Patiala, March 11 -- Around 70 people - highest in the region - died of cancer every day in Punjab last year, according to the data shared by the Union ministry of health and family welfare in the Rajya Sabha on Tuesday. The figures revealed that nearly 25,000 people lost their lives to cancer across the state in 2025: up from 22,786 in 2021.

Neighbouring Haryana reported 18,387 cancer deaths, while Himachal Pradesh reported only 5,328 deaths.

The data presented by the ministry of health and family welfare revealed that the incidence of cancer cases had continuously been rising in the state. According to the data, cancer cases in Punjab - among both sexes - increased from 39,251 in 2021 to 43,196 in 2025.

The data further revealed that...