Kerala Records Highest Cancer Death Rate

Kerala recorded the highest cancer death rate among southern States in 2023. Cancer caused 13.6% of all medically certified deaths in the State, which is almost three times higher than the national average of 4.78%, according to a report released by the Office of the Registrar General of India.

Kerala reported 4,719 cancer-related deaths out of 34,613 medically certified deaths, placing it at the top in India for cancer mortality. This percentage is much higher than other southern States — Karnataka reported 7.01%, Tamil Nadu 3.83%, Andhra Pradesh 1.62%, and Telangana 1.55%.

Cancers of the digestive organs were the leading cause, with 1,441 deaths. These made up 4.16% of all medically certified deaths and about 30.5% of all cancer deaths in Kerala. This group includes cancers of the stomach, intestines, liver, pancreas, and other digestive organs.

Respiratory and chest-related cancers caused 743 deaths, accounting for 2.15% of deaths, making them the second most common cancer type in the State. Cancers affecting blood and related tissues led to 703 deaths, or 2.03%.

Breast, bone, and skin cancers together caused 508 deaths (1.47%), while cancers of the urinary and reproductive organs led to 490 deaths (1.42%). Oral cancers, including cancers of the mouth, lip, and throat, caused 299 deaths (0.86%).

Cancers of the brain, eye, and central nervous system resulted in 106 deaths (0.31%). Cancers of other or unspecified parts of the body caused 348 deaths, accounting for 1.01%.