Cancer Cases Surge in Karnataka as More Than 263,000 New Patients Registered in Three Years
Health officials raise concern over the sharp rise in cancer cases across all age groups, including children, as the state expands treatment facilities.
Bengaluru: Karnataka is witnessing a worrying rise in cancer cases, with official health data revealing that more than 263,000 new patients have been registered across the state over the past three years. The figures have raised serious concerns among medical experts and public health authorities.
According to the latest data released by the state health department, a total of 263,583 new cancer cases were recorded during this period. The report highlights that cancer is no longer confined to older age groups and is increasingly affecting people of all ages, including children.
Health experts attribute the growing burden of cancer to a combination of factors such as changing lifestyles, unhealthy dietary habits, genetic influences, and other high risk behaviours. Data from the National Cancer Registry Programme indicates that oral cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer remain the most commonly diagnosed forms of the disease in Karnataka.
Screening programmes conducted by the health department identified 12,583 cases related to these three major cancers. Among them were 6,532 cases of oral cancer, 2,611 cases of breast cancer, and 3,440 cases of cervical cancer.
The overall cancer burden in the state has continued to rise steadily. Official records show that the number of cases increased from 86,563 in 2023 to 87,855 in 2024, and further climbed to 89,165 in 2025.
One of the most concerning findings in the report is the increasing number of cancer cases among children and teenagers. Over the past three years, cancer was diagnosed in 5,511 individuals between the ages of 0 and 19.
Medical specialists say that blood cancer, or leukemia, accounts for approximately 30 to 35 percent of childhood cancer cases. Brain and nervous system cancers make up another 20 to 25 percent. Other cases include lymphoma, neuroblastoma, and cancers affecting bones and kidneys.
Experts believe that genetic abnormalities and prenatal factors play a major role in childhood cancers. Exposure to radiation and the possible transfer of cancerous cells from mother to child during pregnancy are among the factors being studied. Health authorities have also expressed concern over harmful additives in food products. Last year, the government imposed restrictions on certain artificial food colours after reports linked them to increased cancer risks.
In response to the growing number of patients, the Karnataka government has accelerated efforts to strengthen cancer care infrastructure. According to Dr. Vijayanath Itagi, Director of KIMS in Koppal, a dedicated Cancer Day Care Centre has been established at the district teaching hospital where specialist doctors provide chemotherapy and other treatments three days a week.
The government has also expanded cancer treatment services beyond major cities such as Bengaluru and Hubballi. Cancer Day Care Chemotherapy Centres have now been set up in government hospitals across 16 districts to provide easier access to treatment for patients diagnosed in the early stages of the disease.
Additionally, a new advanced cancer hospital has been approved in Munirabad, Koppal district. The facility is expected to benefit patients from Koppal, Vijayanagara, and Ballari districts.
Officials noted that the current figures are based only on data collected from government hospitals. Since cases treated in private hospitals are not included, the actual number of cancer patients in Karnataka could be considerably higher than the figures reflected in the official report.