New Delhi: India is grappling with an alarming rise in cancer cases. Experts are urging swift action to expand access to quality cancer care across the nation. By 2025, cancer cases are projected to surge by 12.8 per cent, placing enormous strain on an already stretched healthcare system. Currently, India sees around 1.4 million new cancer cases annually, and this is expected to increase as timely diagnosis and treatment is limited.
It is estimated that 50-60 per cent of patients with cancer will need radiotherapy. Radiotherapy provides excellent local tumour control and is used to cure localised disease, palliate symptoms, and control disease in incurable cancer. In 2020, 70 per cent of almost 10 million cancer-related deaths worldwide were in low-and-middle-income countries. This striking inequality underscores the urgent need for more equitable access to early detection and advanced treatment options, both globally and within India, where similar gaps in care exist. Breast cancer is an example of where this inequality is high, where global disparities in breast cancer burden are stark. Although there’s been improvement in breast cancer survival, a 2024 report found the survival rate in India (66.4 per cent) is lower than in developed countries like the US (90.2 per cent).
While metropolitan areas are home to well-established cancer care facilities, a significant portion of India’s population in smaller cities and rural areas face substantial barriers, often traveling long distances for treatment or, worse, foregoing it altogether. This disparity in access contributes to higher cancer mortality rates. To address this, the central government is collaborating with state governments to improve cancer care infrastructure and access. Initiatives are underway to expand universal health coverage, ensuring better facilities and making cancer treatment more accessible across the country.Accuray is stepping up to support these efforts with the introduction of Accuray Helix, a configuration of the Radixact Treatment Delivery System, a technology built on TomoTherapy helical platform to help transform cancer treatment in India. Accuray Helix brings flexibility and versatility and is intended to drive improvements in personalisation and patient care, while simultaneously facilitating treatment of more patients each day, boosting productivity for clinics and enabling them to efficiently manage the growing demand for cancer care. It allows healthcare providers to address a broad range of cancer types, making it a game changer for clinics in smaller cities.Xavier De Misouard, President & General Manager – EIMEA, Accuray, said, “Accuray Helix is designed to bridge gaps in care access across countries like India. By providing advanced, fast, and precise treatments, we are enabling medical teams to reach more patients and help improve outcomes nationwide.”
Vidhi Prasad, Managing Director – India & Subcontinent, Accuray, emphasised, “We are actively working with healthcare providers all across India to deliver precision technology for cancer care. We strive to empower healthcare professionals to manage increased patient loads without compromising the quality of care, helping to ensure that no patient is left behind.”
Increased public awareness, enhanced early detection programmes, and continued training for healthcare professionals in rural areas are key to improving patient outcomes. Moreover, collaborative efforts between the government, private sector, and non-governmental organisations will be crucial to reducing cancer incidence and ensuring timely access to cutting-edge treatments.
- Published On Sep 12, 2024 at 05:27 PM IST
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