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Together against Cancer

Cancer cases surge across Punjab, but treatment access remains a major challenge
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A patient being treated at the State Cancer Institute of Government Medical College, Amritsar, on Tuesday photo: Vishal Kumar
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Cancer continues to rise as a leading cause of death, second only to cardiovascular diseases in India. However, despite the alarming increase in cases, cancer treatment remains a major challenge in the state, with hurdles like lack of awareness, late-stage diagnosis, limited access to quality healthcare, and high treatment costs.

The trend of rising cancer cases is reflected in the number of new registrations at the State Cancer Institute in Government Medical College, Amritsar. Last year, 1,938 new patients were reported, a slight increase from 1,753 cases in 2023. The highest number of cases was recorded in 2022, with 2,196 patients seeking treatment. Similar year-on-year figures have been observed over the past five years, with a steady increase in the demand for cancer care.

Among women, the most common types of cancer are breast and cervical cancers, while men are most affected by cancers of the head and neck, lung, oesophagus, and stomach. Dr Rajiv Devgan, Principal of Government Medical College, shared that the hospital receives 130-150 new cancer patients every month, many of whom travel from neighbouring districts such as Gurdaspur, Pathankot, Tarn Taran, and Jalandhar, along with some migrant patients from other states.

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The majority of patients receive treatment under government programs like the Ayushman Bharat card and the Chief Minister Cancer Relief Fund, which provide cancer care at no cost. However, despite these efforts, cancer care and treatment remain a challenge, primarily due to lack of early detection, high treatment costs, and insufficient resources in government healthcare facilities.

Health experts point to a lack of awareness and delayed diagnosis as key barriers to effective cancer care. The expensive treatments often lead patients to private hospitals, where charges are exorbitant. Moreover, many government hospitals, especially in rural and remote areas, lack the necessary machines and equipment for early detection and treatment. This results in late-stage diagnoses and reduced chances of survival.

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Another pressing issue is the shortage of specialised staff in government institutions. The State Cancer Unit requires at least four surgical oncologists, but currently, there are only two available. There is also a severe shortage of nuclear and medical oncologists, which further exacerbates the problem.

Although government insurance programs like Ayushman Bharat and the CM Cancer Relief Fund offer financial relief, cancer treatment remains costly, especially in private hospitals where charges are significantly higher.

Dr Bikramjit Singh, a Surgical Oncologist at GMC, highlighted that lifestyle factors such as sedentary habits, tobacco use, unhealthy diets, air pollution, and excessive use of pesticides in agriculture are major contributors to the increasing cancer rates in the region.

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