#595 India’s Hidden Cancer Crisis: Why Thousands Die Without Treatment
The Core Report
The Cancer Crisis in India
This chapter examines the unsettling cancer epidemic in India, underscoring the need for improved healthcare infrastructure to address the rising incidence of cancer cases. It explores the challenges in treatment accessibility and highlights the various cancer types prevalent in the population, stressing the importance of comprehensive care and government support.
India’s Cancer Crisis: Why Thousands Die Without TreatmentIn this episode of The Core Report Weekend Edition, Govindraj Ethiraj speaks with Dr. KS Sharma, former senior anesthesiologist at Tata Memorial Hospital, about India’s cancer care infrastructure, the alarming mortality rate, and the urgent shortage of trained oncologists.India records over 1.5 million new cancer cases each year, yet 60% of patients can’t access proper treatment due to lack of hospitals, cost barriers, and limited trained specialists. Dr. Sharma discusses the ground realities — from the challenges in radiation and chemotherapy access to the rural-urban gap in healthcare delivery.Topics Covered:Why India's cancer mortality rate is nearly 50%Gaps in cancer care infrastructure and hospital capacityThe shortage of surgical and medical oncologistsRole of Tata Memorial and regional cancer centresPublic vs. private healthcare affordability in oncologyPolicy gaps and what needs fixingIf you care about health equity, public healthcare, and India’s medical future, don’t miss this episode. Like, share, and comment to join the conversation.Timestamps00:00 – Introduction02:10 – How Dr. Sharma learned about the cancer care crisis06:25 – Why India lacks cancer infrastructure14:45 – Mortality vs. curability of common cancers22:00 – Workforce shortages and training needs36:50 – District-level healthcare gaps49:10 – Policy solutions and way forward
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