The compelling necessity for improvement in cancer screening in India in this decade

Abstract

In 2020, cancers of the breast, lip and oral cavity and cervix were the three most common cancers in India.(1) The national programme for prevention and control of cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and stroke (NPCDCS) recommends a population-based screening for identifying pre-cancerous lesions and early detection of these three cancers by front line health workers.(2) Data about cancer screening has been included in the latest National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5).(3) We have tried to understand the current status of cervical, breast and oral cancer screening in India.