Rising Cancer Cases in the Country

Transparent Journalism

baljit singh brar

The continuous rise in cancer cases in agriculturally dominant states like Punjab and Haryana has become a matter of serious concern. Particularly, the Malwa region of Punjab has increasingly come to be known as the “Cancer Belt,” where thousands of new patients are reported every year. This situation is not only a health issue but also a major social and economic challenge.

Several factors are believed to be responsible for this growing problem. Excessive use of pesticides and chemical fertilizers in agriculture, deterioration in water quality, and industrial pollution are among the major causes. Many studies have indicated the presence of heavy metals and toxic substances in groundwater, which gradually accumulate in the human body over time and may lead to cancer.

Lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis are also contributing to the increasing number of patients. In rural areas, inadequate healthcare facilities and limited access to specialist doctors often result in the disease being detected at a later stage, making treatment more difficult. To tackle this crisis, governments must take immediate and concrete steps. Ensuring the supply of clean drinking water, promoting organic farming, and strengthening healthcare infrastructure are essential measures.

The fight against cancer is not solely the responsibility of the government; it is a collective responsibility of society as a whole. If timely awareness and preventive actions are taken, this threat can be significantly reduced. Along with the increasing number of cancer cases, the number of deaths in Punjab and Haryana is also rising at an alarming rate. According to figures presented by the Union Health Ministry in Parliament, approximately 18,000-20,000 deaths are recorded annually in Punjab due to cancer. In Haryana, the number is estimated to be around 12,000-15,000 deaths every year. There is an urgent need to expand cancer screening programs for early detection, provide treatment facilities at the village level, and control environmental factors contributing to the disease. The growing incidence of cancer in Punjab and Haryana is not merely a health crisis, but also a serious policy and environmental issue that demands immediate and collective action.