Cancer Cases Rising, but 80 per cent can be cured if caught early: US Expert; PGIMS lecture highlights immunotherapy, targeted treatment as game-changers in cancer care
Cancer is emerging as a major public health challenge in India, but timely detection can dramatically improve survival, said US-based medical oncologist and haematologist Dr Pankaj Kumar at a special academic lecture at PGIMS, Rohtak, on Wednesday.
Girish Saini
Sep 2, 2026 09:02
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Rohtak, September 2, 2026: Cancer is emerging as a major public health challenge in India, but timely detection can dramatically improve survival, said US-based medical oncologist and haematologist Dr Pankaj Kumar at a special academic lecture at PGIMS, Rohtak, on Wednesday.
He said more than 80 per cent of cancer patients can be completely cured if the disease is detected at Stage I or II. Breast, oral, cervical, lung and colorectal cancers are among the major cancers reported in India, with breast and cervical cancers more common among women and oral and lung cancers among men.
Dr Kumar, associated with Carle Illinois College of Medicine, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, attributed the rising cancer burden to tobacco use, unhealthy lifestyles and lack of awareness.
Stressing prevention and early diagnosis, he advocated regular screening, self-breast examination, oral check-ups, HPV vaccination and Pap smear tests.
He said advances in cancer treatment have also transformed outcomes, with immunotherapy, targeted therapy and gene-based treatments improving prospects for patients, particularly those with advanced-stage disease.
Dean Dr Ashok Chauhan, who was the chief guest, said interaction with international experts would enhance the knowledge of faculty and students and ultimately benefit patients. The session was conducted by Prof Varun Arora of the Department of Community Medicine and attended by heads of departments, senior faculty members and PG students.
