CHENNAI: For the first time, Tamil Nadu has recorded over 1 lakh new cancer cases in a single year, with Chennai carrying the highest caseload. The latest data for 2025 reveals a total of 1,00,097 newly registered cases — 53,542 women and 46,555 men.
This brings the state's total number of living cancer patients to 1,09,097, reflecting a steady upward trend over recent years and posing significant public health challenges for the state.
The data shows a clear year-on-year increase, from 68,750 cases in 2020 to 76,968 in 2021, 89,265 in 2022, 92,816 in 2023, and 96,486 in 2024, before surpassing the 1-lakh mark in 2025.
Health experts warn that without strengthened preventive and screening measures, these numbers are likely to climb further.
Chennai continues to carry the highest caseload, registering 8,505 new cases in 2025, a figure attributed to factors like urban lifestyle, stress, and late diagnosis. It is followed by Kancheepuram (7,295 cases) and Vellore (6,525 cases).
Many patients go to hospitals only when the disease has progressed significantly. Early detection can drastically improve survival rates and reduce treatment burdenDr Venkat, Oncologist
Cancer types also differ significantly by gender. Among men, mouth cancer is most prevalent, driven largely by tobacco use, followed by colorectal and stomach cancers. For women, breast cancer is the most common, with cervical and ovarian cancers following closely—a pattern that raises concerns about awareness and community-level screening.
Speaking to DT Next, Dr Venkat, an oncologist at the Adyar Cancer Institute, highlighted that nearly 50% of cancer cases reach advanced stages due to late detection. "Many patients come to hospitals only when the disease has progressed significantly. Early detection can drastically improve survival rates and reduce treatment burden," he said.
Dr Venkat stressed the importance of a physically active lifestyle, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol use to lower cancer risks. He also urged the public not to ignore early warning signs: "People should not hesitate/fear to undergo screening. Any persistent cyst, unexplained weight change, persistent pain, or unusual symptom warrants immediate medical consultation."
According to data submitted in Parliament by the Health and Family Welfare Department on Tuesday, in response to a question from DMK Rajya Sabha MP Girirajan, Tamil Nadu recorded 10,821 deaths due to ovarian, breast, and cervical cancers alone in 2025. Health experts state that the latest figures should serve as a wake-up call for both policymakers and the public to prioritise awareness, screening, and early diagnosis to curb Tamil Nadu's rising cancer burden.
Chennai 8,505
Kancheepuram 7,295
Vellore 6,525
MEN
Mouth
Colorectal
Stomach
WOMEN
Breast
Cervical
Ovarian
Active lifestyle
Healthy weight
Ditch tobacco
Quit alcohol
Test regularly