Mr. Krishnan Ramachandran Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer

Niva Bupa Health Insurance Company Limited.

Cancer is a major health concern, affecting a wide cross-section of India’s population. The Indian Cancer Congress (ICC) has highlighted that India is facing a significant increase in the absolute number of new cases annually.  In the last decade, the number of cancer diagnoses has surged. Currently, 1.4 million new cancer cases are detected each year, with projections indicating a rise to 2 million by 2040. As per a report by the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) under the Indian Council of Medical Research-National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (ICMR-NCDIR) about one in nine people in India will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. This is an alarming situation and needs our urgent attention.

Cancer is no longer a rare disease that only affects a few; it is becoming more prevalent every day, Rapid urbanization, environmental pollution, unhealthy lifestyle choices, and delayed health screenings have all contributed to the growing incidence of cancer. While advances in medical science have made early detection and treatment more accessible, the financial strain associated with cancer care remains significant.

Understanding the Causes Behind Rising Cancer Cases

The adoption of sedentary lifestyles, higher consumption of processed foods, and exposure to pollutants have created new health risks, leading to cancer cases that were previously less common. Rising pollution, increased tobacco usage, stress, and other carcinogenic exposures are linked directly to higher cancer rates. Some families are genetically predisposed to specific cancer types, which further necessitates early screening and financial preparation.

 Quality Cancer Care Is Expensive and Not Accessible to All

With treatment costs skyrocketing, it has become vital for individuals to take comprehensive health insurance plan which provides coverage for critical health conditions such as cancer to safeguard their financial health. A cancer diagnosis not only impacts physical health but also imposes an immense emotional and financial burden on patients and their loved ones. In the fight against cancer, being prepared is as important as being aware, and that’s where the right health insurance coverage plays a crucial role.

Cancer treatments, including hospitalization, chemotherapy, medications, and other interventions, are costly. In addition to that access to quality cancer care and treatment is not uniform in India, particularly in rural areas and smaller cities.

Moreover, in case of cancer, the treatment is often long-term. For many families, the cost of treatment can be overwhelming, leaving them struggling to pay for the care that could save their loved ones. Despite advancements in cancer care, too many people face the difficult choice between depleting their savings or foregoing treatment altogether. This is where proper financial planning and adequate health insurance coverage become indispensable.

Preventive Health Screening and Adequate Health Insurance Coverage Is the Key

Cancer may be unpredictable, but our response to it does not have to be. It is not just about having a plan in place; it is about ensuring that plan can meet the demands of a serious diagnosis. Awareness, early detection, and robust insurance coverage can improve patient outcomes and reduce the burden on families in case of cancer. Embracing a proactive approach to combat cancer can offer both peace of mind and vital financial security.