Latest news with #NationalCancerRegistryProgramme
The Hindu
06-07-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
Oral cancer care: treatment and rehabilitation
Oral cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers in India, with over 1,35,000 new cases reported annually. This places India among the countries with the highest burden of oral cancer globally. According to GLOBOCAN 2020 and the National Cancer Registry Programme, India accounts for nearly one-third of the global incidence of the disease. The widespread use of smokeless tobacco, betel quid, and areca nut—especially in underserved communities—continues to be a major contributing factor. Early detection and multidisciplinary diagnosis Despite ongoing public health campaigns and tobacco control measures, the incidence of oral cancer in India continues to rise. However, improvements in medical technology and early detection strategies have led to significantly better outcomes for patients. When diagnosed at an early stage, oral cancer is highly treatable, with five-year survival rates exceeding 80% for Stage I and II cases. Many patients present with precancerous conditions such as leukoplakia or oral submucous fibrosis, particularly those with a history of tobacco use. With regular monitoring and timely intervention, these conditions can often be managed effectively, reducing the risk of progression to cancer. At Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, we focus on early detection and evidence-based management. Our team uses advanced diagnostic tools like VELscope and Oncodiagnoscope to screen suspicious red or white patches in the oral cavity. Lesions deemed high-risk undergo biopsy, and patients are placed under regular surveillance to monitor for any signs of malignant transformation. Advanced treatment, rehabilitation and quality of life We offer comprehensive, multidisciplinary care for both oral cancer and precancerous lesions. Each case is thoroughly evaluated and discussed by a tumor board comprising specialists in surgical oncology, medical oncology, radiation oncology, radiology and pathology apart from our team of Maxillofacial surgeons. Treatment plans are individualised, following internationally recognised protocols. To enhance surgical precision and improve outcomes, we incorporate three-dimensional (3D) printing in our preoperative planning and reconstruction. This technology allows us to create accurate anatomical models, simulate surgeries and fabricate patient-specific surgical guides and reconstruction plates. These advances have improved surgical accuracy, reduced operating time, and contributed to better postoperative function and aesthetics. Our focus extends beyond treatment. Postoperative care includes speech therapy, nutritional support, physical rehabilitation and psychological counselling to support recovery and quality of life. Ongoing follow-up ensures early detection of any recurrence or secondary conditions. Through a combination of early diagnosis, tailored treatment and holistic rehabilitation, we aim not only to manage oral cancer effectively but also to support patients in regaining function and returning to daily life with improved health and confidence. ( Dr. Kumar is professor and head of department, oral and maxillofacial surgery, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital. naveenkumarj@ ; Dr. Elengkumaran is senior consultant, Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital. elengkumarans@ ; Dr. Kalpa Pandya is associate consultant , Sri Ramachandra Dental College and Hospital, )
News18
23-06-2025
- Health
- News18
The Silent Crisis: Why Indian Women Face Delays In Cancer Diagnosis And Care
Indian women face challenges such as delayed diagnosis, stigma, and limited support when it comes to cancer. This can be addressed by including inclusive leadership in healthcare. Cancer stands apart not only for its biological complexity but also for the highly individualised nature of its treatment. Treating cancer requires collaboration across a diverse network of professionals – oncologists, radiologists, nurses, pathologists, mental health experts, and more. These multidisciplinary teams form the backbone of comprehensive cancer care. Yet, their effectiveness hinges on more than expertise alone; it depends heavily on the quality of leadership that unites them. This underscores the growing importance of inclusive leadership in driving cohesive, patient-centred outcomes. In the Indian healthcare system, inclusive leadership can be a transformative force, particularly in oncology, where patient journeys are long, complex, and emotionally charged. It goes beyond hierarchy to embody behaviours that foster collaboration, value diverse perspectives, and put the patient at the centre of care decisions. Mr. Hariharan Subramanian, Managing Director, Siemens Healthcare Private Limited, says, 'Cancer causes 9.6 million deaths globally each year, about one in six. In India, it's the fifth leading cause of death with an incidence of 