Hyderabad: A recent Cancer Incidence and Prevalence Mapping Report prepared under the Rajiv Aarogyasri Scheme has highlighted a significant cancer burden among women in Telangana, while also drawing attention to the importance of early screening, awareness, and improved access to treatment services.

Women Account for Majority of Cases

According to the report, between April 2020 and September 2025, the Aarogyasri scheme recorded 100,294 cancer patients, including 59,994 women. The annual incidence rate among women was reported at 62 per 100,000 population, compared to 42 per 100,000 among men.

Breast cancer and cervical cancer were identified as the most commonly reported cancers among women, with 15,502 breast cancer cases and 11,834 cervical cancer cases recorded during the study period.

The report also noted that a large number of women received palliative care services, indicating the need for greater emphasis on early detection and timely treatment.

District-Wise Trends

The burden of cancer was found to be particularly high among women in the 39–48 years age group.

Among districts, Hanamkonda recorded the highest annual incidence rate at 79 cases per 100,000 population, followed by Hyderabad (72) and Karimnagar (65).

Hyderabad accounted for 12,517 cancer patients, reflecting the concentration of specialized cancer treatment facilities in the state capital.

Public and Private Healthcare Facilities

The report observed that although government hospitals constitute a majority of Aarogyasri-empanelled cancer treatment facilities, private hospitals treated a larger number of patients overall.

According to the data, 53,523 patients received treatment in private hospitals compared to 43,480 patients in government institutions. Advanced treatment services such as radiotherapy were also reported to be more widely available in private healthcare facilities.

Areas Requiring Attention

The report identifies several areas where improvements could help strengthen cancer care services:

• Expanding breast and cervical cancer screening programmes.
• Increasing public awareness regarding early symptoms and preventive care.
• Strengthening oncology infrastructure in government hospitals.
• Improving access to specialized treatment services in districts outside major urban centres.
• Enhancing palliative care and patient support services.

Need for Early Detection

Healthcare experts have consistently emphasized that early detection plays a critical role in improving treatment outcomes for cancer patients. Greater awareness, regular screening, and timely medical consultation can help reduce the burden of advanced-stage disease.

The findings of the Aarogyasri report underscore the importance of continued investment in cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and equitable access to healthcare services across Telangana.