India Records 86.97 Crore Cancer Screenings, Over 5.5 Lakh Patients Under Treatment

NEW DELHI, Oct 31: India has conducted 86.97 crore screenings for oral, breast and cervical cancers, while approximately 5.50 lakh patients are currently receiving treatment for the three diseases, according to figures shared by the Union Health Ministry.

The figures highlight the country’s expanding efforts to strengthen preventive healthcare, promote early diagnosis and improve access to cancer-related services through primary healthcare facilities.

Union Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava shared the information during an event organised by the Department of Posts to release commemorative postage stamps and picture postcards aimed at raising awareness about breast cancer.

The initiative was organised as part of International Breast Cancer Awareness Month, observed every October to encourage early detection, improve public understanding of the disease and promote timely medical intervention.

According to the Health Ministry, the nationwide screening programme has become an important part of India’s strategy to address the growing burden of non-communicable diseases. By integrating cancer screening into primary healthcare services, the government aims to make preventive examinations more accessible, particularly for women and people living in rural and underserved areas.

Of the total 86.97 crore screenings conducted across the country, 49.02 crore were for oral cancer, 22.90 crore for breast cancer and 14.05 crore for cervical cancer.

The government said these services are being delivered through more than 1.8 lakh Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, which have been developed to strengthen healthcare delivery at the community level.

The programme is designed to identify individuals who may have signs of cancer, facilitate further diagnostic examinations and connect suspected patients with appropriate treatment facilities.
Breast cancer remains a major concern
Breast cancer continues to represent a significant public health challenge in India, particularly because delayed diagnosis can reduce treatment options and adversely affect patient outcomes.

During the awareness programme, the Health Secretary highlighted that India recorded more than two lakh new breast cancer cases in 2024. She also cited estimates indicating that approximately one in every 29 women in the country faces the risk of developing the disease.

The government has been encouraging women to seek medical advice, undergo appropriate examinations and avoid delaying consultations when they notice unusual changes in their health.

According to the figures shared by the ministry, approximately 1.43 lakh breast cancer patients are currently undergoing treatment.

The number underlines the continuing requirement for accessible diagnostic facilities, trained medical professionals and specialised treatment infrastructure.

Breast cancer can affect women across different age groups, although the risk generally increases with age. Awareness of symptoms and timely medical evaluation are important elements of reducing the impact of the disease.

Changes in breast size or shape, unusual lumps, skin changes and abnormal nipple discharge are among the signs that require medical attention. However, such symptoms do not necessarily indicate cancer and should be evaluated by qualified healthcare professionals.

Health authorities have emphasised that screening and medical examinations should form part of a broader preventive healthcare approach rather than being undertaken only after symptoms become severe.
Oral and cervical cancer screening expanded
The nationwide programme also covers oral and cervical cancers, which continue to contribute significantly to India’s overall cancer burden.

The ministry reported that 49.02 crore oral cancer screenings have been conducted, while approximately 2.70 lakh patients are currently receiving treatment for the disease.

Oral cancer remains a concern because several cases are associated with tobacco consumption, including smoking and smokeless tobacco products. The use of areca nut and other harmful substances can also increase the risk of developing oral diseases.

Health professionals have repeatedly stressed the importance of reducing tobacco consumption, encouraging regular oral examinations and identifying suspicious lesions at an early stage.

Cervical cancer screening has also been integrated into the national healthcare programme, with 14.05 crore examinations conducted so far.

Approximately 1.37 lakh cervical cancer patients are currently undergoing treatment, according to the ministry.

Cervical cancer is largely associated with persistent infection caused by high-risk types of human papillomavirus (HPV). Vaccination against HPV, appropriate screening and timely medical intervention are important measures for reducing the disease burden.

The expansion of screening services through primary healthcare institutions is intended to improve access for women who may otherwise face difficulties travelling to specialised hospitals.

The programme also seeks to strengthen referral arrangements so that individuals identified with suspected cancer can receive further testing and treatment without unnecessary delays.
More than 1.8 lakh health centres involved
A major feature of the government’s strategy has been the integration of screening services into Ayushman Arogya Mandirs.

