Sikkim has witnessed a concerning surge in cancer cases, with the number of reported diagnoses rising sharply to 551 in 2024, nearly double the 236 cases reported in 2015.
According to Dr Ashish Rai, a cancer specialist and Head of the Oncology Department at STNM Hospital, this increase can be attributed to both growing awareness and the availability of advanced medical facilities in the state.
With a population of approximately six lakhs, Sikkim's cancer prevalence rate stands at 91.8 per 100,000 people, slightly below the national average of 100.4 per 100,000.
Despite this, the rapid increase in cases signals the need for continued vigilance and proactive measures. Dr Rai noted that while earlier diagnostic methods, such as ultrasounds, were limited in detecting cancer, the introduction of more advanced technologies, such as CT scans and PET scans, has significantly improved detection rates.
The cancer data for 2024 shows a relatively even distribution between men and women, with 270 cases among men and 281 among women. Among men, gastrointestinal cancers are the most common, while breast cancer remains the leading type for women.
Esophageal cancer, with 236 reported cases, has emerged as the most prevalent form of cancer in Sikkim, followed by stomach cancer with 49 cases.
The increase in cancer cases has been steady over the past decade, with reported cases rising from 236 in 2015 to 551 in 2024.
Other yearly figures include 248 in 2016, 231 in 2017, 276 in 2018, 310 in 2019, 357 in 2020, 380 in 2021, over 400 in 2022, and over 450 in 2023.
Dr Rai linked the surge to various lifestyle factors, including the high consumption of red and smoked meats, fermented foods, and an increasing reliance on junk food.
The shift towards a more sedentary lifestyle with reduced physical activity has also contributed to the growing cancer burden.
Additionally, environmental factors such as exposure to pesticides are believed to play a role in the rising number of cancer cases.
The importance of early diagnosis and regular screening was emphasised by Dr Rai, who highlighted that Sikkim’s improved healthcare infrastructure has been instrumental in identifying and treating cancer at earlier stages. This offers hope for better treatment outcomes.
With ongoing awareness campaigns and advancements in medical technology, Sikkim is better equipped to combat the growing cancer challenge.
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