India faces a significant cancer care gap, characterized by disparities in access, affordability, and awareness, leading to late-stage diagnoses and poorer outcomes .
The national academy of medical science (NAMS) reports on Breast cancer in india highlighted major gaps in cancer care ,particularly in the early diagnosis and timely treatment of breast cancer which is wide spread among Indian women …
Key Challenges Contributing to the Cancer Care Gap in India :
- Limited Screening and Early Detection: Less than 5% of the population is covered by cancer screening programs, particularly in the Northeast region, resulting in late-stage diagnoses . Patients in India tend to present with later-stage disease compared to Western countries .
- Inadequate Diagnostic Services: A critical gap exists in diagnostic services, leading to delays in seeking medical care . More than 50% of patients in India experience a delay of over three months before seeking medical attention .
- Geographic Disparities: Approximately 70% of India’s population resides in rural areas with limited access to cancer care facilities and specialists . Rural females aged 45–59 have a higher hospitalization rate than urban females, highlighting the complex interplay of environmental, lifestyle, and socioeconomic factors .
- Financial Toxicity: Cancer treatment is financially demanding, with out-of-pocket expenses accounting for over 50% of total health spending . The average expenditure for cancer treatment in private hospitals is significantly higher than in public hospitals .
- Fragmented Healthcare Landscape: India’s cancer care landscape remains fragmented, with disparities in the distribution of healthcare facilities between the public and private sectors .
- Lack of Awareness and Stigma: Lack of awareness and cultural beliefs contribute to stigma associated with cancer, resulting in social isolation, psychological distress, and delayed treatment .
- Shortage of Radiotherapy Facilities: There is a critical deficiency in radiotherapy facilities, even though around half of all cancer patients require radiotherapy as part of their treatment .
Initiatives to Address the Cancer Care Gap:
- Government Programs: Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) provides health insurance for cancer-related treatments . The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) aims to prevent and control chronic non-communicable diseases, including cancer .
- Public-Private Partnerships: Growing focus on public-private partnerships to enhance the capacity of the public healthcare system .
- National Cancer Grid (NCG): A network of cancer centers across India aims to establish uniform standards of patient care for prevention, diagnosis, and treatment .
- First Cancer Care (FCC) Initiative: Introduced in 2022, this program utilizes advanced technology to transform cancer prevention and treatment .
To effectively address the cancer care gap, India needs to focus on improving early detection, strengthening healthcare infrastructure, ensuring affordable treatment, raising awareness, and reducing stigma .for health & disease click www.eminentnews.com
