Cancer Care Burden Rising in Telangana

Hyderabad:A comprehensive assessment of cancer care across Telangana has revealed that over 1,00,294 unique patients were identified and treated under the Rajiv Aarogyasri Healthcare Scheme between April 2020 and September 2025.

The report, which analysed data from the Rajiv Aarogyasri Health Care Trust, highlights a significant public health challenge, with cancer now ranking as the second most treated condition under the state’s flagship health scheme.

One of the most striking findings in the report is the significant gender disparity in cancer cases. Women account for approximately 60 per cent of all cancer patients (59,994), compared to 40 per cent for males (40,300). This translates to a female cancer incidence rate of 62 per 1,00,000, notably higher than the male rate of 42 per 1,00,000. Across all adult age groups (33+), female patients consistently outnumber males, with the biggest gaps in the 39–48, 49–55, and above‑62 groups.

In childhood (0–18) and early adulthood (19–32), male and female patient counts are more similar, indicating a more balanced cancer burden by gender in younger populations.

The data shows that for women, breast and cervical cancers are major drivers of the treatment volume, while palliative care remains the most frequent treatment category across both genders, signifying a high demand for ongoing symptom management.

While the state‑wide average incidence stands at 52 cases per 1 lakh population, certain districts are emerging as hotspots. Hanamkonda leads the state with the highest incidence rate of 79 cases per lakh population, followed closely by Hyderabad at 72 cases per lakh.

Other districts with notably high incidence rates included Karimnagar at 65 cases, Peddapalli and Rajanna Sircilla with 63 cases each, and Jagtial with 60 cases per lakh population. Districts such as Jayashankar Bhupalpally, Jangaon, Warangal, and Suryapet also recorded elevated incidence levels ranging from 55 to 59 cases per lakh population.

The report further highlights that 25 out of 33 districts, accounting for nearly 76 per cent of the state, recorded cancer incidence rates above 45 cases per lakh population, while only four districts remained below 40 cases per lakh. The findings also suggest that urban lifestyle factors, pollution, dietary habits, and delayed detection may be contributing to the higher cancer burden, particularly in urbanised districts like Hyderabad and Rangareddy.

Experts suggest that urban lifestyle factors, including diet, pollution, and delayed detection habits, may be driving these high rates in districts like Hyderabad and Rangareddy. In terms of sheer volume, Hyderabad recorded the highest number of treated patients at 12,517, followed by Rangareddy (6,372) and Medchal (5,483).

The state’s healthcare system relies heavily on Medical Oncology (chemotherapy and targeted therapies), which served 74,701 patients during the study period. Radiation Oncology (51,445 patients) and Surgical Oncology (29,482 patients) also represent substantial portions of the care provided.

Highly specialised procedures like stem cell transplantations are handled exclusively by government institutions. M.N.J.Hospital in Hyderabad remains the primary hub for cancer care in the state, treating significantly more patients than any other single facility.