Wednesday, 11 Mar, 2026
Source: Freepik
Breast cancer cases in India have risen sharply over the past three decades, reflecting a growing disease burden among women. According to a recent Lancet Oncology study, incidence rates have more than doubled since 1990, while deaths have increased by 74 per cent.
Breast cancer has emerged as one of the most significant health challenges facing women globally, with its burden rising sharply over the past three decades. A recent analysis published in The Lancet Oncology shows that the incidence of breast cancer in India has more than doubled since 1990, reflecting a broader global trend in which cases continue to increase despite advances in treatment and detection.
The study, conducted by the Global Burden of Disease Study Breast Cancer Collaborators, analysed data from 204 countries and territories between 1990 and 2023. It draws on information from population-based cancer registries, vital registration systems, and interviews with family members or caregivers of women who died from the disease to estimate long-term trends and project future burden up to 2050.
Globally, breast cancer remains the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In 2023 alone, the disease accounted for an estimated 2.3 million new cases and around 764,000 deaths worldwide. The study projects that the global burden could increase substantially in the coming decades, with annual cases expected to rise by more than a third to over 3.5 million by 2050. Deaths are also projected to increase sharply, reaching nearly 1.4 million annually during the same period.
The study also highlights significant differences across countries in the rise of breast cancer deaths since 1990. Laos recorded the sharpest increase at 214 per cent. Other countries that saw substantial rises include Bangladesh (91 per cent), Vietnam (80 per cent), Indonesia (78 percent), India (74 per cent), Japan (52 per cent) and the Philippines (41 per cent).
India’s rising incidence and mortality
The data highlights a significant increase in breast cancer burden in India. The age-standardised incidence rate rose from 13 cases per one lakh women in 1990 to 29.4 per one lakh in 2023. Over the same period, the age-standardised mortality rate increased from 8.9 to 15.5 per one lakh women, representing a 74 per cent rise in deaths.
In absolute terms, India recorded nearly 2.03 lakh new breast cancer cases in 2023, marking a 477.8 per cent increase compared to 1990. Deaths during the same period rose by 352.3 per cent, reaching around 1.02 lakh. These trends indicate that the disease has become a major and growing public health concern in the country.
Data from the National Cancer Registry Programme tabled in Parliament shows that annual cases have continued to rise in recent years. Breast cancer cases increased from around 2.13 lakh in 2021 to approximately 2.4 lakh by 2025. During the same period, yearly deaths crossed the one-lakh mark, rising from 91,704 in 2021 to over 1.03 lakh in 2025.
Globally, breast cancer diagnoses remain more common among older women. In 2023, there were 161 new cases per one lakh women aged 55 and above compared to about 50 cases per one lakh among women aged 20–54. However, the incidence among younger women has been increasing. Since 1990, new cases among women aged 20 to 54 have risen by about 29 per cent worldwide, while rates among older women have remained relatively stable.
Experts note that this shift reflects changing patterns in risk factors and reproductive behaviours. In India, breast cancer is increasingly being observed at younger ages, with incidence beginning to rise from the early 30s and peaking between 50 and 69 years.
Growing burden in developing countries
The Lancet analysis indicates that while high-income countries still report the highest incidence rates, the fastest growth in both cases and deaths is occurring in low- and lower-middle-income countries. Limited access to screening programmes, later-stage diagnosis and gaps in treatment availability contribute to higher mortality in these settings.
Women in low and lower-middle-income countries account for roughly 27 per cent of new global cases but represent more than 45 per cent of the total years of healthy life lost due to breast cancer. In 2023, this translated to nearly 11 million years of healthy life lost from illness and premature death.
The economic impact of the disease is also substantial. In middle-income countries such as India, the total economic burden of breast cancer was estimated at $8.13 billion in 2021 and is projected to rise to around $14 billion by 2030 as incidence continues to increase.
Researchers also highlight the role of modifiable risk factors. The study estimates that more than a quarter of the global breast cancer burden is linked to six lifestyle-related factors, including high red meat consumption, tobacco use, high blood sugar, high body mass index, alcohol consumption and low physical activity. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, such as avoiding tobacco, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight and reducing red meat consumption, could help prevent a significant share of illness and premature deaths related to breast cancer.
The challenge of early detection and treatment
Another major concern in India is the stage at which breast cancer is detected. Many women are diagnosed only in advanced stages of the disease, which significantly reduces survival chances and increases treatment costs. Limited screening infrastructure, uneven healthcare access and lack of awareness contribute to delays in diagnosis in many parts of the country.
Researchers also point to gaps in cancer data systems. Current cancer registries in India are estimated to cover only about 10 to 15 per cent of the population, which limits the ability to capture variations across regions. Improving the coverage and completeness of population-based cancer registries is considered crucial for developing more targeted strategies.
Recent policy initiatives have also focused on cancer prevention among women. On February 28, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a national HPV vaccination campaign targeting 12 million girls aged 14 years. The initiative aims to safeguard adolescent girls’ health and reduce the future burden of cervical cancer. The campaign reflects the government’s broader vision of “Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar” (Healthy Women, Empowered Families), with a focus on prevention, protection and equitable access to healthcare. Frontline health workers are expected to play a crucial role in reaching communities, building awareness and ensuring the implementation of the vaccination programme.
Progress in improving survival rates will depend on strengthening health systems to ensure early diagnosis and comprehensive treatment. Expanding screening programmes, improving diagnostic capacity, and ensuring access to affordable care remain key priorities. As global projections point to a continued rise in cases and deaths over the coming decades, the findings highlight the growing urgency of addressing breast cancer through prevention, early detection, and improved treatment access, particularly in countries where the disease burden is increasing rapidly.
