January 5, 2025: Hyderabad, India – A recent report by the Nizam’s Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), under the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), has revealed alarming cancer trends in Hyderabad. According to the Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) Report (2014-2016), the city has surpassed all other major metropolitan areas in India in terms of breast cancer incidence. Hyderabad recorded the highest Age-Adjusted Rate (AAR) for breast cancer at 48 per lakh women, setting an unsettling precedent for cancer diagnoses in the country.
Cancer Incidence and Regional Comparison
According to NIMS latest report, Hyderabad’s breast cancer rate significantly outpaces other major cities, including Chennai (42.2), Bengaluru (40.5), Delhi (38.6), Mumbai (34.4), and Pune (30). In stark contrast, Meghalaya reported the lowest AAR at just 7 per lakh women. The study was based on data from 28 PBCRs across India, covering 23 major hospitals in Hyderabad, which diagnose and treat cancer.
Between 2014 and 2016, Hyderabad saw a total of 11,596 new cancer cases—5,143 in men and 6,453 in women. This number emphasizes the growing health crisis the city faces, especially for its female population as per the NIMS report.
Key Findings from the Report
- Crude Incidence Rate (CIR):
- For men: 84.2 per lakh population per year
- For women: 109.8 per lakh population per year
- Age-Adjusted Rate (AAR):
- For men: 101.6
- For women: 136
- Hyderabad also recorded the highest incidence of pediatric cancers in Southern India, contributing 2.44% of all cancer cases in both sexes, with a notably higher rate among boys (3.2%) compared to girls (1.8%).
Most Common Cancers in Hyderabad
In terms of the types of cancers most prevalent in Hyderabad:
- Among men, the most common cancers include:
- Mouth cancer (13.3%)
- Lung cancer (10.9%)
- Tongue cancer (7.9%)
- Stomach cancer (5.7%)
- Prostate cancer (4.7%)
- Among women, the leading cancers are:
- Breast cancer (35.5%)
- Cervical cancer (8.7%)
- Ovarian cancer (6.9%)
- Corpus uteri cancer (5.5%)
- Lung cancer (4.1%)
Risk Factors: Tobacco and Alcohol as Major Culprits
A significant portion of the cancer burden in Hyderabad as reported by NIMS study is attributed to tobacco and alcohol consumption. Tobacco-related cancers (TRCs) were responsible for 42.21% of male cancers and 13.51% of female cancers, underscoring the role of lifestyle factors in the city’s cancer rates.
Doctors and health experts have continually highlighted tobacco and alcohol as leading contributors to the rising number of cancer cases. The NIMS report also points out a growing trend in prostate cancer, which has seen an increase over recent years, suggesting a potential need for early screening and prevention measures.
Mortality and Survival Rates in Hyderabad
According to the NIMS report, while Hyderabad records high cancer incidences, the city also boasts the lowest Mortality-to-Incidence (M/I) ratio (11.6%) among all registries, suggesting a relatively lower death rate compared to the number of diagnoses.
- Cancer-related deaths during the study period totaled 758 men and 582 women.
- The total mortality percentage relative to incidence was 35.4% for males and 27.7% for females.
The findings suggest that, on average, 1 in 16 males and 1 in 10 females in Hyderabad will develop cancer if they live up to 64 years of age. The cumulative lifetime risk of getting cancer was calculated at 1 in 9 males and 1 in 7 females.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for Hyderabad
This NIMS report serves as a wake-up call for both public health authorities and residents of Hyderabad. The city’s escalating cancer rates, particularly in breast cancer, require immediate attention and action. Public awareness campaigns, lifestyle interventions, and enhanced healthcare services could help reduce the incidence of tobacco-related cancers and promote early detection of other types of cancer.
Call to Action:
Public health campaigns should be launched to raise awareness about the importance of lifestyle changes and cancer prevention.
Residents of Hyderabad must take proactive steps toward reducing cancer risk factors like tobacco and alcohol consumption.
Early screening and regular check-ups for cancer should be prioritized, especially for women to address the growing concern around breast cancer.