98.5 per 100,000 irrespective of age. According to the National Cancer Registry Programme, around 3.5% of women develop cancer in their lifetime. Women often face delays in diagnosis and treatment due to stigma, low awareness, and limited family support, leading to a delay in diagnosis and treatment and poorer outcomes." Cancer care Inclusive leadership can shift this paradigm by building coordinated, team-based models rooted in shared goals and clear communication, while consciously integrating the lived realities of patients, especially women, into service design. Diversity And Inclusivity In Practice Inclusive leadership involves actively promoting women and underrepresented groups into leadership positions. Studies show that departments led by women have higher rates of female faculty representation, improving mentorship and accessibility for female patients. Subramanian explains, 'To create a workforce that mirrors the patients they serve, institutions must create awareness about the significance of diversity and inclusion as a core principle and a potent weapon to fight cancer. Organisations must choose oncology professionals from diverse backgrounds by expanding the talent pool to reflect the patients they serve. Moreover, they must strive to create an environment where every individual feels safe and respected. It is also important to encourage women and those from underrepresented minorities to participate in leadership programs." An unwavering commitment to inclusive leadership is the first step towards reshaping cancer care pathways. Multidisciplinary teams that incorporate diverse perspectives can help in the creation of more responsive, equitable, and ultimately, more effective care systems. Embedding Inclusion In Every Layer Of Care Inclusive leadership must be embedded across every touchpoint in the care pathway. From community screening programs and diagnostic centres to hospital wards and survivorship plans. Subramanian notes, 'Leaders must build teams where social workers, counsellors, and peer supporters have equal footing with medical experts. They must champion the use of local languages, culturally sensitive materials, and affordable solutions to make care more accessible." He adds, 'For instance, including women from local communities as health navigators or awareness champions can demystify cancer, reduce stigma, and create trust. Technology, too, has a pivotal role. Mobile diagnostics, AI-assisted triaging, and tele-oncology can bridge access gaps, if designed with inclusivity in mind." Cancer care in India is at an inflexion point. The path forward demands not just clinical innovation but leadership that is inclusive, empathetic, and equity-driven. .
New Indian Express
17-06-2025
- Health
- New Indian Express
HPV major factor for cancers in youngsters, say docs
It was in her late 40s that Meena (name changed), a mother of two, was diagnosed with cervical cancer after her routine check-up. 'She was reluctant to undergo testing and came for routine check-ups as her daughter compelled her to. The test was positive. So we sent the samples for biopsy and referred her to the department of surgical oncology,' said Dr Teena Anne Joy, a senior consultant in obstetrics and gynaecology at Aster Medcity, Kochi. As the condition was diagnosed at an early stage, she was provided with effective treatment and interventions to cure the condition. 'When it comes to human papillomavirus (HPV)-related conditions and cancers, early identification and screening are important, as the condition is asymptomatic in the early stages. Because the condition is quite common among people, screening is important. All women in the age of 26-65 years should undergo screening every three years. The prevalence of the condition is on the rise in the country,' Dr Teena said, emphasising the significance of the prevention of HPV-related cancers in women as well as men. According to Dr K Pavithran, head of medical oncology at Amrita Hospital, Kochi, human papillomavirus is a significant factor causing cancers in youngsters. 'HPV infection is most commonly asymptomatic. Low-risk strains of HPV can cause warts, while high-risk strains are associated with cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) and cervical, vaginal, vulvar, anal, penile, and oropharyngeal carcinomas. It is estimated that 90% of cervical and anal cancers, 70% of vulvar and vaginal cancers, 60% of penile cancers, and 70% of oropharyngeal cancers are due to persistent, high-risk HPV infection,' he said. India contributed to 7% of the global cancer incidence and 24% of global HPV-related cancer incidence in 2020, according to the study 'Epidemiology of human papillomavirus-related cancers in India: findings from the National Cancer Registry Programme', published in 2022. Four out of five cervical cancers reported in India were caused by infections from HPV types 16 and 18. The study also indicates that cervical and oropharyngeal cancers were the most common HPV-related cancers among females and males, respectively, in India. These cancers together contributed to around 85% of total HPV-related cancers. Other findings of the study According to the study, six out of 10 HPV-related cancers among males in India were oropharyngeal cancers Vulval and vaginal cancers are rare cancers that showed a minor decline in incidence during the long term in India Penile and anal cancer together constitute 1.2% of total cancer cases in India According to Dr Aju Mathews, there is a decline in HPV-related cervical cancers, but at the same time, they are increasing in oral cancers. 