Indian Cancer Society calls for expanded cancer care in rural areas

The Indian Cancer Society (ICS) is advocating for the expansion of cancer-care services into Tier 2, Tier 3, and Tier 4 cities, as well as rural regions. During the ICS Delhi Annual Seminar, experts emphasized that district hospitals must take a more active role in screening, early diagnosis, initial care, and the referral of patients to specialized medical centers.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu highlighted the necessity of strengthening links between different levels of the healthcare system. He noted that early detection is a fundamental factor in making cancer care more affordable and accessible. A robust referral mechanism is required to connect primary healthcare and diagnostic services with specialized hospitals.

Data from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare indicates that cancer treatment services are currently available in only approximately 5% of district hospitals. This gap is significant given that an estimated 70% of cancer patients reside in rural areas.