Cancer trends and healthcare initiatives reported in Nepal

Cancer diagnosis trends and healthcare initiatives are emerging in Nepal. At BP Koirala Memorial Cancer Hospital in Bharatpur, the proportion of new patients diagnosed with cancer rose to 25.17% in 2025, up from 22.20% in 2024. While the total number of new cancer diagnoses was slightly lower than the previous year, the percentage of the patient population affected increased. Lung cancer was the most frequent diagnosis, followed by breast and cervical cancer. Data indicated a higher number of diagnoses among women, with breast cancer cases in men also showing an increase.

In response to healthcare needs, the KIST Cancer Center in Lalitpur has announced free general beds and telemedicine services for cancer patients from October 12 to 31, 2026. This initiative, coinciding with Pink October, aims to support economically disadvantaged and geographically isolated patients. The program also marks the first anniversary of the center’s palliative care services, which focus on managing physical pain and providing emotional support to patients and their families.