Obesity, alcohol, tobacco driving Kerala’s cancer surge

New Delhi

Obesity, alcohol, and tobacco use are among the main reasons behind Kerala’s rising cancer cases, which are much higher than the national average, experts said at the Kerala Cancer Conclave 2025. Prof. Prashant Mathur, Director of ICMR-NCDIR, presented data showing Kerala records around 88,460 cancer cases annually, contributing nearly 5.7% to India’s total cancer burden.

The cancer rate in Kerala stands at 243 cases per lakh in men and 219 per lakh in women, compared to the national average of 105 and 103 respectively. Projections indicate cases may rise to over 89,000 by 2030.

Dr. Mohanan Nair, a Kochi-based oncologist, noted that 37% of Kerala’s population aged 15–49 is obese. Additionally, 12.4% of men consume alcohol and 17% use tobacco—factors significantly linked to cancer.

Experts also blamed sedentary lifestyles, poor diets, pollution, and high rates of diabetes and metabolic disorders, which are linked to breast, liver, colorectal, and pancreatic cancers.

To fight the trend, experts recommend major lifestyle changes—quitting tobacco and alcohol, adopting healthier diets, increasing physical activity, and reducing pollution. They also stressed the need for HPV vaccinations for adolescents and routine screenings for oral, breast, cervical, and colorectal cancers.

Dr. Rajeev Jayadevan of Kerala IMA pointed out that better screening programmes help detect hidden cases early, allowing timely treatment and improved outcomes.