T's cancer tally rising by 12%; docs red flag excessive use of tobacco

Telangana could have more than 53,000 new cancer cases by 2025, revealed the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) estimates, registering an increase by 12.48% within the next three years if massive lifestyle changes are not adopted.

- Preeti Biswas

Hyderabad:The NCDIR said Telangana reported 47,620 cancer cases in 2020 with breast, lung, head and neck, cervix and stomach cancers emerging as the leading sites of cancer among men and women.

“Prevalence of head and neck cancer is slightly higher in Telangana as compared to other states. Liberal use of tobacco in all forms, which is very common in rural areas, is the source of head and neck cancer. Of the 10 patients we get, six to seven patients have such habits,” said Dr Netagani Jayalatha, director of MNJ Institute of Oncology, Hyderabad.