Jharkhand Faces Surge in Cancer Cases, Experts Warn of Crisis

Jharkhand is grappling with a significant increase in cancer cases, with estimates suggesting between 35,000 to 40,000 new diagnoses each year. Oncologists indicate that the most prevalent forms of cancer in men are oral, lung, and stomach cancers, while breast, cervical, and stomach cancers are most common among women. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the state exhibits a cancer incidence rate of approximately 70 cases per one lakh population.

Dr. Satish Sharma, a consultant medical oncologist at Bhagwan Mahavir Manipal Hospital, emphasized the alarming trends. He stated that India is projected to record 1.53 million new cancer cases in 2024, with a further expected rise of 12.8% by 2025 compared to 2020. “In Jharkhand, clinical observations are consistent with national patterns,” Dr. Sharma noted. Women account for nearly 51% of cases, while men represent 49%.

Dr. Gunjesh, an oncologist at Sadar Hospital, outlined several risk factors contributing to the rising cancer rates. These include tobacco use, pollution, poor dietary habits, obesity, delayed childbirth, and inadequate hygiene. “Oral cancer is the most common among men, followed by lung and stomach cancers. Cervical cancer remains the second most common among women, linked to HPV infections and poor hygiene,” he explained. The availability of the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine provides significant protection if administered timely.

Dr. Gunjesh further noted a troubling increase in stomach cancers, attributed to the consumption of refined and processed foods. In regions like Jharkhand and Bihar, the incidence of gallbladder cancers is also rising, potentially due to water contamination and the use of adulterated mustard oil. “At our facility, we have provided over 5,000 free chemotherapy sessions in the past two years,” he said.

On average, Dr. Gunjesh sees nearly 100 cancer patients daily, with 15-20 being new diagnoses. Across Jharkhand, around 500-600 new cases are identified each month, creating significant challenges for the state’s healthcare infrastructure.

Preventive measures are urgently needed, according to Dr. Chandrashekhar Prasad Singh, a consultant in medical oncology at HCG Cancer Center. He recommends mammography for women over 40, HPV vaccination, lifestyle modifications, and stringent tobacco control as essential steps to mitigate risks.

At Rims, the surgical oncology department reported a dramatic increase in patient load, with outpatient department (OPD) cases soaring from 1,100 in August 2019 to nearly 8,900 in 2023. The radiation oncology department also experienced a busy year, handling over 5,000 OPD cases in 2022. From January to July 2025, surgical oncology managed 6,081 OPD cases and 2,016 inpatient admissions, while radiation oncology recorded 2,486 OPD visits and 926 inpatient cases.

The alarming rise in cancer cases in Jharkhand highlights the urgent need for enhanced healthcare resources and public health initiatives aimed at prevention and early detection. As both medical professionals and patients face this growing crisis, the importance of proactive measures has never been clearer.