New Delhi, October 31: India has screened 86.97 crore people for oral, breast and cervical cancers under its national healthcare initiatives, while approximately 5.50 lakh patients are currently undergoing treatment for the three diseases, the Union Health Ministry said on Friday.
The figures were shared by Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava during an event organised by the Department of Posts to release commemorative postage stamps and picture postcards highlighting breast cancer awareness. The initiative was part of the observance of International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is marked every October to promote early detection, prevention and timely medical intervention.
According to the Health Ministry, the nationwide screening programme has become an important component of India’s efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare and improve access to cancer detection services, particularly among women and vulnerable populations.
Of the total 86.97 crore screenings conducted so far, 49.02 crore were for oral cancer, 22.90 crore for breast cancer and 14.05 crore for cervical cancer. The government has integrated these screening services into primary healthcare facilities through the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).
More than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs across the country are providing screening facilities for these cancers, enabling people to access basic healthcare services closer to their homes. The programme aims to identify suspected cases at an early stage and facilitate timely referrals for diagnosis and treatment.
The ministry said 2.70 lakh oral cancer patients, 1.43 lakh breast cancer patients and 1.37 lakh cervical cancer patients were currently receiving treatment. These figures underline the continuing need to expand diagnostic facilities, strengthen treatment infrastructure and improve public participation in preventive health programmes.
Addressing the gathering, Srivastava stressed that women’s health was central to the wellbeing of families and the overall development of the country. She called for greater awareness about cancer symptoms, regular medical examinations and the importance of seeking professional advice without delay.
She also highlighted the government’s efforts to bring cancer screening into the primary healthcare system rather than limiting such services to specialised hospitals and urban medical centres.
Breast cancer remains a major public health concern in India. Citing available figures, the Health Secretary said the country reported more than two lakh new breast cancer cases in 2024, with an estimated one in every 29 women at risk of developing the disease.
Health experts have repeatedly emphasised that early detection can improve treatment outcomes and increase the chances of successful management. However, delayed diagnosis continues to pose a challenge, particularly in areas where awareness is limited and access to specialised medical facilities remains difficult.
In many cases, women approach healthcare facilities only after noticing significant changes or experiencing symptoms. Social stigma, lack of awareness, fear of diagnosis and difficulties in accessing medical services can further delay consultation.
The government has therefore been focusing on community-level awareness and screening programmes to encourage women to seek medical assistance at an earlier stage. The involvement of primary healthcare workers is expected to help identify individuals who require further examination and connect them with appropriate medical facilities.
Srivastava also referred to the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, conducted from September 17 to October 2 last year. The campaign placed special emphasis on women’s health through screening, medical services and awareness activities.
The initiative sought to encourage women to prioritise their health and make greater use of available public healthcare services. It also highlighted the importance of preventive examinations and regular health check-ups in reducing the burden of non-communicable diseases.
The release of commemorative postage stamps and picture postcards on breast cancer awareness was another effort to take the public health message beyond hospitals and medical institutions.
The Department of Posts, with technical support from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, developed the health-related content for the commemorative material. The initiative aims to use the postal network and public communication channels to increase awareness about breast cancer and the importance of timely screening.
Officials said wider public engagement was necessary to ensure that awareness messages reached communities across different regions and social backgrounds.
The Health Secretary urged women to make preventive healthcare a priority, including regular screening and self-examination. She also encouraged people to utilise government healthcare facilities and digital health platforms to obtain information and seek timely medical assistance.
The screening figures reflect the scale of India’s preventive healthcare efforts, but officials have also stressed that screening must be followed by proper diagnosis, referral and treatment.
Identifying a suspected case is only the first step in the process. Patients require access to confirmatory tests, specialist consultations, medicines and appropriate treatment facilities. Strengthening coordination between primary health centres, district hospitals and specialised cancer institutions remains important for ensuring continuity of care.
The latest figures also highlight the need for sustained awareness campaigns, particularly in rural and underserved areas, where patients may face difficulties in reaching diagnostic centres.
With cancer cases continuing to place pressure on healthcare systems, the government is seeking to strengthen early detection through community-based services and greater public participation.
The Health Ministry’s latest announcement has renewed the focus on preventive healthcare, with officials calling for regular screening, improved awareness and timely treatment to reduce the impact of oral, breast and cervical cancers across the country.