While diagnostic tools for lung cancer have advanced, experts warn that uneven access and low awareness are delaying timely detection—especially outside India’s metro cities. From infrastructure gaps to affordability concerns, doctors emphasize the urgent need to decentralise care, integrate technology, and empower frontline health workers to close the diagnosis-to-treatment gap.
Dr Chandrasekhar Prasad Singh – Consultant- Medical Oncology, HCG Cancer Center – Ranchi, “While advanced lung cancer diagnostics exist, access remains a challenge. Outside metro cities, low-dose CT scans, biopsy services, and multidisciplinary teams are still limited. Patients in rural or tier-2 regions often face delays simply because the right tools aren’t available close to home. Affordability adds another layer—many hesitate due to cost concerns, unaware that early detection can significantly reduce overall treatment expenses. Our goal must be to decentralise screening access, raise awareness among general practitioners, and ensure that patients don’t fall through the cracks due to geography. Lung cancer is time-sensitive, and the window for early intervention shouldn’t be limited by a pin code.”
Dr. Sachin Kumar, Director – Pulmonology & Critical Care Medicine, Sakra World Hospital, Bengaluru, added “To bridge the gap, India needs a multi-level approach using technology, policy, community health workers, and grassroots training. Early diagnosis is key to better lung cancer outcomes. Awareness programs should use visual aids for detecting symptoms like cough, weight loss, and blood in sputum, and also other health concerns. These should align with TB and tobacco control efforts. Mobile diagnostic units must be promoted in rural areas. More rural health workers should be appointed and trained. Telemedicine should link rural PHCs with urban cancer centers.”