Cancer has become one of the most serious public-health challenges in Kerala. Over the past decade, the state has witnessed a steady rise in cancer cases across all age groups, with certain cancers becoming particularly common among men, women, and even younger adults. While Kerala continues to lead India in literacy, health awareness, and life expectancy, lifestyle changes, environmental factors, and delayed diagnosis have contributed significantly to the growing cancer burden.
The most powerful weapon against this rise is early cancer screening. Early detection not only saves lives but also reduces the cost, complexity, and emotional toll of treatment. For hospitals, healthcare professionals, and families, the focus must shift from “treating cancer” to “catching cancer early before symptoms appear.”
In this blog, we explore why cancer cases are increasing in Kerala, why early screening is critical, and what individuals can do to protect themselves and their loved ones.
Why Are Cancer Cases Increasing in Kerala?
Several factors influence the sharp rise in cancer cases in recent years:
1. Lifestyle and Dietary Changes
Kerala’s modern lifestyle has led to increased consumption of processed foods, high-salt diets, reduced physical activity, and irregular sleep patterns. These lifestyle shifts have increased the risk of cancers related to metabolism and obesity, including breast cancer, colorectal cancer, and endometrial cancer.
2. Higher Life Expectancy
Kerala has one of the longest life expectancies in India. While this is a positive achievement, ageing naturally increases cancer risk. With more people living into their senior years, age-related cancers such as prostate cancer and colorectal cancer have become more common.
3. Tobacco and Alcohol Use
Despite strong awareness programmes, tobacco use (smoking and chewing) remains a leading cause of oral, lung, throat, and esophageal cancers. Alcohol consumption, too, has been linked to liver and gastrointestinal cancers.
4. Delayed Diagnosis Due to Ignoring Symptoms
Many people in Kerala still hesitate to visit a hospital unless symptoms become severe. Early signs like fatigue, weight loss, lumps, or persistent discomfort often go unnoticed or ignored. As a result, cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages.
5. Environmental and Occupational Factors
Exposure to pollution, chemical fertilizers, pesticides, and certain industrial environments adds to the cancer risk in certain regions.
Most Common Cancers in Kerala
While cancer can affect any organ, Kerala sees a higher prevalence of certain types:
For Women:
- Breast Cancer
Now the most common cancer among women, often detected late due to lack of regular screening. - Cervical Cancer
Highly preventable with regular PAP smears and HPV vaccination. - Thyroid Cancer
Increasing among younger women, often detected during routine check-ups.
For Men:
- Oral Cancer
Caused by tobacco and areca-nut consumption. - Lung Cancer
Common among smokers and passive smokers. - Prostate Cancer
Rising sharply due to an ageing population.
Common Across Both Genders:
- Colorectal Cancer
- Stomach Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Blood Cancers (Leukemia, Lymphoma)
The pattern shows a strong need for regular screenings, especially from the age of 30 onwards.
Importance of Early Cancer Screening
Early screening doesn’t just diagnose cancer early; it prevents cancer, improves treatment success, and reduces death rates. Here’s how:
1. Detects Cancer Before Symptoms Appear
Most cancers do not show noticeable symptoms until they reach later stages. By this time, treatment becomes more complex and aggressive. Regular screening can catch early changes—sometimes even before cancer fully develops.
2. Increases Survival Rates
When cancer is detected early:
- Treatment is more effective
- Survival rates increase dramatically
- Chances of complete cure are much higher
For example, early-stage breast cancer has over 90% survival rate, compared to late-stage detection which drops significantly.
3. Reduces Cost of Treatment
Late-stage cancer treatment often requires:
- Multiple chemotherapy cycles
- Radiotherapy
- Major surgeries
- Long-term medications
Early detection drastically lowers treatment costs.
4. Prevents Cancer Progression
Screening tests like colonoscopy, PAP smear, or low-dose CT scans can detect pre-cancerous changes. Treating these early prevents cancer from forming altogether.
5. Helps People Make Better Lifestyle Choices
Screening also increases health awareness. When people undergo routine check-ups, they naturally start improving their habits—diet, exercise, smoking cessation and stress management.
Essential Cancer Screenings Everyone Should Do
Different screenings are recommended for different age groups. The most important ones include:
For Women
- Breast Cancer Screening
- Self breast examination monthly
- Clinical breast exam yearly
- Mammogram after age 40
- Cervical Cancer Screening
- PAP smear every 3 years
- HPV test after age 30
- Thyroid Ultrasound if symptoms or family history exist
For Men
- Prostate Screening
- PSA test after age 50
- Oral Cancer Screening
- Especially for smokers and alcohol users
- Low-dose CT scans for long-term smokers to detect lung cancer early
For Both Men & Women
- Colorectal Cancer Screening
- Colonoscopy every 5–10 years after age 45
- Liver Function & Ultrasound for those with fatty liver or alcohol intake
- Full Body Health Checkups annually
Who Should Get Screened More Frequently?
Some individuals require earlier and more frequent screening:
- Those with a family history of cancer
- Smokers and alcohol consumers
- People with obesity or metabolic disorders
- Those exposed to chemicals or radiation
- Women with menstrual irregularities or hormonal imbalance
- People with chronic infections (hepatitis B, HPV etc.)
Being proactive can save lives.
How Hospitals in Kerala Are Improving Cancer Detection
Modern multispecialty hospitals in Kerala now offer:
- Advanced imaging (MRI, CT, PET scans)
- Pathology & biopsy services
- Genetic testing for high-risk individuals
- Specialist oncology consultations
- Women’s wellness clinics
- Preventive health checkup packages
These facilities ensure that early detection becomes accessible and affordable to more people.
Conclusion: Early Screening Is the Key to Fighting Cancer in Kerala
The rising cancer cases in Kerala should be taken as a call for action—not fear. The solution is simple, powerful, and accessible: early screening.
When cancers are detected early:
- Treatment is simpler
- Recovery is faster
- Survival rates improve significantly
- Families avoid emotional and financial stress