THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Cancer is spreading across the state like an epidemic. More than 20,000 new patients seek treatment every year at government-run cancer centres alone. In 2021-22, a total of 20,049 new cancer cases were reported. These figures come from major government cancer treatment centres such as the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) in Thiruvananthapuram and the Malabar Cancer Centre (MCC) in Kannur. When adding patients treated at government medical colleges and private hospitals, the number of new cases per year is estimated to be around 50,000.

In 2022, 32,271 people died due to cancer. During this period, 14,183 new patients sought treatment at RCC, while 5,866 were newly diagnosed at MCC. In 2020-21, 11,191 new cases were reported at RCC and 5,384 at MCC. According to data from 2020 to 2023, Thiruvananthapuram recorded the highest number of cancer cases, with a 36% increase.

• In 2016, the cancer incidence rate in Kerala was 135.3 per 100,000 people.
• By 2022, it had risen to 169 per 100,000 people.
• In 2023-24, a significant increase is expected, with cancer institutes still compiling accurate data. A complete report is likely to be available by mid-year.
• Among men, the most common cancers are oral, throat, and colorectal cancer.
• Among women, the most prevalent are breast cancer and cervical cancer.

Causes of rising cancer rates in Kerala
The change in lifestyle is the primary reason for the rising number of cancer cases. Major contributing factors are smoking, wrong food habits and pollution. According to a 2019-20 survey, 16.9% of men in Kerala regularly use tobacco, which increases the risk of oral cancer. Alcohol consumption leads to colorectal and liver cancer. The obesity rate in Kerala has exceeded the national average. Unhealthy eating habits are a major cause. Among women aged 15-49, 38.1% are overweight. Among men in the same age group, 36.4% are overweight. Obesity and excessive body weight increase the risk of breast, lung, and kidney cancers. Red meat consumption is also linked to an increased cancer risk.

New cancer cases in 2021-22 (RCC Data)
Thiruvananthapuram: 4,419 cases (31.2%)
Kollam: 3,421 cases (24.1%)
Lowest in Wayanad: 42 cases (0.3%)