Rapid Fire
Cancer Care Gaps in India
- 07 Jun 2025
- 2 min read
The National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS) report on breast cancer in India highlighted major gaps in cancer care, particularly in the early diagnosis and timely treatment of breast cancer, which is widespread among women.
- Over 60% of patients present with Stage 3 or 4 disease, whereas 60% in the US are diagnosed in situ or at Stage 1. Over 50% of Indian patients delay consultation by over 3 months.
- India ranks 3rd globally in cancer cases, after China and the US, with a projected burden of 2.08 million cases by 2040, a 57.5% rise from 2020.
- India, along with other middle-income countries, is expected to drive the global rise in cancer incidence over the next 50 years.
- By 2023, over 1.63 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs (AAM) conducted 10.04 crore breast cancer screenings.
- AAM, an upgraded version of Ayushman Bharat Health and Wellness Centres (AB-HWCs), aims to strengthen primary healthcare by offering universal, free, and accessible services, especially for underserved communities.
- It offers a wide range of services beyond maternal and child care, including treatment for non-communicable diseases, palliative and rehabilitative care, oral, eye, and ENT care, mental health support, emergency and trauma care, along with free essential medicines and diagnostic services.
- About NAMS: The NAMS (under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare) fosters academic excellence, advises on National Health Policy, and is recognized as a Nodal Agency for Continuing Education for medical and allied health professionals.
| Read More: Global Burden of Cancer: WHO |
