Early cancer detection key to better survival: HCG official
Despite advances in cancer diagnosis and treatment, delayed detection remains a major challenge, with many patients reaching hospitals only at advanced stages of the disease. Early diagnosis, timely intervention and access to appropriate treatment are critical to improving survival rates and quality of life, said Rupali Basu, senior vice-president and regional business head (East and Andhra Pradesh), HCG Cancer Centre.
Speaking to The Coastal Times, Basu attributed delays in seeking care to several factors, including fear of the disease, social stigma, limited awareness of early symptoms, financial constraints and geographical barriers to specialised healthcare.
She emphasised the need for sustained public awareness campaigns and accessible screening facilities, particularly at the community level, to encourage people to seek medical attention early. Early identification of symptoms and timely screening, she said, could make a significant difference to treatment outcomes.
Cancer is increasingly affecting people across age groups and communities, Basu said, with an ageing population, tobacco use, changing lifestyles and environmental exposure contributing to the growing disease burden.
Breast cancer remains a major concern among women, while lung and colorectal cancers are among the most commonly diagnosed cancers in men. Brain tumours and other malignancies also require greater public awareness and timely medical attention, she added.
Beyond early detection, the quality and coordination of treatment play a crucial role in cancer care. Basu said a multidisciplinary approach, in which specialists from different disciplines assess individual cases through tumour boards, was essential to determining appropriate treatment strategies.
Accurate diagnosis, access to advanced medical technology and coordination among specialists could improve treatment outcomes and the overall patient experience, she said.
On the growing role of artificial intelligence in healthcare, Basu said emerging technologies could improve diagnostic accuracy and operational efficiency in cancer treatment. However, she stressed that such tools must be clinically validated and used under medical supervision. Technology could support clinical decision-making but could not replace doctors, she said, adding that medical professionals must remain central to patient assessment and treatment decisions.
Access to specialised cancer care also remains a concern for patients in smaller towns and remote areas. Basu said tele-oncology and teleconsultation services could help bridge this gap by connecting patients with specialists for medical opinions, treatment guidance and follow-up consultations, reducing the need for frequent travel.
In Andhra Pradesh, HCG is focusing on expanding comprehensive cancer care through advanced technology, multidisciplinary expertise and appropriate treatment protocols. The organisation estimates that it accounts for around 35 per cent of the state’s cancer-care market and plans to strengthen its presence while expanding access to specialised oncology services, Basu said.