Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru
Mangaluru, Dec 25: Under the state government’s ‘Gruha Arogya’ (Home Health) scheme, screening and treatment for non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are being carried out across Karnataka. In Dakshina Kannada (DK) district, cancer cases have seen a sharp rise, increasing from 1,411 cases last year to 3,361 cases this year. The number of cases has more than doubled within a year, causing widespread concern among the public.
Under the Gruha Arogya scheme, screening and treatment are provided for diseases such as cancer, diabetes and hypertension. As part of the programme, suspected cases of oral, breast and cervical cancer are identified and free medicines are provided. Across the state, by the end of November 2025, about 22 lac people have been screened, leading to the detection of over 5,000 suspected cancer cases.
With health workers visiting households under the state government’s Gruha Arogya scheme, the detection of cancer cases has become easier. Many patients were previously unaware of the disease, and in several cases, cancer has been detected at an early stage. However, it is a matter of concern that a significant number of cases have also been detected at the second and third stages.
The incidence of oral and breast cancer has increased alarmingly in the district. Along with this, cervical cancer and other types of cancer have also risen sharply compared to last year. A higher number of cases have been reported mainly from Mangaluru and Puttur areas, while other taluks have also recorded more than 200 cases each.
During 2024–25, oral cancer was detected in 249 men and 118 women. In the current year 2025–26, oral cancer has been detected in 123 men and 47 women so far. In addition, among patients from outside the district being treated here, 26 cases of oral cancer, seven cases of breast cancer in women, and 53 cases of other cancers have been reported.
Significantly, more cancer cases have been detected in private hospitals compared to government hospitals. As many as 2,671 cases have been identified in private hospitals alone.
State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao has submitted a proposal to the chief minister to establish units of Jayadeva Institute of Cardiovascular Sciences and Research and Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology on eight acres of land at the TB hospital in Moodushedde, Mangaluru. The matter was also discussed during the Belagavi Assembly session.
However, there is growing demand that instead of Moodushedde, these units be set up on 2.7 acres of land available within the Wenlock Hospital premises. The argument is that facilities located within the city would be more beneficial to the public than those on the outskirts and would be more accessible to the poor. If such units are established, better treatment would be possible for cancer and other non-communicable diseases.
A two-year comparison of cancer cases in Dakshina Kannada district shows that Bantwal recorded 303 cases this year compared to 105 last year, Beltangady 271 cases compared to 41, Mangaluru 464 cases compared to 308, Puttur 251 cases compared to 185, and Sullia 122 cases compared to 51.
Out of Dakshina Kannada district’s population of 23,11,835, the detection of non-communicable diseases in about 30 per cent of the population is a matter of serious concern. Cancer and heart-related ailments are the most prevalent. Due to the Gruha Arogya scheme, these diseases are being detected at an earlier stage. Early-stage treatment, especially for oral and breast cancer, is much easier, said Dr H R Thimmayya, Dakshina Kannada district health officer.