screening in rural areas, environmental protection and affordable, timely access to treatment.
The steady increase in cancer cases in Punjab underlines the need for governments to focus not only on treatment but also on prevention, awareness and early detection to reduce the long-term impact of the disease.
