From 1.39M to 1.57M Cases: How India’s Cancer Crisis is Fueling an Oncology Revolution

Say goodbye to cardiology’s reign, oncology is the new star of India’s healthcare scene! Major hospital chains are cashing in on cancer care, which is now a top revenue driver. Fortis Healthcare reported oncology contributing 16.4% to its hospital income in Q1 FY26, with estimates suggesting it could hit 19–20% when including related treatments, even outpacing cardiology. Max Healthcare credits oncology for nearly 25% of its inpatient revenue, while Apollo Hospitals sees 17% of its earnings from this segment, growing at a sizzling 15–18% yearly HealthCare Global (HCG) also reported a 17% year-on-year oncology revenue spike in Q1 FY26, with 69% utilization of their radiation therapy machines.

Why the boom? India’s facing a cancer crisis, with 1.39 million cases in 2020, expected to hit 1.57 million by 2025, a 6.8% annual increase. Experts warn the actual numbers could be 1.5 to 3 times higher due to underdiagnosis, with breast, lung, and head and neck cancers leading the charge. As India’s hospital market gears up to grow from ₹5.7 trillion in FY23 to ₹16.5–17.5 trillion by FY28, oncology is driving the charge with high-tech treatments like robotic surgeries and radiation therapy, which fetch premium prices.

Imagine treatments tailored to your DNA, hitting cancer where it hurts most. That’s precision medicine, and it’s transforming oncology in India. By leveraging genetic and molecular data, doctors can customize therapies, boosting survival rates even for advanced cancers. ^[2,4] Hospitals in metro hubs like Bengaluru, Delhi, and Mumbai are rolling out targeted therapies (like antibody-drug conjugates), immunotherapies (such as CAR-T cell treatments), and genomic profiling. ^[3] Apollo Hospitals is leading with 13 cancer centers across 12 cities, boasting 23–25 linear accelerators (LINACs) for cutting-edge radiation therapy. ^[1]

Preventive care is also getting a boost. Metropolis Healthcare’s TruHealth Cancer Screen 360, launched in 2025, uses AI-powered diagnostics and liquid biopsies to catch cancers early, when they’re more treatable. ^[3] This aligns with global trends, where precision medicine reduces side effects and improves outcomes, making cancer care smarter and more effective. ^[2,4]

The road to revolution isn’t without bumps. Advanced treatments like CAR-T therapy carry hefty price tags, out of reach for many. ^[3,4] Oncology’s reliance on expensive equipment like LINACs and robotic systems and specialized teams drives up costs ^[1]. In rural India, where most of the population lives, access to radiotherapy is scarce, with 75% of public sector patients unable to get timely care. ^[5] India falls short of the International Atomic Energy Agency’s benchmark of one teletherapy machine per 250,000 people, with only a fraction of the needed infrastructure. ^[5]

Workforce challenges add to the strain. Unlike the U.S., where an oversupply of radiation oncologists risks lower salaries and job competition ^[6], India faces a shortage of trained professionals, limiting its ability to meet demand. ^[5] The Association of Radiation Oncologists of India (AROI) reports nearly 3,000 members, but more are needed to bridge the gap. ^[5]

Here’s where India shines. The country is a global leader in producing low-cost generic cancer drugs and biosimilars, making treatments more affordable. ^[3] Government initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, with ₹9,406 crore allocated in FY26 (a 28.8% increase from FY25), are expanding insurance coverage, helping more patients access care. ^[8] Local innovations, such as cost-effective LINACs developed by the Society for Applied Microwave Electronics Engineering and Research (SAMEER), aim to slash infrastructure costs. ^[5] Partnerships with global institutions through twinning programs are also boosting local expertise. ^[5]

Globally, the oncology market is set to leap from $250.88 billion in 2025 to $668.26 billion by 2034, growing at 11.5% annually. ^[3] India’s oncology therapeutics market, valued at $3.3 billion in 2022, is projected to hit $7.8 billion by 2030, with an 11.4% CAGR ^[7]. Hospitals like Fortis and HCG are tapping into this growth, with Fortis reporting a 16.6% revenue increase in Q1 FY26, driven partly by oncology. ^[9] Preventive care, powered by AI and liquid biopsies, is set to cut long-term costs by catching cancers early. ^[3]

India's oncology boom isn’t just about fighting cancer, it’s about redefining healthcare. Precision medicine is saving lives, while hospitals are banking on its profitability. The challenge? Making these advances affordable and accessible, especially in rural areas. With its pharmaceutical muscle, government support, and innovative spirit, India is on track to become a global oncology powerhouse, delivering world-class care to millions.

References:

1. Moneycontrol. (2025). Oncology emerges as top revenue and profitability driver for India’s leading hospital chains. https://www.moneycontrol.com/news/business/stocks/oncology-emerges-as-top-revenue-and-profitability-driver-for-india-s-leading-hospital-chains-13497072.html

2. Marks LB, et al. (2016). Radiation oncology in the era of precision medicine. International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, 96(2), 246–256. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.05.029

3. Precedence Research. (2025). Global Oncology Market Expands Rapidly Amid Rising Cancer Cases and Precision Medicine Advances. https://www.biospace.com/press-releases/global-oncology-market-expands-rapidly-amid-rising-cancer-cases-and-precision-medicine-advances

4. Meric-Bernstam F, et al. (2016). A framework for the implementation of precision cancer medicine at large scale. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 34(15), 1801–1808. https://doi.org/10.1200/JCO.2015.65.9747

5. Grover A, Luthra S, Prabhakar H. (2017). Radiation Oncology in India: Challenges and Opportunities. Seminars in Radiation Oncology, 27(1), 53–59. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.semradonc.2016.11.007

6. Falit BP, Pan HY, Smith BD, Alexander BM, Zietman AL. (2016). The Radiation Oncology Job Market: The Economics and Policy of Workforce Regulation. International Journal of Radiation Oncology Biology Physics, 96(3), 501–510. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ijrobp.2016.05.029

7. Insights10. (2022). India Oncology Therapeutics Market Report 2022 to 2030. https://www.insights10.com/report/india-oncology-therapeutics-market-analysis

8. IBEF. (2025). Indian Healthcare Industry Analysis. https://www.ibef.org/industry/healthcare-india

9. Yahoo Finance. (2025). Fortis Healthcare Ltd (BOM:532843) Q1 2026 Earnings Call Highlights: Robust Revenue Growth. https://finance.yahoo.com/news/fortis-healthcare-ltd-bom-532843-210600873.html

10. SOIC. (2025). India’s Hospital Sector: A Multi-Decade Compounder in the Making. https://www.soic.in/indias-hospital-sector-a-multi-decade-compounder-in-the-making/

(Rh/VK/MSM)