Cancer – Oral Cancer Cases Rise Among Indian Men, Study Finds
Cancer – India is witnessing a steady increase in oral cancer cases among men, largely linked to long-term tobacco consumption, according to a recent analysis by the Indian Council of Medical Research. The findings place India among several G20 nations experiencing a similar upward trend, raising fresh concerns about prevention and early diagnosis.
Rising Oral Cancer Burden in Men
The study, conducted by the ICMR’s National Institute of Non-communicable Disease Epidemiology, examined data from the Global Cancer Observatory 2022 across 11 countries. It found that India recorded an annual increase of around 1.2 percent in oral cancer cases among men. Comparable increases were also observed in China, Canada, and the United States, though at slightly lower rates.
Health experts attribute this rise primarily to widespread tobacco use. Smokeless tobacco products such as gutka, paan, and khaini remain deeply rooted in daily habits, particularly among men. Alcohol consumption and betel nut chewing further add to the risk. These behaviors often begin at a young age and continue over many years, significantly increasing the likelihood of developing oral cancer.
Late Diagnosis Remains a Key Concern
A major challenge highlighted in the analysis is that many oral cancer cases in India are detected at advanced stages. This delays treatment and reduces the chances of successful outcomes. Experts stress that improving awareness and promoting early screening could help reduce both treatment costs and mortality rates.
Trends Among Women Across Countries
While oral cancer is more common among men in India, the study found notable increases among women in other countries. South Korea reported the fastest rise in female oral cancer cases, followed by France and Canada. These trends indicate that lifestyle and environmental factors are influencing cancer patterns globally.
Breast Cancer Continues to Lead
Breast cancer remains the most common cancer affecting women across all 11 countries included in the study. South Korea showed the sharpest increase in breast cancer incidence, followed by Turkey, China, India, and Italy. In India, the rise is steady, reflecting both improved detection and changing lifestyle factors.
Decline in Cervical Cancer Offers Hope
In contrast to other cancer types, India has seen a consistent decline in cervical cancer cases. The study reported an annual decrease of over 4 percent, placing India among countries with improving trends. This progress is linked to better screening programs and increased awareness of preventive measures such as HPV vaccination.
Experts believe that continued investment in public health initiatives will further reduce the burden of cervical cancer in the coming years. However, it still remains one of the most common cancers among Indian women, alongside breast cancer.
Growing Global Cancer Challenge
The report also highlights the broader global cancer scenario. While high-income countries are seeing stabilisation or even declines in some cancer types due to advanced healthcare systems, disparities remain significant across regions. Access to early detection, treatment, and awareness continues to play a crucial role in outcomes.
In India, the overall cancer burden is expected to grow substantially. Estimates suggest that the country recorded over 1.5 million new cancer cases and more than 870,000 deaths in 2024. If current trends continue, annual cases could rise to nearly 2.5 million by 2045. Oral cancer alone is projected to account for over 113,000 new cases among men in the near term.
Globally, cancer remains one of the leading health challenges, with nearly 20 million new cases and close to 10 million deaths reported in 2022. The findings underline the urgent need for stronger prevention strategies, early detection programs, and sustained public health efforts worldwide.