Delhi NCR, 5th February 2026: Following World Cancer Day, Paras Health released consolidated oncology data revealing that more than 20,000 new cancer patients were diagnosed and treated between January 2025 and January 2026 across its hospitals in Delhi NCR, Patna, Panchkula, Kanpur, Udaipur, Srinagar, Ranchi and Darbhanga. The data underscores the growing cancer burden in India and highlights the urgent need for accessible, specialised oncology care across both metropolitan centres and emerging regions.
Over the last three years, hospitals across the Paras Health network have recorded a steady year-on-year rise in cancer cases, with a sharper increase observed after 2024. While larger centres continue to manage higher patient volumes, hospitals in emerging regions have also reported consistent growth, driven by improved diagnostic capabilities, stronger referral systems, and rising awareness around early cancer detection. Cancer remains most prevalent in the 40 to 70 year age group, with the average age of patients ranging between 50 and 60 years, though clinicians are increasingly observing diagnoses among younger adults. Over the past decade, breast cancer has emerged as the most commonly treated cancer among women, overtaking cervical cancer, while tobacco-related head and neck cancers continue to remain disproportionately high in India.
Commenting on the findings, Dr Dharminder Nagar, Co-Chair, FICCI Health and Services and Managing Director, Paras Health, said, “The rising number of cancer cases reflects a combination of changing lifestyles and improved detection. While risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity, pollution, and sedentary habits continue to drive cancer incidence, greater awareness and timely diagnosis are enabling cancers to be identified earlier, when treatment outcomes are significantly better. This underscores the importance of preventive screening and early intervention.”
Doctors across the Paras Health network attribute the increase in cancer cases to lifestyle and environmental factors, including tobacco use in smoked and smokeless forms, alcohol consumption, obesity, unhealthy dietary habits, physical inactivity, and exposure to air pollution, chemicals, and pesticides, along with infections such as HPV and Hepatitis.
Despite persistent misconceptions that cancer is incurable or that procedures such as biopsy or surgery cause the disease to spread, medical experts emphasise that early-stage cancers are often curable. Advances in treatment—including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, minimally invasive and robotic surgery, and improved chemotherapy protocols一have significantly enhanced outcomes and quality of life. Paras Health continues to deliver multidisciplinary, patient-centric cancer care across its hospitals, underscoring the critical role of early detection, scientific treatment, and sustained public awareness.
About Paras Health
Paras Health is one of India’s leading healthcare networks, delivering advanced, patient-centric care across multiple specialties. With hospitals in Delhi NCR, Patna, Panchkula, Kanpur, Udaipur, Srinagar, Ranchi and Darbhanga, the group offers comprehensive tertiary and quaternary care services, with a strong focus on integrated oncology delivered through multidisciplinary clinical teams.
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