Cancer deaths in Delhi rise 13pc in 4 yrs: Health Ministry tells Rajya Sabha

The national capital has recorded a nearly 13 per cent rise in cancer-related deaths over the past four years, according to data shared by the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare in the Rajya Sabha.Replying to a question during the ongoing parliamentary session, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav presented state and Union Territory-wise data on cancer incidence and mortality.

According to the figures, cancer deaths in Delhi increased from 14,494 in 2021 to 16,312 in 2025. The mortality numbers rose steadily during the period, reaching 14,917 in 2022, 15,386 in 2023 and 15,842 in 2024 before climbing further in 2025.

Cancer incidence in the Capital has also shown a consistent rise. The number of cases increased from 25,969 in 2021 to 29,238 in 2025. The data shows 26,735 cases in 2022, 27,561 in 2023 and 28,387 in 2024.

Responding to a question on possible causes behind the disease, the minister cited findings shared by the Indian Council of Medical Research. According to a review published in 2025, the contamination of water sources by pollutants such as industrial waste, pesticides, heavy metals and pharmaceutical residues is emerging as a significant public health concern.

The review analysed current scientific evidence and highlighted an association between contaminated water and certain types of cancers, including rectal and colorectal cancers.

The Union government also informed Parliament about measures being taken to strengthen cancer care infrastructure across the country. Under the “Strengthening of tertiary care cancer facilities” scheme, 19 state cancer institutes and 20 tertiary care cancer centres have been approved nationwide to improve access to specialised treatment.

The government also highlighted that treatment for major non-communicable diseases, including cancer, is covered under the Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana, which provides health coverage of up to Rs 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary hospitalisation at empanelled public and private hospitals.

The minister said initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana and AMRIT pharmacies are helping improve access to affordable cancer medicines, implants and other essential treatment components, reducing out-of-pocket expenditure for patients.