Delhi is facing a growing cancer crisis that cannot be ignored. Over the past two decades, more than 110,000 people in the city have died from the disease. Alarmingly, around one in three deaths occurred in people under 44, showing that cancer is cutting lives short well before old age.

Staggering Numbers Over Two Decades

Since 2005, approximately 93,000 people have lost their lives to cancer in hospitals alone. In 2005, cancer claimed just over 2,000 lives. By 2024, the number has jumped to nearly 7,400—a sharp increase that is outpacing Delhi’s population growth, with cancer deaths rising at nearly twice the city’s demographic growth rate.

Cancer Isn’t Just an Old-Age Disease

The stereotype that cancer primarily affects the elderly is outdated. While adults aged 45–64 account for over 41% of deaths, younger populations are increasingly affected. About 8% of cancer deaths are children under 14, and nearly 6% are young adults aged 15–24. The disease is hitting working-age adults and children, highlighting the urgent need for awareness and intervention.

Key Causes and High-Risk Areas

Doctors point to multiple factors driving the rise in cancer cases. Air pollution, tobacco use, and lifestyle changes are major contributors. Lung, breast, oral, and respiratory cancers remain the most common in Delhi. Dr Abhishek Shankar from AIIMS emphasizes the role of pollution in lung and breast cancers. He also highlights systemic inequalities in care: private hospitals are expensive, and government hospitals are overwhelmed.

Call for Early Screening and Prevention

Healthcare experts are warning that without immediate action, cancer will continue to take a heavy toll, especially among the young. Doctors are advocating for early screening programs, greater public awareness, and preventive measures. Tackling Delhi’s cancer crisis requires both systemic changes in healthcare access and lifestyle interventions to reduce risk factors.

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