Varanasi Cancer Registry Report Reveals Alarming Oral Cancer Prevalence

12Varanasi: The Population-Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) Report 2020–21, prepared by Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya Cancer Centre and Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (MPMMCC & HBCH), states that one out of every 36 men in Varanasi is at risk of developing oral cancer, the most common cancer among men in the region.The high prevalence is linked mainly to the consumption of tobacco and tobacco-based products. Among women, breast cancer has emerged as the most common form, with a risk of one in every 76 women.The report further highlights that the most frequently occurring cancers among men are oral cancer, tongue cancer and gallbladder cancer, while among women, breast cancer, gallbladder cancer and cervical cancer are the most common.IPL Auction 2026IPL Auction 2026: Full list of sold and unsold players for all teamsIPL 2026 team and squad List: Updated players for all 10 Teams; who got whomThe report, released on Saturday, is the third comprehensive report of its kind for the district, offering crucial insights into the actual burden of cancer in Varanasi, including its causes and distribution.The PBCR report covers Varanasi's population of approximately 41 lakhs, comprising 1,295 villages and 90 urban municipal wards. Data was systematically collected from all eight blocks of the district, with 57% of the records sourced from rural areas.This indicates that the challenge of cancer is rapidly rising even in rural communities, while improved data collection is helping to better understand disease patterns.Dr Divya Khanna, head of the PBCR, said that the analysis of collected data reveals a direct link between tobacco use and 51.2% of cancers in men and 14.2% of cancers in women. She emphasised that quitting all forms of tobacco could significantly reduce these cancers.Dr Khanna also highlighted that cancer registry teams regularly conduct field visits to collect data, enabling accurate scientific assessment of the cancer burden in the district.Oral cancer's high incidence is particularly associated with extensive use of tobacco and its products such as gutka and khaini. The increasing burden of gallbladder cancer in Varanasi and the eastern Uttar Pradesh region has also been identified as a significant concern in the report.The PBCR report is a vital document for the district. In alignment with the core mission of Tata Memorial Centre, service, education and research, the report not only strengthens cancer care services but also plays a crucial role in enhancing public awareness and ensuring timely treatment. Such district-level findings are essential for understanding cancer trends, planning effective treatment strategies, launching awareness programmes, and encouraging patients to seek care at an early stage.Get an chance to win ₹5000 Amazon Voucher by taking part in India's Biggest Habit Index! Take the survey here