Punjab's Cancer Crisis: Rising Cases Amid Incomplete Screening Coverage
Even as cancer cases and deaths continue to escalate in Punjab, screening coverage across districts remains far from comprehensive, leaving lakhs of individuals untested for early detection. This gap is critical, as timely identification is essential for effective treatment, improved survival rates, and reducing the overall disease burden.
Alarming Cancer Statistics in Punjab
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 a consistent upward trend.
- New breast cancer cases increased from 3,297 in 2021 to 3,388 in 2025, a rise of approximately 2.8%.
- Cervical cancer cases rose from 1,279 in 2021 to 1,314 in 2025.
- Ovarian cancer cases also grew, from 844 in 2021 to 868 in 2025.
Breast cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths among these three types. 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.
Significant Gaps in Screening Performance
Screening performance across districts reveals substantial deficiencies, hindering early detection efforts.
Oral Cancer Screening
From April 2021 to January 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 larger districts, Ludhiana screened only 45% of its 15,02,494 target population, with 8,24,465 still pending. Other districts showed similar shortfalls: Tarn Taran recorded 50%, Jalandhar achieved 51%, Patiala 52%, Firozepur 55%, Faridkot 57%, and Amritsar and Sangrur 59% each.
Cervical Cancer Screening
For cervical cancer screening, Punjab had a target population of 55,73,686. Only 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
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 top performers, Pathankot achieved 83%, Bathinda 82%, and Gurdaspur 78%.
Expert Insights on Early Detection
With cancer incidence and mortality rising, public health experts emphasize 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, noted that Punjab is witnessing a steady increase in both cancer incidence and mortality, particularly in breast, cervical, and ovarian cancers. They highlighted that while screening programs 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.
Government Response and AI Initiatives
Punjab Health Minister Dr. Balbir Singh attributed the low screening coverage to a shortage of manpower. He stated that to overcome this challenge, artificial intelligence-based tools are being utilized for screening purposes, which are helping to improve coverage. Strict instructions have been issued to all civil surgeons to step up screening efforts and ensure better coverage across districts.
The Punjab government has launched AI-enabled screening devices for breast and cervical cancer in five districts: Amritsar, Bathinda, Ludhiana, Patiala, and Sangrur. From September 2025 to February 9, 2026, a total of 8,625 women were screened in these districts. Cancer was detected in seven women, and treatment was initiated promptly.
Summary of Screening Deficits
Cervical Cancer Screening: Key districts like Jalandhar (7%), Kapurthala (15%), and Amritsar (16%) show alarmingly low rates, with Punjab overall at 32% coverage.
Breast Cancer Screening: While better at 60%, districts such as Ludhiana (44%) and Tarn Taran (48%) lag, indicating uneven progress.
Oral Cancer Screening: With 61% coverage, gaps persist, especially in Ludhiana (45%) and other major districts, highlighting the need for intensified efforts.
In conclusion, Punjab's battle against cancer is hampered by incomplete screening, despite rising cases and deaths. Enhanced awareness, manpower solutions, and AI integration are vital to bridge these gaps and improve public health outcomes.
