India’s health initiatives to combat non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including breast and cervical cancer, have made significant strides in recent years. One of the key milestones in this effort is the extensive screening program for breast cancer, which has now reached a remarkable 146 million women across the country. The Union Health Minister, J P Nadda, provided the latest statistics during a session in the Lok Sabha on February 7, 2025. According to the data from the National NCD Portal, over 57,000 women have been diagnosed with breast cancer, and more than 50,000 are currently undergoing treatment. These numbers reflect the ongoing commitment of India’s healthcare system to address the growing threat of NCDs, particularly in women.

The National NCD Portal: A Tool for Screening and Management

The foundation of India’s NCD screening efforts lies in the National NCD Portal, which was launched by the government in 2018 under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD). The portal serves as an integrated platform for the screening, diagnosis, management, and treatment of major NCDs, including breast cancer. The initiative was created to ensure the continuum of care for women and vulnerable populations who are at risk of developing these diseases.

Screening for Breast Cancer

Breast cancer screening is a critical component of India’s fight against non-communicable diseases. Regular screening helps in detecting the disease in its early stages, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Through the National NCD Portal, the government has screened over 146 million women for breast cancer, a major health concern that affects thousands of women across the country. Early detection not only aids in treatment but also plays a pivotal role in reducing mortality rates from breast cancer.

The National NCD Portal’s reach is wide, and it continues to improve accessibility to healthcare services for women in both urban and rural areas. In many parts of India, women face barriers to accessing quality healthcare due to a lack of infrastructure, awareness, and financial resources. The government’s efforts, including the use of digital platforms like the National NCD Portal, have made breast cancer screening more accessible and efficient. These screenings are integrated with local health systems, ensuring that women in remote areas can also benefit from this life-saving service.

As of the most recent data, 57,184 women have been diagnosed with breast cancer through this screening program. While these numbers may seem alarming, they reflect the success of the initiative in identifying the disease early on, enabling timely treatment. Early detection of breast cancer significantly improves the chances of effective treatment and recovery, emphasizing the importance of these screening programs in saving lives.

Treatment and Continuum of Care

Once diagnosed, women with breast cancer require comprehensive treatment that involves various medical interventions such as surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and targeted therapies. The National NCD Portal has played a vital role in ensuring that patients receive continuous care and appropriate treatment. Currently, 50,612 women are undergoing treatment for breast cancer, demonstrating the success of the government’s efforts to not only identify the disease but also to provide ongoing care.

The continuum of care is a key aspect of the NP-NCD program. It ensures that patients diagnosed with breast cancer are not only treated but also followed up regularly to monitor their progress and manage any side effects or complications. This approach helps improve the quality of life for women living with breast cancer and reduces the burden on healthcare systems by preventing complications that may arise from delayed treatment.

Cervical Cancer Screening: A Parallel Effort

In addition to breast cancer, the government has also made significant progress in the screening and management of cervical cancer. According to the data presented by Health Minister J P Nadda, more than 90 million women have been screened for cervical cancer as part of the National NCD Portal’s efforts. Out of those screened, 96,747 women were diagnosed with cervical cancer, and 86,196 women are currently receiving treatment.

Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among women in India, and it is largely preventable through regular screenings and vaccination against the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is the leading cause of cervical cancer. The government’s cervical cancer screening initiative aims to detect precancerous lesions early, allowing for timely intervention and reducing the incidence of cervical cancer-related mortality.

Addressing the NCD Crisis

The growing burden of NCDs like breast and cervical cancer in India underscores the need for continued investment in healthcare infrastructure, early diagnosis, and treatment programs. The NP-NCD program is an essential step in addressing these challenges, but more work remains to be done to expand screening programs, improve access to treatment, and raise awareness about the importance of early detection.

In many parts of India, NCDs remain a leading cause of death, particularly among women. However, the government’s focus on NCD prevention and control has helped shift the narrative towards more proactive and preventive healthcare measures. By screening millions of women for diseases like breast and cervical cancer, India is setting an example for other nations to follow in the fight against non-communicable diseases.

Despite the progress made, challenges persist. There are still significant gaps in healthcare accessibility, particularly in rural areas, where women often face barriers to screening and treatment due to a lack of infrastructure, trained healthcare professionals, and financial resources. Additionally, cultural factors and social stigma around cancer can deter women from seeking timely medical help. Overcoming these barriers is essential for ensuring that all women, regardless of their socio-economic background, have access to life-saving screenings and treatments.

The Role of Awareness and Education

Awareness and education are crucial components of any successful cancer prevention and treatment program. The government and various NGOs have been working tirelessly to raise awareness about the importance of breast and cervical cancer screening. Public health campaigns, community outreach programs, and educational initiatives are critical to empowering women to take control of their health and seek screenings.

In many instances, women are unaware of the importance of regular screenings or are hesitant to undergo them due to fear or misinformation. Through targeted campaigns and educational programs, the government aims to dispel myths and provide accurate information about the benefits of early cancer detection. These efforts play a crucial role in increasing the number of women who get screened and seek timely treatment.

Looking ahead, the focus must be on scaling up the screening and treatment programs for both breast and cervical cancer. This involves strengthening healthcare infrastructure, increasing funding for cancer care, and developing new strategies to reach underserved populations. Additionally, the government must continue to invest in research to improve cancer diagnosis and treatment methods, as well as explore innovative ways to deliver care to remote areas.

The continued success of the NP-NCD program relies on the active participation of various stakeholders, including healthcare providers, policymakers, and communities. By working together, India can create a future where fewer women are affected by breast and cervical cancer, and more women have access to the resources and support they need to overcome these diseases.

In conclusion, India’s efforts to screen millions of women for breast cancer and provide treatment for those diagnosed is a significant step toward reducing the country’s cancer burden. While challenges remain, the government’s commitment to cancer prevention, early diagnosis, and continuous care offers hope for a healthier future for women across India. With ongoing efforts and greater investment in healthcare infrastructure, India has the potential to lead the way in cancer prevention and care in the years to come.