District Hospital Cancer Centres: Cancer cases are increasing rapidly across the world and India is included in the list of countries where the highest number of cancer cases are seen. The government has taken a big step towards strengthening cancer treatment in the country. According to the official statement, day-care cancer centers will be established in district hospitals across the country in the next three years. Let us tell you in detail what steps the government is taking.

It was announced in the budget

This was announced in the Union Budget 2025-26, in which there is a plan to start 200 centers during 2025-26 itself. The aim of this initiative is to provide services like chemotherapy near the patients’ homes and reduce the pressure on big tertiary hospitals. Usually, cancer treatment lasts for several months and during this time patients have to go to the hospital again and again. Regular chemotherapy and follow-up is necessary for better results.

poor people suffer heavily

For people from rural areas or economically weaker sections, frequent visits to big hospitals in cities prove costly both physically and financially. Expenses for travel, accommodation, food and lost daily earnings place additional burden on the family. Patients undergoing chemotherapy are often weak and need a caregiver. This further impacts the family income.

What will be the benefit?

With the introduction of chemotherapy facilities in district hospitals, patients will not have to travel long distances and other travel related expenses will also be reduced. This will save families and have less impact on their daily routine. Before approving these centres, the government conducted a detailed gap analysis in collaboration with the states and union territories. The districts have been selected on the basis of number of cancer cases, patient load and available infrastructure.

In this programme, special attention has also been given to training and capacity building. Doctors and nurses from the selected districts were given practical training for four to six weeks in government medical colleges, regional cancer centers and state cancer institutes. This training included the process of giving chemotherapy, determining the correct dose of medicine, prevention of complications, handling emergencies, infection control, safe handling of medicines and counseling patients. This has ensured that safety and quality standards are followed even at the district level.

What are the rules regarding medicines?

Another important thing about this initiative is that essential chemotherapy medicines will be made available free of cost at government health centres. The cost of medicines is the biggest part of cancer treatment. In such a situation, by getting medicines free of cost, the out-of-pocket expenses of the patients will reduce significantly. The government has also strengthened the procurement and supply system of medicines, so that their regular availability remains maintained.

Also read: Cancer Warning Symptoms: 15 lakh cases of cancer are increasing every year in the country, know the 3 most common symptoms of the deadly disease.

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Early Cancer Symptoms You Should Not Ignore: Cancer cases are spreading rapidly across the world. The reason for this is said to be that people are careless and do not pay attention to the initial symptoms, although this is not so. The real reason is that the early signs of cancer are often very mild, vague and easily ignored. Especially cancers related to stomach and chest keep growing inside without any obvious symptoms in the beginning. Things like mild swelling, minor pain or fatigue are often considered to be the effect of acidity, stress or age. The result is that by the time someone thinks “get tested now”, the disease has already reached stage 3 or 4.

Cancer burden increasing in India

Cancer cases are continuously increasing in India. According to the data of the year 2024, more than 15 lakh new cancer cases are being reported in the country every year. India is now among the top three countries in the world in terms of total cases. It is also a matter of concern that a large number of patients are being identified in the advanced stage of the disease and young people are also falling prey to it. In such a situation, early identification and awareness has become more important than ever.

Why are initial symptoms ignored?

Dr Gopal Sharma, medical oncologist at Max Super Specialty Hospital, Vaishali, told TOI that cancer usually does not show any major or scary symptoms in the beginning. Such patients often come to his clinic, who have been suffering from some symptoms for months, but kept avoiding them considering them to be related to stress, age or lifestyle. Doctors say that delay in treatment often causes more harm than the disease itself.

People ignore these symptoms considering them normal

Constant fatigue, unexplained weight loss or change in appetite are such signs which people often mistake for age or work pressure. Prolonged indigestion, flatulence or change in bowel habits can also be considered as the effect of wrong eating habits. Experts say that if any symptom persists for more than two to three weeks and there is no obvious reason for it, then it is important to see a doctor.

