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Cancer Care in India
Context:
Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with an estimated 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022.
India’s Cancer Burden
- Around 100 out of every 1 lakh people are diagnosed with cancer.
- The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimated over 14 lakh new cancer cases in India in 2023.
Role of National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP)
- Established under ICMR in 1982 to track cancer incidence, burden, and trends.
- Provides data-driven insights for policy decisions.
- National Institute of Cancer Prevention & Research (NICPR): The nodal agency for research and screening guidelines under NPCDCS.
Union Budget 2025-26: Strengthening Cancer Care
- The Union Budget for 2025-26 underscores the government’s commitment to enhancing cancer care in India through several initiatives:
- Day Care Cancer Centres: Plans to establish 200 Day Care Cancer Centres across district hospitals by 2025-26. These centres will improve accessibility to treatment, particularly for rural populations.
- Customs Duty Exemptions: To reduce the financial burden of cancer treatment, 36 life-saving cancer-related medicines and rare disease treatments will be exempt from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), while six other essential medicines will be available at concessional duties of 5%.
Holistic Cancer Control: Key Government Initiatives
- National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS): A flagship initiative under the National Health Mission (NHM), focusing on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment.
- The programme prioritises the three most common types of cancer—oral, breast, and cervical cancer—offering:
- Screening for these cancers at the community level.
- Early detection and awareness campaigns facilitated by health workers and digital platforms.
- Infrastructure strengthening with the establishment of tertiary cancer centres and state cancer institutes.
- The programme prioritises the three most common types of cancer—oral, breast, and cervical cancer—offering:
- Strengthening of Tertiary Care for Cancer Scheme: The establishment of 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) nationwide.
- The National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Jhajjar and the second campus of the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) in Kolkata are key facilities providing advanced cancer treatment and research.
- Ayushman Bharat Yojana (PMJAY): Launched in 2018, aims to provide universal health coverage, with a special focus on rural and vulnerable populations. The scheme covers cancer treatments such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology for economically disadvantaged families.
- As of 2024, over 90% of registered cancer patients have received treatment under this initiative, significantly reducing out-of-pocket expenses.
- Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF): The HMCPF offers financial assistance of up to ₹5 lakh for cancer treatment to patients below the poverty line. Established under the Rashtriya Arogya Nidhi (RAN) scheme, it ensures that underprivileged patients receive care at 27 Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs), with ₹50 lakh revolving funds allocated to each centre.
- National Cancer Grid (NCG): Established in 2012, the NCG is India’s largest cancer network, consisting of 287 members. It treats over 750,000 new cancer patients annually, contributing to 60% of India’s cancer burden. The NCG also collaborates with Ayushman Bharat to ensure affordable, standardised cancer care.
Advancements in Cancer Research and Treatment
- India’s First Indigenous CAR-T Cell Therapy – NexCAR19: A major breakthrough, NexCAR19 is India’s first indigenously developed CAR-T cell therapy for blood cancers.
- Developed through a collaboration between IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT, this treatment is expected to be more affordable and accessible compared to imported therapies, advancing India’s position in cancer treatment.
- Quad Cancer Moonshot Initiative: Launched in September 2024 in collaboration with the US, Australia, and Japan, this initiative aims to eliminate cervical cancer across the Indo-Pacific region through screening, vaccination, and research.
- Expansion of ACTREC (Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer): A key arm of Tata Memorial Centre (TMC), aims to revolutionise cancer research and treatment in India. It will accelerate clinical breakthroughs and enhance patient care facilities.
Cancer Awareness and Prevention Initiatives
- Community Awareness: Through initiatives like Ayushman Aarogya Mandir, the government promotes wellness activities and cancer prevention at the community level. National Cancer Awareness Day and World Cancer Day help raise awareness.
- Media Campaigns: Print, social media, and other platforms promote cancer prevention, including healthy eating through the Eat Right India campaign and physical fitness through Fit India Movement.
- Healthy Lifestyle Promotion: The Ministry of AYUSH offers yoga programs, and the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) encourages healthy food choices.
India’s commitment to tackling cancer head-on is a testament to the resilience and determination of its people. With sustained efforts and a collaborative approach, the vision of a cancer-free India is within reach.
