KOZHIKODE: Lifestyle changes are leading to a steady increase in the number of cancer patients in Kerala. As part of the government’s campaign “Arogyam Anandam, Akkattam Arbutham” (Health and Happiness, Let’s Keep Cancer Away), launched in February this year, screenings conducted in government hospitals during the first five months confirmed cancer in 272 people, while 52,859 others showed symptoms of the disease.

According to a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Kerala has the highest risk of cancer among all South Indian states. The report says that one in every six men and one in every eight women in the state are likely to develop cancer before the age of 75. The study compared data on cancer cases reported between 2015 and 2019. The highest number of cases was found in Thiruvananthapuram, Kottayam, Thrissur, Ernakulam, Malappuram, and Kannur districts.

Kerala above national average

The national average of cancer cases is 136 per 100,000 people, while in Kerala the figure stands at 168 per 100,000 - significantly higher than the national rate.

Food habits a major factor

Doctors say that changes in food habits and related hormonal imbalances are major reasons for the rise in cancer cases, especially breast cancer among women. Alcohol consumption and tobacco use are also contributing factors. Among men, oral, lung, and prostate cancers are the most common, while among women, breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers are on the rise.

Cancer risk in Kerala

118.5 men per 100,000 are at risk

100.6 women per 100,000 are at risk

Lifelong cancer risk

Men: 17.2%

Women: 13.0%