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New Delhi, Feb 4: Union Health Minister JP Nadda emphasized the enhancement of cancer care in India during World Cancer Day on February 4.

This day is dedicated annually to increasing awareness about cancer and highlighting technological advancements in its treatment.

According to estimates from the ICMR’s National Cancer Registry, India saw over 1.53 million new cancer cases in 2024, with approximately 800,000 to 870,000 deaths, compared to a global total of 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths in 2022.

On the social media platform X, the Health Minister underscored the significance of early detection and regular screenings, along with the measures India is implementing to tackle this serious health issue.

He also pointed out the recent decision to eliminate customs duties on 17 cancer medications in the Union Budget, making these essential drugs more accessible.

“Under the visionary guidance of PM Narendra Modi, numerous initiatives have been launched to bolster cancer care in India. The creation of Cancer Day Care units in every district and the removal of customs duties on vital cancer medications will significantly benefit patients. Ayushman Arogya Mandirs are also playing a crucial role in our battle against cancer by facilitating extensive screenings for early detection and timely treatment nationwide,” Nadda stated.

“On World Cancer Day, we unite to promote awareness about cancer and the critical nature of early detection, prevention, and timely care. This day serves as a reminder to support survivors and advocate for regular screenings to foster a healthier society,” he added.

Experts welcomed the customs duty waiver on cancer drugs, emphasizing the necessity of converting increased health investments into robust cancer care systems.

“India’s healthcare sector is at a pivotal juncture, with the Union Health Budget surpassing Rs 1 lakh crore for the first time, firmly establishing healthcare as a catalyst for economic growth, social equity, and the vision for India@2047,” remarked Amit Kumar Ghosh, Additional Chief Secretary for Medical Health & Family Welfare and Medical Education in Uttar Pradesh.

“Through initiatives like Ayushman Bharat, population-based screenings, new cancer institutes, and planned cancer day-care centers, our emphasis is on early detection, timely referrals, and affordable treatment. Moving forward, stronger collaborations between public and private sectors and patient-centric policies will be essential to reach every individual,” he added during the IHW Cancer Summit in the national capital.

Dr. Shyam Aggarwal, Chairman of Medical Oncology at a hospital in Delhi, highlighted that the future of cancer treatment lies in advanced technology.

“On this World Cancer Day, I reflect on the technological advancements, particularly in deep sequencing of DNA to determine cancer treatments. We are moving beyond traditional imaging to detect tumors smaller than 5mm,” Aggarwal explained.

“This represents the future of oncology. We will soon be asking patients if their ctDNA is negative. It is crucial to encourage our laboratories and researchers to adopt this technology, as it is becoming standard practice in other countries,” he concluded.