7. Cancer Burden in Telangana: Trends, Challenges, and Public Health Response

Data presented in the Lok Sabha indicates a significant rise in cancer cases in Telangana over the last decade, transitioning from 40,177 in 2015 to 52,334 in 2024. While the numbers signal a growing health crisis, experts highlight a positive shift toward early-stage detection. Summary of Key Developments • Rising Statistical Trend: Telangana has seen a 30% increase in cancer cases over nine years, reaching over 52,000 annual cases in 2024, reflecting both a real rise in incidence and improved reporting. • Shift to Early Detection: For the first time, oncologists report a higher proportion of patients seeking medical advice at Stages 1 and 2, rather than the traditionally late presentations at Stages 3 or 4. • Prevalence of Lifestyle Cancers: Head and neck cancers remain the most common among men due to tobacco use, while breast cancer has emerged as the leading malignancy among women in the region. • Institutional Pressure: The MNJ Institute of Oncology in Hyderabad, a premier regional cancer center, now registers approximately 100 new cases daily, serving patients across Telangana and Andhra Pradesh. • Screening Gaps in Cervical Cancer: Despite being largely preventable, cervical cancer continues to see late-stage admissions (Stage 3/4) due to socio-economic neglect and a lack of routine screening awareness. • Global Context: The release of this data coincides with World Cancer Day (February 4), which for the 2025-2027 period follows the theme \'United by Unique,\' emphasizing personalized and peoplecentered care. Key Definitions • Oncology: The branch of medicine dedicated to the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of cancer. • Metastasis: The process by which cancer cells spread from the primary site to other parts of the body (typically Stages 3 and 4). • Brachytherapy: A form of radiation therapy where a sealed radiation source is placed inside or next to the area requiring treatment, often used for cervical and prostate cancers. • NP-NCD: The National Programme for Prevention & Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (formerly NPCDCS), which integrates cancer care into primary healthcare. Constitutional and Legal Provisions • Article 21: The Supreme Court has interpreted the Right to Life to include the Right to Health. Timely cancer diagnosis and treatment are essential components of this fundamental right. • Article 47: A Directive Principle (DPSP) that mandates the State to regard the improvement of public health as among its primary duties. • Seventh Schedule (List II, Entry 6): Public health and sanitation, hospitals, and dispensaries are primarily State subjects, though the Centre provides funding via the National Health Mission (NHM).• Clinical Establishments Act, 2010: Provides a legal framework for the registration and regulation of all clinical establishments, including cancer hospitals, to ensure uniform standards of care. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper II: Issues relating to the development and management of Social Sector/Services relating to Health; Government policies and interventions. • GS Paper III: Science and Technology- developments and their applications in medicine (e.g., Targeted therapy and Immunotherapy). • Prelims Focus: Themes of World Cancer Day, key statistics from the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), and the role of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR). Conclusion The rising cancer trajectory in Telangana underscores a \'double-edged sword\': while the disease burden is increasing due to lifestyle changes and environmental factors, the health system is becoming more adept at \'opportunistic screening.\' The appointment of global experts like Dr. Nori Dattatreyudu as state advisors signals a strategic intent to move toward evidence-based planning. However, the persistence of late-stage cervical cancer cases indicates that clinical advancement must be matched by grassroots social mobilization to overcome the socio-economic barriers to screening.