Mysuru: Karnataka recorded a 10.2% increase in estimated new cancer cases between 2021 and 2025, while cancer deaths increased by 10.3% during the same period.According to data shared by the Union minister of state for health and family welfare, Prataprao Jadhav, in response to a question raised by Rajya Sabha member Neeraj Shekhar, Karnataka’s estimated cancer incidence increased from 88,126 cases in 2021 to 97,130 in 2025. During the same period, cancer mortality increased from 48,290 to 53,253.Data shows that in 2025, Karnataka accounted for 6.2% of India’s estimated new cancer cases and 6.1% of estimated cancer deaths. Despite the rise in the absolute number of cases and deaths, Karnataka’s share of the national cancer burden remained broadly stable during the five-year period.Halaguru Nagesh, a social activist from Shivamogga, said, for the last few years, the core Malnad districts have witnessed a sudden surge in the number of cancer cases. “There should be an investigation into whether this increase is caused by change in the crop pattern or excess use of pesticides. Mere publication of numbers and screening camps will not serve any purpose,” he said.Dr B S Ajaikumar, the executive chairman of HCG Cancer Centres and founder of Bharat Hospital & Institute of Oncology, said 60% of the patients now report recurrence of cancer. “Need of the hour is a shift in our policies and priorities,” he said.According to Dr Ajaikumar, one of the major hurdles to fighting the scourge is limited funding for cancer diagnosis and treatment. “The govt must make funding unlimited for cancer treatment. The concept of low cost will not serve the purpose. The 60% recurrence rate reflects a systemic failure. In developed countries this number is very less,” he added.