'HPV-related cancers are preventable, and therefore more awareness in HPV screening and vaccination will help prevent future cancers, especially cervical cancer. Screening is very important for early detection of cervical cancer. These tests are very easily done through the HPV DNA test or the Pap smear test,' he said. 'Though HPV is often associated with cervical cancer in females, it also causes serious illness in men,' according to Dr Rema P, additional professor and head of gynaecologic oncology at the Regional Cancer Centre. Screening As there is no symptom for human papillomavirus, Dr Rema emphasised the significance of routine screening in early detection and treatment of the condition. 'Unlike other diseases, HPV-related cancers affect people at a young age, in their forties and fifties. Thus, it affects productivity as well as quality of life. Awareness about the virus, its spread, and prevention is important,' said Dr Rema. 'The state governments and non-governmental organisations have been organising mass screening programmes to prevent the spread of the condition. Healthcare facilities are easily accessible to the public now. Thus, utilising such opportunities can help identify the condition early. Early detection helps in curing the condition as well as improving the quality of life,' added Dr Teena. Screening helps in the early detection of cervical cancer: If you are in the 21-29 years age group, consider getting a Pap smear test at 21 years, followed by Pap testing every 3 years If you are in the 30-65 years age group, screen for cervical cancer using one of the following methods: HPV test every 5 yrs | HPV/Pap co-test every 5 yrs | Pap test every 3 yrs Vaccination 'Almost everyone will get HPV once in their lifetime. Vaccination and screening go hand in hand in preventing HPV-related cancers. Vaccination is given to girls and boys, from the age of nine, and young adults. There is a section of people who believe that vaccination is only for girls. However, boys also need the HPV vaccine to protect against HPV-related cancers, including penile, anal, and oropharyngeal cancers, and to help prevent the spread of the virus. It also protects their partners,' she added. 'HPV vaccines are highly effective in preventing HPV infections and related diseases. Efficacy is more than 90% against HPV infection,' emphasised Dr Pavithran. The condition should not occur in people or cause difficulties in people when we have effective vaccination available, according to Dr Teena. WHO recommended dosage Girls aged 9–14 years: One or two doses Young women aged 15–20 years: One or two doses Women over 21 years: Two doses spaced six months apart 'HPV vaccination is not included in the national immunisation programme yet. But the vaccination is available. Administering vaccination in children above nine can prevent the disease. The immunity level differs from person to person. We don't know who will contract the virus. It is safe to get vaccinated,' she added. 'Prevention can be effectively done through HPV vaccination. When the uptake of prevention and screening is very high, we effectively eliminate cervical cancer from our society. HPV-related cancers will rise if vaccination and screening are not adopted in our community,' said Dr Aju, adding that initially the numbers were high and have now dropped due to improved hygiene. Awareness Youngsters should be aware of the spread of HPV and the issues caused by the condition as changes in culture and lifestyle add to the risk of infection. 'Safe sexual practices and HPV vaccination are important. Parents should also take the initiative to educate children about the prevalence and risk caused by HPV. Better awareness regarding safe sexual practices and vaccination can help prevent HPV-related diseases,' Dr Teena said, adding that several non-governmental organisations and governments have also taken initiatives to educate the public. Dr Pavithran also emphasised the significance of better awareness among youngsters about the virus and how it spreads. 'HPV is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI) worldwide, and nearly all sexually active people will get HPV at some point in their lives. Teenagers and young adults have the highest prevalence of HPV. Better awareness about viruses and their spread can significantly reduce the occurrence of related conditions by promoting preventive behaviours, early detection, and timely interventions,' he added.
