The Telangana government has declared cancer a notifiable disease, making it mandatory for hospitals and laboratories to report all diagnosed cases to authorities.
Now, Telangana requires all healthcare providers to report diagnosed cases within one month.
At a time when cancer cases are steadily rising across India, experts say this step could play a crucial role in improving early detection, treatment access, and overall outcomes.
Why Cancer Is A Growing Concern
The top five cancers in men and women account for 47.2% of all cancers; these cancers can be prevented, screened for and/or detected early and treated at an early stage. This could significantly reduce the death rate from these cancers.
Common cancers in India include:
- Breast and cervical cancers in women
- Oral and lung cancers in men
There is also a noticeable shift towards lifestyle-related cancers such as colorectal and prostate cancer.
What Does “Notifiable Disease” Mean?
A notifiable disease must be reported to government health departments for monitoring and control.
This helps in:
- Tracking disease spread
- Improving early detection
- Planning better treatment policies
Why This Decision Matters
- Accurate Data Collection: Real-time tracking of cancer cases
- Better Healthcare Planning: Improved infrastructure & treatment access
- Early Diagnosis: Faster intervention can save lives
- Policy Making: Helps the government design targeted health programs