Ranchi Cancer Hospital Reports Over Eight-Fold Increase in Head and Neck Cancer Cases
Eight-fold rise in head & neck cancer cases in 4 yrs: RCHRC
The Times Of India
Image: The Times Of India
The Ranchi Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (RCHRC) has documented a dramatic rise in head and neck cancer cases, reporting 663 cases in the 2025-26 financial year, up from 80 in 2022-23. This surge is largely attributed to increased tobacco consumption, especially smokeless tobacco, among both men and women in Jharkhand, India.
- 01The number of head and neck cancer cases rose from 80 in 2022-23 to 663 in 2025-26 at RCHRC.
- 02Tobacco consumption, particularly smokeless tobacco products like khaini and gutkha, is the primary cause of this increase.
- 03Men are more commonly affected due to higher tobacco and alcohol use, but cases among women are also rising, linked to smokeless tobacco and passive smoke exposure.
- 04Delayed diagnosis in women, often due to social barriers and family responsibilities, contributes to the problem.
- 05There is a pressing need for awareness campaigns and preventive interventions to address early tobacco use among adolescents.
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The Ranchi Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (RCHRC) has reported a staggering increase in head and neck cancer cases, with 663 diagnoses in the 2025-26 financial year compared to just 80 in 2022-23, marking an over eight-fold rise. This alarming trend is primarily attributed to the rising consumption of tobacco and nicotine products, particularly smokeless tobacco like khaini and gutkha. Dr. Gautam Kumar Sharan, director of RCHRC, emphasized that head and neck cancers are prevalent in eastern India, with tobacco use being a significant risk factor. While men are more frequently diagnosed due to higher rates of tobacco and alcohol consumption, an increasing number of women are also being affected, often linked to smokeless tobacco use and passive smoke exposure. The challenge is compounded by delayed diagnoses, particularly among women in rural areas, where social responsibilities hinder early detection. Experts stress the urgent need for awareness campaigns and community-level interventions to combat this public health crisis and reduce the incidence of cancer in the region.
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The significant increase in head and neck cancer cases poses a serious public health challenge in Jharkhand, necessitating urgent interventions.
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