Rajasthan is facing a mounting cancer challenge with a rise in cancer cases, especially with breast, cervical, lung, and oral cancers emerging as the leading threats. According to Population-Based Cancer Registries of Jaipur, Ajmer, and Bikaner, under the ICMR–National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) 1 , indicates a disturbing rise not only in breast cancer among women but also in oral cancers among men. This increase incidence intensifies the challenge for government hospitals that are often the first and only point of contact for diagnosis and treatment for many.
Dr. Surendra Beniwal, Medical Oncologist (Bikaner, Rajasthan) said, “The cancer burden in Rajasthan is no longer a silent issue; it is a crisis unfolding before us. Oral, lung, breast, and cervical cancers dominate, and many cases could be prevented or caught early with better awareness, screening & advance treatment. Early diagnosis, access to latest therapies, and multidisciplinary care along with investing in training for advanced therapies must be our immediate priority.”
Alka Bisen, CEO, Cancer Patients Aid Association, said, “The rising incidence of breast, cervical, oral, and lung cancers in Rajasthan is a serious concern. The data from the state’s cancer registries clearly signals the need for urgent action. Awareness, early screening, and timely treatment must become public health priorities if we are to reverse this alarming trend and protect our communities from preventable cancer deaths.”
National projections amplify this concern: The ICMR National Cancer Registry Programme 2022 report estimates a nearly 13% increase in India&’s total cancer burden between 2020 and 2025. Breast, cervical, oral, and lung cancers are expected to make up the majority of this surge, creating a sense of urgency in public health spheres.
Further evidence from recent data of National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) – National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) 2 reveal that in 2023 alone, Rajasthan recorded 11,488 new breast cancer cases and 4,274 deaths attributed to the disease, underscoring the growing burden on families, healthcare systems, and the wider society.
Advanced therapies, precision medicines, and comprehensive oncology services are often
concentrated at select private centres, making them inaccessible to a large segment of patients who have access to government facilities only. Expanding the reach of these latest treatments is crucial to improve survival rates, enhance quality of life, and ensure equitable, timely interventions for everyone facing a cancer diagnosis.
Access to next-generation therapies must be integrated into Ayushman Bharat and state-level health schemes, while a dedicated state cancer care fund is essential to ensure equity in treatment and financial protection for vulnerable families. Achieving this at scale will require robust public-private partnerships to deliver high-quality, innovative cancer treatment across every district of the state.