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Health
- Time of India
District chemotherapy centres to enhance accessibility
District Day Care Chemotherapy Centres In a significant move aimed at bridging the gap between rural and urban healthcare delivery, the Karnataka government is rolling out(DCCC) across the state under a hub-and-spoke model. The initiative seeks to decentralise cancer care and improve accessibility, particularly for patients in remote per the latest report by the Indian Council of Medical Research–National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP 2023), Karnataka records nearly 70,000 new cancer cases annually. The most common types include breast cancer (18%), cervical cancer (14%), oral cancer (12%), lung cancer (8%), and colorectal cancer (6%). Alarmingly, the incidence rate of oral cancer in the state stands at 12 cases per one lakh population, surpassing the national average. Similarly, breast cancer incidence among women is 35 per lakh, and cervical cancer affects 15 per lakh access to chemotherapy remains a challenge. According to Health Department officials, nearly 60% of cancer patients in Karnataka are forced to travel over 100 km, often to major cities such as Bengaluru, Hubballi, or Mysuru, for chemotherapy sessions. This not only causes logistical strain but also leads to high dropout rates of up to 30%, as patients struggle with the costs and effort involved in repeated hospital official said that the DCCC project has been conceptualised to address these challenges and deliver equitable, cost-effective, and continuous cancer care at the district level. 'The model involves establishing district-level 'spoke'centres connected to tertiary 'hub' hospitals via Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs), allowing for shared resources, referrals, and training,' said the this framework, hub hospitals, which are tertiary cancer centres, will continue to provide advanced clinical services such as complex treatments, specialised diagnostics including PET-CT scans and molecular profiling, as well as training and telemedicine support. They will also monitor treatment quality and guide spokes in clinical spoke centres, or DCCCs, will focus on delivering outpatient chemotherapy to stable patients, particularly adjuvant and palliative chemotherapy. These centres will also conduct basic pre-treatment diagnostics, maintain a drug inventory, and provide essential support services such as pain management, counselling, and palliative care. Each unit will have a dedicated medical team, including a visiting medical oncologist, trained nurses, a physician, a pharmacist, and a treatment available within home districts, travel time and expenses will reduce drastically, significantly benefiting patients. The out-of-pocket expenditure is expected to decline by up to 40%, and the convenience of local treatment is likely to enhance adherence and reduce dropout the DCCCs are expected to help decongest tertiary care centres, allowing them to focus on complex cases. The district-level centres will also integrate with national screening programs like the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NPNCD) to ensure early detection and timely DCCC will function according to pre-approved treatment protocols aligned with the essential medicine list of the Suvarna Arogya Suraksha Trust (SAST). The performance of these centres will be closely monitored using key indicators such as patient turnout, treatment completion rates, adverse event tracking, and cost comparison with private sector benchmarks, said a Health Department official.
The Hindu
21-05-2025
- Health
- The Hindu
CM Siddaramaiah to inaugurate Kidwai Memorial's chemotherapy centre in Mysuru on May 23
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah will inaugurate Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology's Day Care Chemotherapy Centre at the District Hospital in Metagalli in Mysuru on May 23. On the occasion, Mr. Siddaramaiah will also virtually inaugurate 15 other Day Care Chemotherapy units across Karnataka as part of the State government's initiative to make chemotherapy facilities available in districts. The District Hospital in Mysuru district will be starting a chemotherapy unit with 10 beds for males and 10 beds for females. The equipment list has been certified by the experts at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru. Any other necessary equipment required for the functioning of the Day Care Chemotherapy Centre shall be made available by the district surgeon, said a statement here on Wednesday. In view of the increasing burden of cancer in Karnataka, the government has proposed to decentralise cancer care services, especially for chemotherapy administration, by following a hub and spoke model. In Mysuru district, Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru, is the hub, and the district hospital in Mysuru is the spoke. This model is aimed at providing relief to the patients, who currently have to travel long distances to the tertiary care centres, adding significant financial and emotional stress. While the hubs are the tertiary cancer care centres that will handle diagnosis, initial assessment, treatment planning, and the first chemotherapy cycle, spokes are Day Care Chemotherapy Centres at district hospitals that will administer follow-up chemotherapy based on treatment regimen decided by the hub. The day care chemotherapy centres will initially focus on palliative chemotherapy and chemotherapy for solid tumours that include oral cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer, and prostate cancer at this stage. 'Standardised protocols have been developed by experts at Kidwai Memorial Institute of Oncology, Bengaluru, for uniform implementation,' the statement added. Karnataka reports approximately 70,000 new cancer cases annually, according to ICMR's National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) 2023 report. While breast cancer accounted for 18 percent of them, cervical cancer accounted for 14 percent, followed by oral cancer at 12 percent and lung cancer at 8 percent, and colorectal cancer at 6 per cent, the report mentioned. While the incidence of oral cancer at 12 cases for every one lakh population is higher than national average, the incidence of breast cancer is put at 35 cases for every one lakh women population. The incidence of cervical cancer is put at 15 cases for every one lakh women population, the statement said. The statement also pointed out that 60 percent of the patients travel more than 100 km for chemotherapy due to centralised services in major cities like Bengaluru, Hubballi and Mysuru and the District Day Care Chemotherapy Centres will not only reduce urban-rural disparity in cancer care and minimise travel and hospitalisation costs for patients, but also prevent treatment abandonment.
