Indian Cancer Numbers: Why's AP On The Top?

Andhra Pradesh is one of the leading states in India with extensive GDP and per capita income. But there is this alarming train that is going viral as it is being established that Andhra Pradesh also has the highest number of cancer cases in India.

Andhra Pradesh is facing a growing cancer burden, with nearly 1.6 lakh cases reported between 2021 and 2025, according to a draft cancer atlas. About 65 percent of the patients are women, making it a major health concern for the state.

District level data shows that Kakinada recorded the highest number of cases at 8,101, followed by Vizianagaram with 7,987 and Guntur with 7,479. The rising numbers have prompted experts to call for stronger awareness programmes, early screening and better medical outreach.

Data from the cancer incidence map further underlines the seriousness of the situation. Andhra Pradesh reports 138.8 cases per one lakh people, significantly higher than the national average of 106. This places the state among the top five in India in terms of cancer rate.

Kerala has the highest incidence at 166 cases per lakh people, followed by Mizoram at 161.8. Andhra Pradesh ranks next with 138.8, while Karnataka reports 134.3 and Punjab 132.4.

The combination of high total cases and a high incidence rate suggests that cancer is becoming a major public health challenge in Andhra Pradesh. Health experts stress the need for large scale awareness campaigns, regular health checkups and improved diagnostic facilities to help detect the disease early and reduce its impact.