These centres are intended to bring essential healthcare services closer to communities, reducing the need for people to depend exclusively on large hospitals for initial examinations.

The facilities provide an important connection between community-level healthcare workers and higher medical institutions.

Their role includes spreading awareness, identifying individuals who may require further examinations and helping patients access appropriate medical services.

The government believes that expanding preventive healthcare at the primary level can help reduce the number of patients presenting at hospitals with advanced-stage diseases.

The approach is particularly relevant for rural communities, where geographical distance, financial constraints and limited awareness can prevent people from seeking timely medical assistance.

However, screening numbers alone do not determine the success of a cancer control programme. Effective follow-up, confirmatory diagnosis and access to affordable treatment remain equally important.

Patients identified through initial screening need appropriate investigations to establish whether they have cancer. Those receiving a diagnosis must then be connected with medical specialists and treatment facilities.

Strengthening this entire process is essential to ensure that screening activities translate into better health outcomes.
Awareness campaign highlights women’s health
The release of commemorative postage stamps and picture postcards on breast cancer awareness formed another part of the government’s efforts to promote public understanding of cancer prevention.

The Department of Posts initiative was intended to take health-related messages beyond hospitals and medical institutions by using public communication channels to encourage greater awareness.

Addressing the gathering, Srivastava said women’s health was central to the wellbeing of families and the country’s overall development.

She emphasised the importance of regular health examinations, recognising possible warning signs and seeking professional medical advice without delay.

The initiative also highlighted the need to address social and cultural barriers that sometimes prevent women from discussing health concerns or accessing medical services.

In several communities, limited awareness, fear of a cancer diagnosis, social stigma and difficulties in travelling to healthcare facilities can contribute to delayed consultations.

Public awareness campaigns can help address these challenges by encouraging open discussions about women’s health and explaining the importance of preventive examinations.

The involvement of community healthcare workers is also expected to improve participation in screening programmes and help women understand where medical assistance is available.
Earlier initiatives support preventive healthcare
The Health Ministry also highlighted the Swasth Nari, Sashakt Parivar Abhiyaan, which was conducted from September 17 to October 2, 2025.

The campaign focused on women’s health through medical examinations, screening activities and awareness programmes.

It sought to encourage women to prioritise their wellbeing and make greater use of available public healthcare facilities.

The initiative formed part of broader efforts to improve access to preventive services and address health conditions that can have long-term consequences for individuals and families.

The government’s focus on community-based screening reflects a wider shift towards identifying diseases before they progress to more complicated stages.

Non-communicable diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular conditions and diabetes, require sustained attention because they can place considerable pressure on families and healthcare infrastructure.

Early identification, lifestyle-related interventions and regular medical monitoring can help reduce complications associated with several of these conditions.
Challenges remain in cancer treatment
Despite the expansion of screening services, improving access to cancer treatment remains a significant challenge.

The approximately 5.50 lakh patients currently receiving treatment for oral, breast and cervical cancers represent a substantial requirement for continued medical care.

Cancer treatment may involve surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and other specialised interventions, depending on the type and stage of the disease.

The availability of qualified specialists, diagnostic equipment, medicines and treatment centres varies across different regions.

Patients living in remote areas may face additional difficulties because specialised oncology facilities are often concentrated in larger cities.

Financial considerations can also affect treatment decisions, particularly for families who need to travel long distances or undergo prolonged medical procedures.

Strengthening public healthcare infrastructure and improving referral systems will therefore remain important for ensuring that patients identified through screening programmes receive timely care.

The government will also need to maintain public awareness efforts so that screening becomes a regular part of preventive healthcare.

The latest figures demonstrate the scale of India’s cancer screening activities and the growing role of primary healthcare institutions in disease detection.

However, the long-term impact will depend on how effectively the country converts early identification into confirmed diagnosis, timely treatment and continued patient support.

With cancer continuing to pose a major public health challenge, expanding screening coverage, improving medical infrastructure and encouraging greater participation in preventive examinations remain essential priorities for India’s healthcare system.