Cancer notifiable in India: A Parliamentary committee has called for cancer to be declared a notifiable disease across all states and union territories, arguing that India needs more reliable data to tackle its growing cancer burden.
Presenting its 163rd report in the Rajya Sabha, the Committee on Petitions, chaired by Narain Dass Gupta, said that current data collection through the National Cancer Registry Programme covers only about 18% of the population. Declaring cancer notifiable, it said, would ensure uniform documentation, real-time reporting and stronger evidence-based policies.
Some states have already taken this step on their own, but a nationwide mandate, the panel noted, would help identify regional trends, plan infrastructure better and channel resources where they are most needed. It also recommended imposing a high-risk cess or heavier taxes on tobacco products, with the proceeds directed to cancer care and research.
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The panel expressed concern over India’s growing oral cancer crisis, citing estimates of nearly 60,000 new cases a year and more than five deaths every hour. Worryingly, many of these cases are being detected in people under 40, much younger than in Western countries. The Committee urged the government to step up awareness campaigns, especially in schools and colleges, to highlight the dangers of tobacco.
The shortage of trained oncologists was another area of concern. Although India has expanded medical seats in recent years, many doctors continue to leave for opportunities abroad, often after receiving subsidised education at home.
On cancer treatment, the report flagged India’s dependence on imported drugs from the United States and Europe, where research and innovation are prioritised. It urged greater budgetary support for domestic research and development in oncology, given the country’s scientific talent pool.
The Committee also pointed to environmental pollution, pesticides and fertilisers as significant contributors to cancer risk.
