Alarming rise in head & neck cancer cases

Head and neck cancer has emerged as the most prevalent form of cancer among patients visiting the Regional Cancer Centre (RCC) at Pt BD Sharma PGIMS, Rohtak. This was revealed after an analysis of cancer cases reported at the centre so far this year.

From January 1 to October this year, a total of 2,555 new cancer patients were registered at the RCC, of which over 46 per cent were diagnosed with head and neck cancers, making it the most common form of cancer among patients at the centre.

Experts at the RCC said that while no single confirmed cause has been identified for the high incidence of these cancers, studies indicate that tobacco and bidi consumption, along with poor oral hygiene, are the major contributing factors behind the rising number of cases in the region.

“The RCC, established in 1999, is Haryana’s only government tertiary care centre providing radiation oncology services for cancer patients from within and outside the state. Only those requiring radiotherapy and chemotherapy are treated here. On average, around 3,500 new cancer patients visit the centre annually,” said Dr Ashok Chauhan, Chairman of RCC and Head of the Department of Radiation Oncology at PGIMS, Rohtak.

Dr Chauhan added that besides the RCC, many patients also seek treatment in private hospitals across the state. “Patients who do not require radiation therapy are treated by oncology surgeons at PGIMS. The rising number of cancer cases is a concerning trend, but early screening and public awareness are key to reducing cancer-related mortality. The increase underscores the urgent need for preventive health measures, lifestyle modifications and broader access to early detection facilities across Haryana’s districts,” he said.

According to the RCC data, out of 2,555 new cancer cases reported this year, head and neck cancers accounted for the highest number with 1,189 cases, followed by breast cancer (266 cases), oesophageal cancer (142), cervical cancer (137) and lung cancer (136). Other cancers recorded included ovary (59), gallbladder (58), colon (37), urinary bladder (37), prostate (36), rectum (34) and pancreas (30). Additional cases involved stomach, liver, bone, brain, lymphoma, testicular cancers etc.

Dr Pushpa Dahiya, Senior Professor and Head of the Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at PGIMS, Rohtak, said breast and cervical cancers remain the most common among women not only in Haryana but across India.

“Together, breast and cervical cancers account for around 40 per cent of all cancers among women in India. Their high prevalence highlights the urgent need for early screening, awareness campaigns and better access to diagnostic and treatment facilities to reduce morbidity and mortality,” she said.

Dr Dahiya noted that cervical cancer is the fourth most common cancer globally, with approximately 80 per cent of invasive cases linked to HPV infection. Despite the availability of vaccines and screening tools, many Indian women continue to be diagnosed at advanced stages of the disease.

Meanwhile, the Rohtak district administration has launched a special mobile healthcare initiative, ‘Swasthya Vahini’, to provide medical services directly to women in rural and semi-urban areas, ensuring access to timely screening, diagnosis and treatment.

“The campaign will be conducted in three phases,” said Deputy CommissionerSachin Gupta. “In the first phase, teams comprising trained female doctors, ANMs and health workers will visit every village to conduct initial physical examinations to detect any early signs of breast abnormalities. Women would also be educated about self-examination and the importance of early detection,” said Deputy Commissioner Gupta.

He added that in the second phase, diagnostic screening (mammography) will be carried out for women who show symptoms and in the third phase, all confirmed or suspected positive cases will be referred to healthcare institutions for further examination and treatment.

Dr Arjun Narula, Convener of the Dr Anita Narula Charitable Foundation, said the campaign is a collaborative effort between the foundation, LPS Bossard and the Rohtak district administration.

“Special outreach programmes are being conducted in rural areas to raise awareness about breast cancer and promote early detection. All treatment is provided free of cost after diagnosis and breast cancer is highly treatable when detected early,” he added.