World Cancer Day: Gujarat institute treats over 26,000 new cancer patients in 2025

On World Cancer Day, data released by the Gujarat Cancer & Research Institute (GCRI), Ahmedabad, highlights the growing patient load and expanding clinical services at one of the country’s largest government-supported cancer centres.

According to official figures, GCRI registered more than 26,810 new cancer patients in 2025.

Of these, over 9,140 patients came from outside Gujarat, indicating an increase in inter-state referrals. Patients from Madhya Pradesh accounted for the largest share of out-of-state registrations (4,572), followed by Rajasthan (2,678), Uttar Pradesh (1,094), Bihar (288), and Maharashtra (279).

Hospital records show that GCRI handled over 2.59 lakh outpatient department (OPD) visits during the year.

A total of 17,800 surgeries were performed, including 50 bone marrow transplants. The institute also administered 50,130 chemotherapy procedures, 5,852 radiation therapy sessions and more than 24.6 lakh laboratory investigations in 2025.

The institute reported a steady rise in the use of advanced diagnostic tools. PET-CT scans conducted at GCRI increased from 1,813 in 2021 to 6,333 in 2025. PET-CT imaging is widely used for cancer detection, staging, and treatment planning.

In surgical oncology, GCRI has begun performing robotic-assisted cancer surgeries, completing 50 such procedures in the last six months. In addition, 40 HIPEC (Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy) procedures have been carried out over the past three years. HIPEC is typically used in selected cases of abdominal cancers where disease has spread within the peritoneal cavity. 

Data also reflects the institute’s screening and preventive initiatives. In 2025, GCRI organised 110 community cancer screening camps across Gujarat, with participation from more than 12,000 people.

Since the launch of the ‘No-Cost Cancer Screening OPD’ in October 2021, over 50,000 individuals have been screened, leading to the early detection of 118 cancer cases.

Under a separate HPV DNA screening programme for women living with HIV, more than 1,400 women were screened. Officials said 21 per cent tested positive for HPV, and further evaluation identified 57 cases of cervical carcinoma in situ, allowing early medical intervention.

World Cancer Day is observed annually on February 4 to raise awareness about cancer prevention, early detection, and access to treatment worldwide.