Written By: Muskan Gupta | Published : February 3, 2026 5:59 PM IST
Medically Verified By: Dr. R Srinath Bharadwaj
World Cancer Day is a reminder that treatment is not only about scans and surgeries but also about comfort and the dignity of living. And this is where palliative care pays its promise. For cancer patients in India, this care is essential. The National Cancer Registry Programme by ICMR gave an estimate of about 14.6 lakh new cancer cases in India in 2022 and projects the number to rise further by 2026, highlighting the urgency in need for support care to rise.
In an exclusive interview with TheHealthsite.com, Dr R Srinath Bharadwaj, Medical Oncology, Apollo Hospitals, Jubilee Hills, Hyderabad, said, "Palliative care focuses on specialised medical support that aims at relief from pain, symptoms, and stress related to any form of serious illness, in this case, cancer. It works alongside the treatments and not after the patients are sent home to fend for themselves. Specialists from every domain constitute the main team which includes doctors, nurses, counsellors, and therapists, addressing all areas of concerns ranging from pain, breathlessness, nausea, fatigue, anxiety, sleep problems and so much more. The goal is simply to improve the quality of life for patients and support families through decisions and daily routines."
A common myth is that palliative care is the same as end-of-life care. This is absolutely not true. Early support care helps patients endure the aftermath of chemotherapy or radiation better. Staying informed helps patients control their symptoms, leading to better living patterns and fewer unplanned hospital visits. Starting early also trains families to learn safe home care, plan finances, and understand what to expect. Government primary-care platforms now screen and follow up for common cancers through more than 1.5 lakh Health and Wellness Centres, which creates a natural touchpoint to add pain and symptom support early in the journey.
Ask any cancer patient and they will tell you the tremors that come along with the uncontrolled pain. As part of palliative care, modern pain control uses a ladder approach that starts with simple medicines and moves up to stronger options when needed. When pain is controlled, patients breathe better, move more and heal fast. Fear of addiction often prevents timely relief but with the right education, correct dosing, and regular review, such fears can be overcome and help in the longer run.
Cancer not only changes the body but also affects work, roles at home, relationships, and more than anything, mental health. Palliative care looks at this whole picture. This holistic approach keeps patients independent for longer and reduces caregiver burnout. To ease out the financial strain cancer puts on the wallet, the government introduced the Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) which covers many oncology services in empanelled hospitals. This helps eligible families reduce out-of-pocket costs as they navigate treatment and symptom care.
Most people prefer to spend time at home, not in a hospital corridor. Rightly so, people believe that the hospital environments may be good for physical health but the atmosphere deprives them from their loved ones. Good palliative programs help families manage symptoms safely at home with clear plans and all time call services. It is essential to teach support givers on how to give medicines, help in feeding, or handle sudden pain spikes to prevent panic and emergency visits. Regular check-ins via video calls and community nursing allow for bringing specialist care to the doorstep. Ultimately fulfilling the goal of keeping the patient comfortable.
While many families dread the future with cancer patients, palliative teams guide discussions about goals of care, second opinions, and when to continue, pause, or change treatment. This reduces confusion and conflict. Patients feel heard and families feel prepared.
Though India has very aggressively adopted these practices and access is readily available, many gaps can still be identified. While urban centres now have specialist teams, smaller towns rely on overworked clinicians who try to do their best without any formal support. To curb the problem, it is important to eliminate it from the ground up. More doctors and nurses should be trained in basic palliative skills. Hospitals should ensure an adequate supply of pain medicines for patients. Encourage insurers and public or government schemes to cover home visits, counselling, and equipment for a strain-free treatment.
This World Cancer Day, join hands with all medical professionals to widen the concept of palliative cancer care. Survival is important but so is the quality of the days to live. Palliative care protects those days, bringing relief, clarity, and control back to patients and families. That is why it belongs at the heart of cancer care in India.
Disclaimer: Dear readers, this article provides general information and advice only. It is not at all professional medical advice. Therefore, always consult your doctor or a healthcare specialist for more information. TheHealthSite.com does not claim responsibility for this information.
