On the occasion of National Cancer Awareness Day, the Ministry of Ayush emphasized the urgent need to strengthen public awareness and early detection efforts, noting that cancer remains the second leading cause of death globally.
Rising Global and National Cancer Burden
Many countries continue to witness a significant rise in oral, cervical, and breast cancer cases. In India, the government is placing increased focus on education, screening, and holistic health practices to effectively address this growing challenge, the ministry said in a statement on Friday.
Addressing Preventable Risk Factors
A large portion of the cancer burden arises from preventable causes such as tobacco use, unhealthy diets, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol consumption, environmental pollutants, and HPV infections. These trends underscore the urgent need for stronger awareness and timely action at both community and policy levels.
Importance of Early Detection
As reported by The Week, the ministry highlighted that early detection significantly improves survival rates, particularly for breast, cervical, and oral cancers, which can often be identified at more treatable stages through regular screening. With many cancers being preventable and several curable when diagnosed early, the ministry stressed that sustained healthy lifestyle choices play a vital role in reducing risk.
Promoting Healthier Lifestyles
Adopting preventive habits can substantially lower cancer risk and promote long-term well-being. The ministry advised citizens to avoid tobacco, limit alcohol, follow plant-based diets, maintain a healthy weight, stay physically active, and reduce exposure to smoke and pollutants.
Minister Emphasizes Proactive and People-Centric Approach
Union Ayush Minister Prataprao Jadhav reiterated that safeguarding public health requires a proactive, people-centric approach to cancer awareness and prevention. He highlighted the ministry’s expanding initiatives—such as integrative cancer-care centres, collaborative research efforts, and community-driven programs—that aim to ensure affordable, holistic, and supportive care for every citizen.
Jadhav further noted that integrative models combining modern oncology with Ayush systems can significantly enhance quality of life, especially for vulnerable populations.
Strengthening Integrative Cancer Care and Research
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, emphasized that India’s growing network of integrative cancer-care initiatives reflects the ministry’s commitment to providing evidence-based and patient-centric solutions. He noted that Centres of Excellence (CoEs), collaborative research platforms, and partnerships with leading institutions such as TMC-ACTREC, Arya Vaidya Sala, and AIIMS are helping to advance new therapeutic insights, improve symptom management, and enhance quality of life for cancer patients.
Reiterating its long-term vision, the Ayush Ministry emphasized the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. It added that integrative supportive care must remain central to India’s fight against cancer.
Centres of Excellence Driving Integrative Care
The ministry is expanding integrative cancer care through key Centres of Excellence. At Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, a dedicated CoE focuses on quality of life and supportive therapy. It has managed 26,356 cancer patients, including 338 lung cancer cases, over the last two years.
At Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, a dedicated CoE focuses on quality of life and supportive therapy. It has managed 26,356 cancer patients, including 338 lung cancer cases in the past two years. These results highlight the measurable impact of integrated patient care.
Building a Comprehensive National Response
Reiterating its long-term vision, the Ayush Ministry emphasized the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. It added that integrative supportive care must remain central to India’s fight against cancer. Strengthening awareness, improving access to screening, and encouraging healthier lifestyle choices are essential. These steps help reduce cancer risk and improve patient outcomes.
The ministry said these efforts align with its broader vision of combining modern medicine with the preventive and supportive strengths of Ayush systems. This approach aims to create a comprehensive and compassionate model to help lower the national cancer burden. It also focuses on improving the well-being of patients and communities.