Hospitals in India are struggling to keep pace with the rising number of cancer patients. As a result, families and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) are stepping in to provide necessary support. The situation at the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi serves as a poignant example.
Overflowing Hospitals and Long Waits
By nightfall, the pavement outside AIIMS becomes a waiting area for countless patients. Families arrive, often with blankets and medical documents, preparing to spend the night on the concrete. Many have traveled from states like Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Rajasthan, driven by the urgency of their loved ones’ conditions. Waiting for online appointments can take months, compelling families to camp overnight at the hospital.
- Rakesh Kumar, 38, spent the night outside AIIMS with a relative needing urgent care. He stated, “The struggle begins long before you meet a doctor.”
- Saurabh Kumar, 40, traveled from Samastipur, Bihar for his mother’s uterine cancer treatment. The family’s financial capability greatly affects their experience.
India’s Growing Cancer Burden
India’s cancer burden has increased significantly in recent years. According to data released in December 2025, cancer cases rose from 1.39 million in 2015 to 1.53 million in 2024, marking a 10% increase. The mortality rate has surged even higher, from 680,000 deaths in 2015 to 870,000 in 2024, reflecting a death rate increase of nearly 29%.
Key Statistics
| Year | Total Cancer Cases | Cancer Deaths |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | 1.39 million | 680,000 |
| 2024 | 1.53 million | 870,000 |
This alarming trend indicates that a higher percentage of diagnosed individuals are dying compared to a decade ago. The situation underscores late diagnoses and the unequal access to treatment across the country.
NGOs Step Up to Fill the Gaps
As hospitals often struggle to provide adequate long-term care, NGOs like CanSupport play an essential role. They assist patients and their caregivers with various services, including palliative care, counselling, and nutritional support. These organizations aim to alleviate the burden that families face while navigating the healthcare system.
- Dr. Sanjeev Sharma, an oncologist, says, “Hospitals are not structured for non-clinical support, which is where NGOs are crucial.”
- Dr. Bhawna Sirohi emphasizes the importance of screening and early detection initiatives to manage cancer effectively.
The Role of Caregivers
Caregiving can be incredibly taxing, leading to what many professionals identify as caregiver burnout. Ranjana Sethi, a volunteer, notes that families often feel exhausted before reaching out for assistance. CanSupport provides not just medical but also emotional support for both patients and their caregivers.
Home-based care initiatives, led by CanSupport, include teams of healthcare professionals who provide vital services directly to patients. These teams help manage care in emergencies, bridging the gap when hospital treatment is insufficient.
Conclusion: A Community Effort
As the healthcare system grapples with the rising demands of cancer care, families and NGOs are becoming the backbone of support. This collaborative effort aims to ensure that patients receive not only medical treatment but the dignity and emotional comfort they deserve. With ongoing support, these individuals and organizations continue to face the daunting challenges posed by cancer in India.
