Cancer remains a major public health challenge, requiring healthcare systems to address prevention, early diagnosis, treatment, affordability and long-term care together. While advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment have created new possibilities, ensuring that these advances reach every patient remains an equally important challenge.
Against this backdrop, the Integrated Health and Wellbeing Council (IHW Council) convened the 3rd Cancer E-Summit on 3 February 2022, bringing together medical practitioners, pharmaceutical professionals, industry representatives and civil society stakeholders. The Summit focused on improving access to essential cancer services and advancing cancer care within the framework of Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
Why Early Diagnosis Matters in Cancer Care
One of the strongest themes emerging from the Summit was the importance of early diagnosis and preventive cancer care.
The report highlights how delayed diagnosis can increase the complexity and cost of treatment. Experts called for greater cancer awareness, stronger screening systems, improved diagnostic infrastructure and better dissemination of information about early signs and symptoms.
The discussions also highlighted gaps in oncology infrastructure and training. Strengthening cancer education among healthcare professionals and expanding diagnostic capabilities closer to communities were identified as important steps towards improving cancer care in India.
Making Cancer Treatment More Affordable and Accessible
A cancer diagnosis can create significant financial pressure not only for patients but also for their families.
The Summit examined the role of insurance, healthcare financing and patient-assistance programmes in improving affordability. Experts highlighted the need for financing models that consider the entire continuum of cancer care—from prevention and diagnostics to treatment and palliative care.
The discussions also called for standard treatment guidelines, increased diagnostic capacity, greater research and development, and more effective use of cancer registry resources.
Using Technology to Transform Cancer Care
Digital technology emerged as an important enabler of more accessible cancer services.
The report discusses how telemedicine, artificial intelligence, mobile applications and digital platforms can support diagnosis, education, counselling and continuity of care. Experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic demonstrated how virtual consultations could help maintain connections between doctors and patients when physical access to healthcare facilities was disrupted.
Experts also discussed the potential of AI-enabled screening, digital cancer registries and indigenous medical technology. However, technological innovation needs appropriate standards and guidelines to ensure reliable and accurate use.
Building Stronger Public-Private Partnerships
Cancer care involves many stakeholders—patients, families, doctors, hospitals, governments, civil society and the private sector. The Summit therefore emphasised a multi-sectoral approach with the patient at its centre.
Public-private collaboration can support decentralised diagnostics, infrastructure development, knowledge sharing, technology deployment and community-level awareness.
The report highlights examples involving community health centres, primary health centres, district hospitals, women’s self-help groups and technology partners, demonstrating different ways collaboration can help extend cancer services beyond major institutions.
Bringing Palliative Care into the Cancer Continuum
The Summit also drew attention to palliative care, identifying fragmentation as an important challenge.
For people living with advanced cancer, care may involve multiple specialists as well as physical, psychological and social support. The discussions called for a multidisciplinary approach and greater standardisation of palliative-care protocols.
Importantly, the report emphasises that cancer affects more than the individual patient. Families can experience financial pressure, fear, anxiety and emotional distress, making their involvement an important part of patient-centred cancer care.
Strengthening Prevention and Women’s Cancer Care
Preventive care was another central theme. Greater awareness of symptoms and risk factors, combined with appropriate screening, can support earlier intervention.
The Summit dedicated particular attention to women’s cancers and inequalities in access to healthcare. Discussions addressed breast, cervical and ovarian cancers as well as the importance of improving awareness among women.
The report’s Key Takeaways on page 21 specifically call for policymakers to consider the inclusion of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine in national vaccination policy as part of efforts to strengthen cervical cancer prevention.
Moving Towards Universal Health Coverage
The Cancer E-Summit placed cancer care within the wider ambition of achieving Universal Health Coverage by 2030.
Achieving this requires more than expanding treatment facilities. It involves strengthening prevention, early diagnosis, financing, technology, palliative care, patient support and collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem.
As summarised in the report’s final recommendations, stakeholders called for accessible and affordable cancer healthcare systems, stronger public-private partnerships, digital innovation and greater attention to preventive care.
Reimagining Cancer Care in India
The Cancer E-Summit 2022 reinforced an important message: progress against cancer requires coordinated action across the entire continuum of care.
Early diagnosis can help patients begin treatment sooner. Better financing can reduce barriers to care. Technology can extend healthcare services to underserved communities. Multi-sector partnerships can connect expertise and infrastructure, while patient-centric and palliative approaches can address the broader realities experienced by patients and their families.
Together, these priorities provide a pathway towards a more accessible, affordable, equitable and patient-centric cancer care ecosystem in India.
