Number of new cancer cases in India expected to reach 1.5 million by 2025: PGA Labs Report

New Delhi: The report on the oncology segment by PGA Labs reveals that the number of new cancer cases in India is expected to reach 1.5 million by 2025. The report further discusses the status of top cancers in men and women, emphasising on screening, diagnosis, and treatment stages. On cancer incidence, the report highlights that among women, breast and cervical cancer have the highest incidence rates while for men, it is oral and lung cancer.

The report mentions lack of awareness and accessibility, low sensitivity, discomfort, and high costs as the primary reasons behind most eligible people not undergoing cancer screening. More than 50 per cent of cancer cases are diagnosed at advanced stages in India, which, if detected earlier, can increase survival rates by 50-80 per cent, the statement said. 50 per cent of cases for breast cancer, 90 per cent of cases for lung cancer and 70 per cent of cases for cervical and oral cancer are diagnosed in the advanced stages.

Lack of awareness of relevant tests and the expensive costs of risk assessment tests for cancers were reported as reasons for low propensity to voluntarily opt for cancer screening tests.

The National Cancer Control Programme (2004-05) has been a cornerstone for policymaking in the field of oncology in India, the report highlights.

Mentioning recent trends, the report noted that innovations in cancer diagnostics for early detection and screening are on the rise globally, with imaging technology advancing multi-fold. New cancer care models revolve around home care, treatment workflow management, personalised cancer care, affordability, etc. Few start-ups have used advanced technology to make breast cancer screening and detection more affordable and accurate.

Commenting on the report, Arindam Gupta, Executive Vice President, Healthcare & Life Sciences, PGA Labs, said “We have investigated the status of top cancers in men and women (oral and lung in men, breast, and cervix in women), with an emphasis on screening, diagnosis, and treatment stages. We’ve evaluated the main barriers in these stages and what the play of medtech and healthtech companies can be in helping improve outcomes by making the technologies more accessible and affordable.”