INTERVIEW
How can we improve the access to cancer care in India? What is the role of Radiation Therapy in comprehensive cancer care?
India faces a growing cancer burden, but many patients struggle to access quality care. Nearly 60 % of cancer patients require radiation therapy( RT) as part of their treatment plan, but only around 20 % receive it in India. This disparity is further amplified by the uneven distribution of treatment facilities. There ' s a higher concentration of radiation therapy units in urban areas compared to rural regions. This forces many rural patients to travel long distances for treatment. This impacts their ability to complete therapy or maintain livelihoods, which can ultimately affect their chances of recovery.
To bridge this gap, collaborative approaches like Public-Private Partnerships( PPPs) and the Hub-and- Spoke model hold promise. PPPs involve collaboration between government and private healthcare providers. This collaboration can help expand infrastructure, enhance service delivery, and potentially reduce treatment costs. The Hub-and-Spoke model envisions specialized cancer care centers( hubs) in urban areas supported by satellite centers( spokes) in rural regions. This network can ensure more equitable access to highquality care for all patients, regardless
of location.
By bridging the barriers between urban and rural healthcare facilities, interconnectivity both inside and outside the hospital can guarantee prompt diagnosis and treatment. Clinical professionals can provide accurate and effective care with the help of automated workflows and AIassisted planning, which simplify complicated processes. By offering real-time system monitoring and predictive maintenance, minimizing downtime, and guaranteeing continuous treatment, remote servicing further improves accessibility. Integrating these developments can improve cancer treatment ' s effectiveness, scalability, and accessibility for patients all throughout India.
Radiation therapy plays a vital role in effectively managing and controlling various cancers. It can be used with curative intent to eradicate tumors entirely in some cases. Additionally, radiation therapy serves as a palliative measure to reduce symptoms and improve a patient ' s quality of life. It ' s often used in conjunction with chemotherapy and surgery to create a comprehensive treatment plan. Integrating radiation therapy into cancer care plans is crucial for offering patients a wider range of treatment options, potentially leading to better outcomes and improved survival rates.
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BioVoiceNews | July-August 2025