Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide, with approximately 20 million new cases and 9.7 million deaths reported in 2022. In India, the burden of cancer is escalating, with the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) estimating over 14 lakh new cases in 2023. With around 100 out of every one lakh Indians diagnosed annually, the government has prioritized cancer prevention, treatment, and research.

The National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), operating under ICMR since 1982, plays a crucial role in tracking cancer trends and guiding policy decisions. Additionally, the National Institute of Cancer Prevention & Research (NICPR) leads research and screening efforts under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases, and Stroke (NPCDCS). Recognizing the urgency, the Government of India has introduced several strategic interventions and financial assistance programs to enhance cancer care across the country.

The recently announced Union Budget 2025-26 reflects a strong commitment to healthcare, allocating ₹99,858.56 crore to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. Of this, ₹95,957.87 crore is earmarked for the Department of Health and Family Welfare, while ₹3,900.69 crore is allocated for health research. The government plans to establish Day Care Cancer Centres in all district hospitals within the next three years, with 200 centers set to launch in 2025-26. To reduce treatment costs, 36 lifesaving cancer and chronic disease drugs are fully exempted from Basic Customs Duty (BCD), while six others will attract a concessional 5% duty. Additionally, specified drugs under pharmaceutical company-led Patient Assistance Programs are also fully exempted from BCD.

The National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer (NPCDCS) focuses on cancer prevention, early detection, and treatment, particularly targeting oral, breast, and cervical cancers. Key components include community-level cancer screenings, public awareness campaigns via digital platforms, and enhanced infrastructure with Tertiary Cancer Centres (TCCs) and State Cancer Institutes (SCIs). Under this initiative, the government has established 770 District NCD Clinics, 233 Cardiac Care Units, 372 District Day Care Centres, and 6,410 Community Health Centre NCD Clinics.

To decentralize cancer treatment, India has expanded its network of specialized cancer care facilities, including 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs), 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs), the National Cancer Institute (NCI) in Jhajjar, Haryana, and the Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute (CNCI) in Kolkata.

For financial assistance, the Ayushman Bharat Yojana, launched in 2018, ensures free cancer treatment for economically vulnerable families, covering chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and surgical oncology. The Health Minister’s Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF) provides financial aid up to ₹5 lakh per patient, with a maximum limit of ₹15 lakh, and a total of ₹50 lakh is allocated to each of the 27 Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) for immediate support. The National Cancer Grid (NCG), established in 2012, now connects 287 cancer centers, research institutes, and advocacy groups, treating over 750,000 new cancer patients annually—over 60% of India’s total cancer burden.

India has also made significant advancements in cancer research and treatment. In April 2024, India marked a breakthrough in oncology with NexCAR19, the country’s first homegrown CAR-T cell therapy. Developed by IIT Bombay, Tata Memorial Centre, and ImmunoACT, this innovation offers a cost-effective and highly effective treatment for blood cancers, reducing reliance on expensive imported therapies.

In September 2024, India, along with the US, Australia, and Japan, introduced the Quad Cancer Moonshot to eliminate cervical cancer across the Indo-Pacific region by scaling up screenings, boosting vaccination rates, and promoting research collaborations. Additionally, in January 2025, the Advanced Centre for Treatment, Research, and Education in Cancer (ACTREC), under Tata Memorial Centre, initiated a major expansion to enhance oncology research, clinical advancements, and patient care.

The government is actively working to educate the public on cancer prevention through community outreach initiatives like Ayushman Aarogya Mandir, mass media campaigns utilizing print, electronic, and social media, and lifestyle promotion efforts such as the Eat Right India campaign by FSSAI. Programs like the Fit India Movement and Ministry of AYUSH yoga programs encourage physical wellness as a preventive measure against cancer.

With rising cancer cases, the Government of India has intensified efforts to improve early detection, treatment access, financial aid, and research advancements. From the expansion of cancer care infrastructure to groundbreaking innovations like NexCAR19 and the Quad Cancer Moonshot, India is striving for a comprehensive and inclusive cancer care ecosystem. However, sustained efforts in vaccination, lifestyle modifications, and awareness programs remain crucial to reducing the national cancer burden.