Never ignore these three symptoms

According to doctors, if there is unexplained weight loss at any age, any lump or swelling persists for a long time, or there is abnormal blood in urine, stool or mouth, then immediate investigation is necessary.

Read this also- Hormonal Health In Women: If periods are coming every month, is everything okay, understand from the doctors what your body is hiding?

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Signs Of Cancer You Should Not Ignore: Cancer often starts silently, with some mild signs that people usually ignore. But if these initial symptoms are identified in time, life can be saved. Dr. Jayesh Sharma, Consultant Surgical Oncologist, Raipur-based ITSA Hospitals, through an Instagram post on November 1, has drawn attention to the common cancers found in India and their early warning signs.

experts say

According to Dr. Sharma, if any swelling, blister or wound inside the mouth does not heal for several weeks, then it can be a big mistake to consider it normal and avoid it. He explains that such a symptom can be an early sign of oral cancer. Often people leave it as a minor infection, due to which the disease is identified late and treatment is also postponed.

Another important warning sign is abnormal bleeding. Giving an example, Dr. Sharma says that in old films it was shown that someone spits blood on a handkerchief while coughing, but in real life this can be a red flag of lung cancer. If such small but serious signs are recognized on time, the disease can be caught in the early stages.

cancer in women

In the context of women, Dr. Sharma says that cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India. An early sign is abnormal or persistent vaginal bleeding. He says that its purpose is not to create fear, but to increase awareness. If bleeding does not match your normal cycle or is occurring after menopause, it is important to consult a doctor.

However, Dr. Sharma also clarifies that there is no need to panic every time. Sometimes bleeding gums or irregular periods can also be normal. The difference is between happening continuously and repeatedly. If a symptom is returning again and again, it may be a signal from the body that something is not right. In such a situation, timely investigation and treatment can save life.

Need for regular checkups

In the end, Dr. Sharma appeals to people to listen to their body and get regular health check-ups done. He says that cancer often starts not with pain, but with small changes. If these signs are recognized early, the results of treatment are better and the chances of survival increase.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator

Cancers Increasing In Young Adults: World Cancer Day is celebrated every year on 4 February across the world, but in 2026 its importance is being felt more than ever. Cancer continues to impact millions of lives around the world. According to the International Agency for Research on Cancer, in the year 2022, about 2 crore new cancer cases were reported globally and about 97 lakh people died due to cancer related reasons.

Situation is very serious in India

The situation is worrying in India also. A continuous increase in cancer cases is being seen here. While about 13.5 lakh cases were registered in the year 2019, by 2024 this number will increase to 15.3 lakh. There were 13.9 lakh cancer cases in 2020, 14.2 lakh in 2021, 14.6 lakh in 2022 and 14.9 lakh in 2023. That means every year the figures are giving new warnings.

What is the theme this time?

The theme of World Cancer Day 2026 is ‘United by Unique’. If we talk about its meaning, it means that every patient’s cancer journey is different, but everyone’s aim is the same, better treatment, better support and better results. This theme puts the human being at the center rather than the disease and talks about a health system that understands the needs of every person and provides care accordingly.

World Cancer Day should not be limited to just social media posts. This day reminds us that there is a need to take action against cancer at both individual and collective levels. Early detection can save lives, but even today screening tests are not done regularly in many places. People keep postponing the screening of breast, cervical, oral and colorectal cancer.

What do experts say?

Speaking to TOI Health, Dr. Vaishali Jamre said that if people have to be prepared for any one test, it would be mammography. Early stage breast cancer is often without pain and symptoms, in such a situation the disease can be detected earlier through mammography, which makes treatment easier and chances of survival are better. She also explains that people often do not take symptoms like painless lump, sudden weight loss, persistent fatigue, prolonged cough, bleeding, non-healing wounds or skin changes seriously. Nowadays, cases of breast, colorectal, thyroid, endometrial and skin cancer are also increasing among the youth, which can be detected through tests at the right time.

Also read: Why do some people become thin even without diet and going to the gym? know the reason

Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

Check out below Health Tools-
Calculate Your Body Mass Index (BMI)

Calculate The Age Through Age Calculator