India may face sharp rise in cancer cases by 2045: Experts call for focus on early detection

India could witness a significant surge in cancer cases over the next two decades, with annual diagnoses projected to climb from nearly 1.5 million at present to around 2.5 million by 2045. Health experts have warned that the country must prioritise prevention and early detection, alongside expanding treatment capacity, to tackle the growing burden.

The caution came from the Indian Cancer Society (ICS), Delhi, during a media interaction on Tuesday ahead of World Cancer Day on February 4. The discussion coincided with the Union Budget 2026–27 announcement of customs duty exemptions on selected cancer medicines and renewed emphasis on strengthening domestic biopharmaceutical manufacturing to improve treatment access.

Budget Measures Welcome, But Not Sufficient

While experts welcomed the government’s steps to reduce treatment costs, they emphasised that lowering drug prices alone will not address the larger challenge. A substantial number of patients in India continue to seek medical care at advanced stages of cancer, limiting treatment effectiveness.


Jyotsna Govil, Chairperson, ICS Delhi, underlined the importance of prevention and early diagnosis. “The Budget opens the door for more affordable treatment, but our effort is to ensure patients do not reach advanced stages where these medicines become their only option,” she said.

Importance of Screening and Early Diagnosis

Presenting data on cancer trends, Dr Nitesh Rohatgi, Senior Director (Oncology) at Fortis Memorial Hospital, highlighted that timely screening and early detection significantly improve survival rates while also reducing treatment costs. He stressed the value of age-appropriate screening programmes and advanced diagnostic tools in managing the disease more effectively.

Addressing systemic challenges, Dr Urvashi Prasad, a cancer survivor and former Director at NITI Aayog, pointed to regional inequalities, insufficient cancer data and financial constraints as key obstacles delaying diagnosis and care. She called for stronger coordination between the Centre and states, along with sustained public investment to strengthen cancer care infrastructure.

Sharing her personal journey, Renuka Prasad, Secretary, ICS Delhi, spoke about the emotional, physical and financial strain cancer places on patients and their families. She detailed the organisation’s community-driven initiatives, including large-scale screening programmes, the Prashanti healing and rehabilitation centre, digital engagement through the Rise Against Cancer app and patient support services.

[With TOI inputs]