Mumbai, March 1 -- Maharashtra Health Minister Prakash Abitkar on Saturday announced that the Maharashtra government will provide free cancer vaccines to girls aged 0-14, highlighting growing concerns over rising cancer cases across the state.

"With changes in lifestyle, cancer cases are rising in both rural and urban areas. Previously, cancer was often linked to specific addictions, but now it's being detected across all age groups, including children. This is highly concerning," he said.

To address the issue, the Maharashtra government has decided to implement a free cancer vaccination program.

"We have requested our Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister, Ajit Pawar, to provide free cancer vaccinations to girls aged 0-14. He has...