Chennai, February 4: Tamil Nadu has reported over 100,000 new cancer cases in 2025. According to data presented by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in Parliament, the latest figures indicate 100,097 new cases, highlighting a rapid and consistent increase in cancer diagnoses. This surge has raised concerns among health officials regarding prevention, early detection, and treatment capabilities.
Experts warn that without robust screening programs and lifestyle changes, the number of cases may continue to rise in the coming years. This upward trend has persisted for the past five years. Annual registrations increased from 68,750 cases in 2020 to 76,968 in 2021, 89,265 in 2022, 92,816 in 2023, and 96,486 in 2024, surpassing the 100,000 mark in 2025.
The continuous rise in cases underscores the growing burden of the disease and the urgent need for public health measures across all districts. Among the new cases in 2025, 53,542 patients were women, while 46,555 were men. The total number of individuals currently living with cancer in Tamil Nadu has reached 109,097, reflecting both the increasing incidence and the need for ongoing medical support.
Chennai recorded the highest number of cases this year, with 8,505 new diagnoses. Following Chennai, Kanchipuram reported 7,295 cases, and Vellore had 6,525. The higher incidence in urban areas is attributed to lifestyle-related risk factors, pollution, stress, and delays in disease detection.
Cancer patterns also vary by gender. In men, oral cancer is the most common, primarily due to tobacco use, followed by colorectal and stomach cancers. For women, breast cancer is the most prevalent, with cervical and ovarian cancers also significant, indicating a need for increased awareness and regular community screening programs.
Medical experts note that nearly half of cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages, reducing the chances of survival and increasing treatment costs. Furthermore, data presented by the Health and Family Welfare Department revealed that in 2025, there were 10,821 deaths associated solely with ovarian, breast, and cervical cancers.
Health specialists assert that these statistics serve as a wake-up call for policymakers and the public alike, emphasizing the need to prioritize awareness, screening, and early detection to mitigate the growing cancer burden.
