HPA Reports Decline in New Cancer Cases in 2025

The Health Protection Agency (HPA) has reported that 2025 recorded the largest decline in newly registered cancer cases in the Maldives in the past six years.

Statistics released by the HPA show trends in new cancer cases registered with the National Cancer Registry between 2020 and 2025. A total of 137 new cases were recorded in 2020, rising sharply to 208 cases in 2021 and peaking at 244 cases in 2022. The number then declined to 211 cases in 2023 and 195 cases in 2024, before dropping significantly to 111 cases in 2025.

Cancer accounts for approximately 17 per cent of deaths in the Maldives each year, highlighting its continued impact on public health despite the recent reduction in new cases.

Data from the HPA indicate that the most commonly diagnosed cancers in the Maldives include breast cancer, lung cancer, blood cancer, thyroid cancer and prostate cancer.

Research cited by health authorities shows that around 40 per cent of cancers are linked to unhealthy lifestyle choices and other avoidable risk factors. These include smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke, unhealthy diets, areca-nut chewing, lack of physical activity, excessive body weight, alcohol consumption and prolonged exposure to ultraviolet radiation.

Health authorities continue to stress the importance of adopting healthier lifestyles and participating in regular screening programmes as key measures to reduce cancer risk and improve early detection outcomes.