It also pointed out the need for community-level screening through primary healthcare infrastructure and also enhancing district level facilities for early cancer diagnostics and referral linkage.

Pointing out that over 70 percent of cancer cases in India are diagnosed at advanced stages—Stage III or IV—when intensive and costly interventions become necessary, it said that in contrast, early-stage detection improves recovery rates, enables patients to resume normal life sooner, and substantially reduces treatment expenses.

“However, due to social stigma and inadequate public awareness, cancer screening uptake remains low across both rural and urban areas.”

The Committee emphasised that community-level screening through primary healthcare infrastructure, awareness generation, and the integration of preventive measures under national health programmes are central to reducing the cancer burden.

“In light of the low rate of cancer screening in the country, the Committee recommends that the Government should scale up the national screening programme, with particular focus on regions with limited access to medical care. In addition to expanding screening infrastructure, the Committee strongly urges the Government to intensify awareness campaigns across the country,” it added.