India is confronting an emerging health challenge that is impacting thousands of families throughout the nation. A detailed report by the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) indicates that India's cancer care system has one main weakness: substandard diagnostic services that are retarding early diagnosis and treatment.
With almost 200,000 new cancer cases arising every year, India's healthcare system is finding it difficult to cope with the increasing needs for early and accurate detection of cancer.
The statistics are alarming. While Western nations excel at detecting cancer at an early stage, India presents a different picture:
India: Over 60% of cancer patients are diagnosed at stage 3 or 4.
United States: Almost 60% of patients are diagnosed at stage 1 or beyond
This staggering disparity isn't merely about quantity, it's about lives saved through earlier intervention.
The three-month delay problem
Even more concerning is the human behavioural component of this crisis. The NAMS report indicates that over half of Indian patients take over three months after symptom onset before presenting to a healthcare provider. This, combined with the diagnostic gap, is a recipe for advanced presentations.
“Breast cancer is treatable when diagnosed in its early stages. In India, the survival rate for patients with breast cancer is lower compared to Western countries due to several factors, including the late-stage presentation, delayed initiation of definitive management, and inadequate or fragmented treatment,’’ the paper states.
Breast cancer has become the most prevalent malignancy in Indian women and the number one killer cancer in the country. What makes it all the more difficult to deal with is that Indian patients with breast cancer are younger than their high-income counterparts.
“Sixty percent of the global population resides in Asia, which accounts for 50% of cancer cases and 58% of cancer-related deaths. Furthermore, India ranks third in accounting for cancer cases, following China and the United States of America. The projected cancer burden in India is estimated to reach 2.08 million by 2040, representing a 57.5% increase from 2020,’’ the paper states.
The survival gap
The survival rate speaks volumes. Indian patients with breast cancer have much lower survival rates compared to their Western counterparts, primarily because:
Presentation of advanced-stage disease
Delayed treatment initiation
Inadequate or scattered treatment modalities
Hope on the horizon: Government interventions making an impact.
India's healthcare system, in spite of the issues, is giving every indication of improvement. The Ayushman Arogya Mandir scheme has been a game-changer, opening more than 1,63,402 functioning centres by the end of 2023.
The numbers speak for themselves: Primary health teams have screened more than 10.04 crore breast cancers, reflecting the government's will to reach out extensively and early.
“Ayushman Arogya Mandir initiative currently has over 1,63,402 operational centres by the end of 2023. Within these centres, primary healthcare teams have conducted a staggering 10.04 crore breast cancer screenings, underscoring the programme’s commitment to widespread outreach and accessibility,’’ the report said.
Global perspective: India's emerging burden of cancer
India's challenge of cancer is a part of the general regional trend in Asia, which houses 60% of the world's population, and contributes to:
50% of cancers worldwide
58% of cancer-related deaths in the world
Projections for the future.
Looking forward, the statistics are staggering. India is already ranked third in the world for cancer cases, after China and the United States. Experts estimate that the number of cancer patients in India will be 2.08 million by 2040, an increase of 57.5% from 2020 levels.
Creating a comprehensive solution
The NAMS task force highlights that a multi-faceted approach must be used to tackle India's cancer care crisis. Success rests on:
Strengthening diagnostic infrastructure
Enhancing treatment access
Raising awareness campaigns among the general public
Creating stakeholder guidelines for end-to-end care
The report ends on a positive note: Cancer, and particularly breast cancer, is very treatable if detected early. The solution lies in bridging the diagnostic gap and ensuring that timely, quality cancer care is available to all Indians.
Reference:
1. Gupta, Sudeep, Atul Batra, Shankar Prinja, Hemant Malhotra, T. Mohanapriya, and S. Thomas, et al. “NAMS Task Force Report on Breast Cancer in India.” Annals of the National Academy of Medical Sciences (India) 61 (2025): 132–170. https://nams-annals.in/nams-task-force-report-on-breast-cancer-in-india/.
(Input from various sources)
(Rehash/Muhammad Faisal Arshad/MSM)