India reports nearly 870 million cancer screenings

India has carried out 869.7 million screenings for oral, breast and cervical cancers through its national prevention programme, according to government figures. Among those screened, 550,000 people are undergoing treatment.

The programme provides checks through more than 180,000 Ayushman Arogya Mandirs, government primary healthcare centres. The total refers to screenings, not necessarily separate individuals, an important distinction when assessing the programme’s reach.

The care pathway extends beyond those initial checks. Patients can be referred from primary healthcare centres to district hospitals and specialist cancer centres for diagnosis and treatment. Officials also highlighted the establishment of daycare cancer centres to make chemotherapy available closer to patients’ homes.

The need remains substantial. India recorded more than 200,000 new breast cancer cases in 2024, Health Secretary Punya Salila Srivastava said. She cautioned that delayed diagnosis remains a concern despite greater awareness and the availability of screening facilities.

To encourage earlier action, the Department of Posts has issued breast cancer awareness stamps and postcards, with plans to use its nationwide network to share messages about early detection. Health officials emphasised that timely diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes and quality of life, while encouraging people to use available government healthcare services.