INTRODUCTION
Cancer has become a global health crisis—and India is rapidly emerging as one of the epicentres. For investors looking to build impactful, future-ready healthcare infrastructure, oncology is no longer a niche segment—it’s a necessity.
India’s cancer burden, compared with global figures, paints a clear picture: the demand for comprehensive oncology care is not just rising—it’s urgent.
DEMOGRAPHIC PROFILE
| Estimated Population | 125 million |
| Number of new cancer cases | 15.7 lakh (2025 est.) |
| Number of cancer deaths | 9.1 lakh |
| Mortality to Incidence ratio | 65% |
INDIA’S POSITION IN THE GLOBAL CANCER BURDEN
- Globally, there were 20 million new cancer cases and 7 million cancer-related deaths in 2022 (WHO & GLOBOCAN).
- In India, around 100 out of every 1 lakh people are diagnosed with cancer. According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the estimated number of incidences of cancer cases was more than 14 lakhs in 2023 in India.
- India is ranked 3rd globally in cancer incidence, behind only China and the United States.
- While developed countries see higher cancer incidence, India’s concern is the poor survival rate, due to late diagnosis and inadequate access to care.
Inferences:India is projected to have 1.57 million new cancer cases in 2025,ranking it third globally after China (3.25M) and the USA (2.51M). This place India among the top cancer-burdened nations, indicating a high disease load and a rapidly increasing demand for specialized cancer care. The trend reflects an urgent need for investment in oncology hospitals and infrastructureto bridge the care gap.
UNION BUDGET 2025-26: PRIORITIZING CANCER CARE
IS THERE A NEED FOR ONCOLOGY HOSPITALS?
Absolutely – Here’s Why:
HOW DOES INDIA FARE?
| Indicator | India | USA | China | WHO Recomme
ndation |
| Cancer Incidence
Rank |
3rd | 2nd | 1st | – |
| Radiotherapy
Units per million |
0.4 | 5.0 | +1.5 | ≥1 |
| Oncology
Specialists per lakh |
<2 | ~8 | ~4 | ≥5 |
| 5 Year Survival
Rate |
<40% | 67% | 50% | – |
Key Insight:While the disease load is comparable, India’s survival rates are among the lowest globally—largely due to late diagnosis and poor access to care. This gap presents a strong case for investment in oncology-focused hospitals and diagnostic centres across the country.
CONCLUSION
India’s oncology burden is among the highest in the world, yet its treatment infrastructure is still in catch-up mode. This disparity offers a powerful investment opportunity. Establishing or expanding oncology services— especially in underserved cities and states—is both a social imperative and a lucrative proposition.
By addressing this growing demand with quality, affordability, and scalability in mind, investors can make a meaningful impact on lives while ensuring longterm profitability.
Sources:
https://gco.iarc.who.int/media/globocan/factsheets/populations/356–india–factsheet.pdfhttps://www.who.int/news–room/fact–sheets/detail/cancerhttps://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2102729
https://www.indiatimes.com/news/india/india–is–the–new–cancer–capital–15–lakhindians–may–have–cancer–in–2025–report–631926.html
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