Cancer Screening Rate Remains Low in Northeast India, Study Suggests

Strategic Insights -

Despite national screening efforts and a high cancer burden, the cancer screening rate remains low in the northeast region of India. Researchers at the Department of Surgical Oncology have published a study highlighting the importance of early detection in reducing cancer-related morbidity and mortality. The study, which assessed the outcomes of cancer education and symptom screening among family members and neighbors of cancer patients on home-based palliative care, found that integrating such screening into home-based care is feasible and aids in prompt diagnosis in resource-limited settings.

Key Takeaways:

  • The study assessed the outcomes of cancer education and symptom screening among 916 individuals in the Barak Valley of Assam, India.
  • Of the 916 individuals, 75 (8.2%) reported cancer-related symptoms, and 33 (44%) attended the screening OPD of a tertiary hospital for assessment.
  • Of the 33 individuals who attended the screening OPD, 17 (51.5%) were diagnosed with cancer, predominantly oral, breast, and other cancers.
  • The median days from symptom screening to screening OPD visit was 10 (2.5, 49.5) days, while from screening OPD visit to diagnosis was 1 (0, 8) day.
  • Integrating cancer education and symptom screening into home-based palliative care is feasible and aids in prompt diagnosis in resource-limited settings.
  • The study suggests that this strategy could be used as an opportunity for early cancer detection and management, especially in high-burden regions like Northeast India.
  • Laxman Kumar Mahaseth, Dept. of Surgical Oncology, Cachar Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Silchar, Assam, India, was the lead author of the study.
  • Additional authors include Subhadra Goala, Vidhubala Elangovan, Kathirvel Soundappan, Krishnakumar Rathnam, Bibha Thapa, Kanan Singha, and Ravi Kannan.

Statistics:

  • 75 (8.2%) individuals reported cancer-related symptoms out of 916.
  • 33 (44%) individuals attended the screening OPD of a tertiary hospital for assessment out of 916.
  • 17 (51.5%) individuals were diagnosed with cancer out of 33 who attended the screening OPD.
  • The median days from symptom screening to screening OPD visit was 10 (2.5, 49.5) days.
  • The median days from screening OPD visit to diagnosis was 1 (0, 8) day.

Sources:

  • NewsRx LLC (2025, October 21). Department of Surgical Oncology Describes Findings in Cancer (Seizing the opportunity to leverage home-based palliative care for cancer education and screening in high-burden and resource-limited settings in India). Journal of India, p 12.
  • Seizing the opportunity to leverage home-based palliative care for cancer education and screening in high-burden and resource-limited settings in India. Journal of Cancer Policy, 2025:100646.