India could witness a steep surge in cancer cases over the next two decades, with annual new diagnoses projected to rise from around 1.5 million today to nearly 2.5 million by 2045. Against this backdrop, health experts are urging policymakers to prioritise early detection and prevention alongside expanding treatment infrastructure.
Experts Flag Concerns Ahead of World Cancer Day
The warning came from the Indian Cancer Society (ICS), Delhi, during a media interaction held on Tuesday, on the eve of World Cancer Day observed on February 4. The discussion followed the announcement of the Union Budget 2026–27, which introduced customs duty exemptions on select cancer drugs and renewed emphasis on domestic biopharmaceutical manufacturing to improve treatment access.
Budget Measures Welcome, but Not Sufficient
While experts welcomed the Budget’s focus on reducing treatment costs, they cautioned that affordability alone will not address India’s growing cancer burden. A significant proportion of patients continue to reach hospitals at advanced stages, limiting treatment effectiveness and increasing overall care costs.
Jyotsna Govil, Chairperson, ICS Delhi, stressed that prevention and early detection must remain central to India’s cancer strategy. “The Budget opens the door to more affordable treatment. However, our effort is to ensure patients do not reach advanced stages where these medicines become their only option,” she said.
Role of Prevention, Awareness and Media
She also highlighted ICS Delhi’s long-standing work in cancer prevention, patient support and advocacy. In addition, she emphasised the importance of responsible media in dispelling myths, encouraging timely screening and ensuring evidence-based information reaches communities.
Early Screening Can Transform Outcomes
Presenting insights into current trends, Dr Nitesh Rohatgi, Senior Director (Oncology) at Fortis Memorial Hospital, pointed out that age-appropriate screening, early diagnosis and the adoption of newer diagnostic tools can significantly improve survival outcomes. Moreover, he noted that early intervention helps reduce the overall cost of cancer care.
Systemic and Policy Gaps Persist
As reported by TOI, shifting focus to structural challenges, Dr Urvashi Prasad, cancer survivor and former Director at NITI Aayog, highlighted persistent regional disparities, weak cancer data systems and financial barriers that continue to delay diagnosis and treatment. She called for stronger Centre–state coordination and sustained public investment to build a more equitable cancer care ecosystem.
Patient and Survivor Perspectives
Offering a survivor’s perspective, Renuka Prasad, Secretary, ICS Delhi, spoke about the emotional, physical and financial toll cancer takes on patients and their families. She outlined the organisation’s community-driven initiatives, including large-scale screening programmes, the Prashanti healing and rehabilitation centre, digital outreach through the Rise Against Cancer app, and ongoing patient support services.
Integrating Cancer Care into Primary Health Systems
Addressing cancer prevention within the framework of universal health coverage, Dr Monika Puri, public health consultant and former WHO official, emphasised the need to integrate prevention, screening and continuity of care into primary healthcare systems. According to her, such integration is essential to ensure equitable access and long-term impact across populations.
Together, the experts underscored that India’s fight against cancer must shift upstream—focusing on prevention, early detection and system-wide integration—to effectively manage the rising burden in the decades ahead.