Cancer cases rise in Punjab, screening coverage remains low

Chandigarh: Even as cancer cases and deaths continue to rise in Punjab, screening coverage across districts remains far from complete, leaving lakhs of people yet to be tested for early detection, which is key for timely treatment, improved survival rates, and reducing the overall burden of the disease.According to data compiled by the National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research under the National Cancer Registry Programme, Punjab recorded 13,299 deaths due to breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers during the 2021–25 period.
The incidence of these cancers showed an upward trend. New breast cancer cases in Punjab increased from 3,297 in 2021 to 3,388 in 2025, an increase of about 2.8%. Cervical cancer cases rose from 1,279 in 2021 to 1,314 in 2025. Ovarian cancer cases also increased, from 844 in 2021 to 868 in 2025. Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among the three. Fatalities increased from 1,418 in 2021 to 1,457 in 2025. Deaths due to cervical cancer rose from 691 to 710 during the same period, while ovarian cancer deaths increased from 515 to 529.Screening performance across districts, however, shows significant gaps. From April 2021 to Jan 2026, Punjab identified a target population of 1,11,47,371 for oral cancer screening. Of these, 68,52,864 people were screened, translating to 61%, leaving 42,94,507 pending. Among the larger districts, Ludhiana screened only 45% of its 15,02,494 target population, with 8,24,465 still pending. Tarn Taran recorded 50%, Jalandhar achieved 51%, Patiala 52%, Firozepur 55%, Faridkot 57%, and Amritsar and Sangrur 59% each.For cervical cancer screening, Punjab had a target population of 55,73,686. Of these, 17,92,505 women were screened, amounting to just 32%, while 25,57,746 remain pending. Nawanshahr recorded the highest screening rate at 70%, followed by Gurdaspur at 64%. However, several districts reported very low coverage. Jalandhar screened only 7%, Kapurthala 15%, Amritsar 16%, Muktsar 18%, Tarn Taran 19%, Fazilka 20%, and Hoshiarpur 21%.Breast cancer screening shows relatively better coverage but still leaves many women unscreened. Against a target of 55,73,686, Punjab screened 33,41,447 women, achieving 60%, with 22,32,239 pending. Ludhiana screened only 44% of its 7,51,247 target, with 4,18,964 pending. Tarn Taran recorded 48%, Patiala 49%, Jalandhar 51%, and Amritsar 53%. Among the top performers, Pathankot achieved 83%, Bathinda 82%, and Gurdaspur 78%.With cancer incidence and mortality rising, public health experts stress that early detection through screening remains crucial. Dr Arun Mitra, president of the Indian Doctors for Peace and Development, along with Dr Inderveer Singh Gill, said Punjab is witnessing a steady rise in both cancer incidence and mortality, particularly in breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers. They pointed out that while screening programmes are underway, coverage remains low. They stressed that early detection is critical because cancers identified at an early stage are more likely to be treated successfully, reducing both mortality and the financial burden on families. According to them, gaps in screening leave a large section of the eligible population undiagnosed, which may result in late-stage presentation and poorer outcomes.They asserted that awareness campaigns must be strengthened at the community level, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, so that people understand the importance of regular screening and do not delay seeking medical help.SHORTAGE OF MANPOWERPunjab health minister Dr Balbir Singh attributed the low screening coverage to a shortage of manpower. He said to overcome this challenge, artificial intelligence-based tools are being used for screening purposes, which are helping to improve coverage. He said strict instructions have been issued to all civil surgeons to step up screening efforts and ensure better coverage across districts.They asserted that awareness campaigns must be strengthened at the community level, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas, so that people understand the importance of regular screening and do not delay seeking medical help.The Punjab govt has launched AI-enabled screening devices for breast and cervical cancer in 5 districts: Amritsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Sangrur. From Sept 2025 to Feb 9, 2026, a total of 8,625 women were screened in these 5 districts. Cancer was detected in 7 women, and treatment was initiated.IN THE REDCervical cancer screeningDISTRICT | Target population | Screened | Screened % | Pending screening Jalandhar | 4,36,977 | 29,371 | 7 | 2,16,137 Kapurthala | 1,58,845 | 24,556 | 15 | 58,355 Amritsar | 4,99,984 | 77,926 | 16 | 4,22,058 Muktsar | 1,70,732 | 31,397 | 18 | 64,895 Tarn Taran | 2,30,399 | 44,423 | 19 | 1,23,538 TOTAL Punjab | 55,73,686 | 17,92,505 | 32 | 25,57,746Breast cancer screeningDISTRICT | Target population | Screened | Screened % | Pending screening Ludhiana | 7,51,247 | 3,32,283 | 44 | 4,18,964 Tarn Taran | 2,30,399 | 1,10,063 | 48 | 1,20,336 Patiala | 3,58,831 | 1,77,257 | 49 | 1,81,574 Jalandhar | 4,36,977 | 2,24,419 | 51 | 2,12,558 Amritsar | 4,99,984 | 2,66,505 | 53 | 2,33,479 TOTAL Punjab | 55,73,686 | 33,41,447 | 60 | 22,32,239Oral cancer screeningDISTRICT | Target population | Screened | Screened % | Pending screening Ludhiana | 15,02,494 | 6,78,029 | 45 | 8,24,465 Tarn Taran | 4,60,798 | 2,32,269 | 50 | 2,28,529 Jalandhar | 8,73,953 | 4,46,018 | 51 | 4,27,935 Patiala | 7,17,662 | 3,73,844 | 52 | 3,43,818 Firozpur | 4,16,706 | 2,30,148 | 55 | 1,86,558 TOTAL Punjab | 11,147,371 | 68,52,864 | 61 | 42,94,507