Fear, stigma, financial concerns keep cancer patients from seeking timely care, says expert

Early diagnosis of cancer, coupled with timely intervention and access to appropriate treatment, is crucial to improving survival rates and in helping patients lead a better quality of life, said Rupali Basu, senior vice president, regional business head – East and Andhra Pradesh, HCG Cancer Centre.

Emphasising the need to strengthen cancer awareness and screening, Ms. Basu said that many patients continued to approach hospitals only at an advanced stage of the disease owing to fear, social stigma, lack of awareness of early symptoms, financial concerns and geographical barriers to accessing specialised healthcare. Stronger community-level awareness programmes and accessible screening facilities could play a significant role in changing this trend, she said.

Speaking to The Hindu, she said that cancer was increasingly emerging as a concern across age groups and communities, with several factors, including an ageing population, tobacco consumption, cigarette smoking, changing lifestyles and environmental exposure, contributing to the growing burden. While breast cancer remained a major concern among women, lung and colorectal cancers were among the commonly diagnosed cancers in men. Brain tumours and other forms of cancer also required greater awareness and timely medical attention.

Ms. Basu stressed that cancer treatment required more than just identifying the disease. A multidisciplinary approach, involving tumour boards, was essential to determine the most appropriate course of treatment for each patient. Accurate diagnosis, the latest medical technology and coordinated care could make a significant difference to treatment outcomes and the patient’s overall experience.

Explaining the role of emerging technologies in cancer treatment, she said that artificial intelligence and other technological advancements could improve diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency but could not replace doctors. Technology should be appropriately validated and deployed under clinical supervision, with medical professionals continuing to play the central role in clinical decision-making, she said.

On extending specialised cancer care to patients in smaller towns, Ms. Basu said tele-oncology and teleconsultation services could help bridge geographical barriers by providing access to specialist opinions, treatment guidance and follow-up services.

She said HCG was focusing on providing comprehensive cancer care in Andhra Pradesh through advanced technology, multidisciplinary expertise and appropriate treatment protocols. The organisation, which has an estimated 35% share of the cancer-care market in Andhra Pradesh, was looking at further strengthening its presence while expanding access to specialised oncology services, she said.