Apollo Cancer Centres, ICMR, IMA, and State Oncology Associations Unite to Combat Cancer
Bengaluru, India – February 4, 2025 – On World Cancer Day, Apollo Cancer Centres, in partnership with the Indian Medical Association (IMA), launched “Unify to Notify,” a nationwide campaign advocating for the classification of cancer as a notifiable disease in India. This crucial step is vital in the fight against cancer.
India faces a growing cancer burden, with over 1.4 million new cases annually, projected to reach 1.57 million by 2025. Designating cancer as a notifiable disease will:
- Enable real-time data collection and accurate reporting, providing a clear picture of the disease’s prevalence.
- Facilitate the development of standardized treatment protocols through epidemiological analysis and targeted interventions.
- Enhance the accuracy, efficiency, and accessibility of cancer treatment, strengthening India’s position in global oncology research and care.
In 2022, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare recommended classifying cancer as a notifiable disease. The “Unify to Notify” campaign urges the government to pass this bill in the upcoming budget session.
Dr. Vijayanad, President, IMA, Bangalore: “The IMA strongly supports making cancer a notifiable disease. This will address gaps in our cancer surveillance system and improve coordination among healthcare providers. Apollo Cancer Centres’ leadership in comprehensive cancer care, combined with mandatory reporting, will enhance our ability to deliver better care. Tracking cancer incidence, mortality, and survival rates is essential.”
Mr. Dinesh Madhavan, President-Group Oncology and International, AHEL: “We must ‘Unify to Notify.’ Cancer requires a collective approach. Notifiable status will empower policymakers, healthcare providers, and researchers with real-time data, leading to stronger prevention, early detection, and improved treatment outcomes. Apollo Cancer Centres is committed to driving this change and urges the government to take this critical step.”
Dr. (Prof.) Vijay Agarwal, Professor and Lead Consultant – Medical Oncology, Apollo Hospitals Bannerghatta Road: “Making cancer notifiable will revolutionize our understanding of cancer patterns at the state level. It will help us identify regional variations in cancer types and risk factors, leading to more targeted prevention programs. Apollo Cancer Centres’ network of cancer centers will play a key role in collecting and analyzing this data, enabling targeted interventions and screening modalities.”
Dr. Manish Mattoo, CEO – Karnataka & Central Region, AHEL: “Classifying cancer as notifiable is transformative. With proper documentation, we can better understand patterns, allocate resources effectively, and develop targeted treatment protocols. Apollo Cancer Centres’ robust cancer registry positions us to contribute significantly. We urge the government to pass this bill to improve cancer care and research across India.”
The “Unify to Notify” campaign is a significant step towards transforming cancer care in India. It emphasizes the importance of data-driven approaches, ensuring that every cancer case is counted and contributes to better patient care.
While 15 Indian states have already made cancer a notifiable disease, nationwide implementation is crucial. Globally, over 12 countries, including the US, England, Wales, Canada, Australia, and others, have recognized the importance of mandatory cancer reporting.
