SRINAGAR: Cancer cases diagnosed in Ladakh have increased more than fourfold over the past five years, with stomach, lung and oesophageal cancers emerging as the most common among men and breast, stomach and oesophageal cancers among women, the Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Friday.
In a written reply to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 1106, answered on July 24, Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Prataprao Jadhav said data provided by the Union Territory showed diagnosed cancer cases rising from 50 in 2021-22 to 87 in 2022-23, 173 in 2023-24, 208 in 2024-25 and 214 in 2025-26.
Quoting the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the Minister said stomach, lung and oesophageal cancers are the most frequently diagnosed cancers among males in Ladakh, while breast, stomach and oesophageal cancers are the leading cancers among females.
Responding to concerns over factors contributing to the rise in cases, the Minister cited an ICMR study published in 2025, which found that socio-economic changes have altered dietary patterns in the region. While dietary diversity has increased, these changes have also contributed to a rise in non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular diseases and diabetes. The study also linked the shift from traditional diets and agricultural occupations to changing disease patterns.
The Minister said the Centre is strengthening cancer care under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), implemented through the National Health Mission (NHM). The programme focuses on infrastructure development, human resource strengthening, screening, early diagnosis, referral services, treatment and health promotion.
He informed the House that 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units and 6,410 NCD clinics at Community Health Centres are functional across the country. In addition, 524 Day Care Cancer Centres have been established nationwide, including two in Ladakh, to improve access to cancer treatment at the district level.
The Minister further said a population-based screening programme for oral, breast and cervical cancers is being implemented across the country, including Ladakh, targeting individuals aged above 30 years through Ayushman Arogya Mandirs. Screening and awareness activities are being carried out by trained frontline workers, including Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) and Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs).
He added that the programme covers all districts of Ladakh, while awareness campaigns, health melas and outreach screening camps are being supported under the NHM to promote cancer prevention, early detection and timely referral.
