Bridging the Gap: India's Radiotherapy Needs and Challenges
A recent study by ICMR reveals a critical shortfall in radiotherapy utilisation across cancer types in India. Only 28.5% of cancer patients receive radiotherapy, compared to the optimal rate of 58.4%. The study emphasizes the need for increased radiotherapy machines and equitable distribution to meet this demand.

- Country:
- India
An ICMR study published in BMC Cancer highlights a significant shortfall in radiotherapy utilisation across cancer cases in India, stressing the urgent need for more intervention and equipment. Current figures show that only 28.5% of cancer patients receive the necessary radiotherapy, which falls short of the optimal 58.4% required.
The research draws from epidemiological data and the National Cancer Registry Programme, revealing that major cancers like breast, head and neck, lung, and cervical contribute to 60% of radiotherapy needs. The deficit is more acute in cancers such as lymphoma and lung cancer, with more than a 70% relative deficit.
With India's cancer incidence expected to hit 1.57 million by 2025, this study calls for a strategic increase in radiotherapy machines, aiming for a minimum of one external machine per million population. Furthermore, it suggests that India must address inequitable service distribution and invest in indigenously developed equipment to ensure effective cancer treatment policies.
(With inputs from agencies.)