Punjab Cancer Deaths Surge: 70 Daily Fatalities Recorded

Last year, Punjab witnessed an alarming surge in cancer-related fatalities, with an average of 70 deaths per day. This brings the total to nearly 25,000 lives lost in 2025, an increase from 22,786 in 2021. The data also indicates a continuous rise in cancer incidence, with cases escalating from 39,251 in 2021 to 43,196 in 2025 among both sexes.

Studies reveal that breast cancer is the deadliest for women, while oesophagus and lung cancers lead to male mortality. A significant 57.6% of diagnosed patients in Punjab succumbed to the disease. The Union ministry highlighted efforts to combat this crisis, including the establishment of six Tata Memorial Centre hospitals and the approval of 297 Day Care Cancer Centres nationwide.

Investigations into environmental factors suggest a link between water contamination, industrial pollution, and pesticide exposure with cancers such as rectal and colorectal. Punjab's health minister noted the state now has two cancer institutes with a 450-bed capacity, treating patients from neighboring states and reducing the need for long-distance travel for treatment.