The reasoning: burden (ICMR‑NCRP)
- Estimated ≈ 15 lakh new cancer cases/year (2024 projection), rising with ageing and risk factors; 1 in 9 Indians is expected to develop cancer in their lifetime (NCRP).
- Leading sites: men: lip/oral cavity, lung, oesophagus, stomach; women: breast (most common), cervix, ovary, oral cavity. North‑east: highest incidence, with distinct patterns (oesophagus, stomach, nasopharynx; tobacco and diet).
- Tobacco‑related cancers ≈ one‑third of cancers (≈ 40%+ in men).
- Late stage at diagnosis (≈ 2/3 of cases) drives high mortality‑to‑incidence ratios.