Cancer Patterns and Challenges in the Garhwal Region of Uttarakhand: A Hospital-Based Study

Cancer has become a significant health burden in India, with an estimated 1.41 million new cases and 0.91 million cancer-related deaths in 2022. The situation is expected to worsen, with projections indicating nearly double the number of new cases by 2050. Uttarakhand, a sub-Himalayan state with a diverse geography, faces unique challenges in cancer care due to its varied demographics, environmental factors, and limited healthcare infrastructure. This hospital-based study conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Uttarakhand between May 1, 2021, and June 30, 2024, aimed to analyze the cancer patterns and trends in the Garhwal region. Data were extracted from the hospital's cancer registry and analyzed for sociodemographic factors, cancer types, and staging at diagnosis. The study included 3600 cancer patients, with 55.2% males and 44.8% females. The most common cancers identified were lung (14.9%), gastrointestinal (14.7%), and head and neck cancers (13.4%). In women, the five most common cancer sites were breast, gallbladder, lung, ovaries, and cervix. In men, the most common sites were lung, urinary bladder, oral cavity, stomach, and colorectum. Most patients (83.3%) were diagnosed at advanced stages. Only 11.6% had received prior oncological treatment, while 20.4% were deemed unfit for treatment and were consequently advised to receive palliative care. This study highlights a significant burden of advanced-stage cancers in the Garhwal region of Uttarakhand. Strengthening early detection, public awareness, and screening programs is urgently needed to improve timely diagnosis and cancer outcomes in this population.