Archive · 24 Jul 2025
ICMR Study Highlights Radiotherapy Gap in India
A new study in India found that many cancer patients aren't getting the radiation treatment they need.
Right now, only about 28 out of every 100 people who need this treatment get it.
The ideal number should be around 58 out of every 100.
The study says that India needs many more radiation machines to help treat more patients.
They are also working on making the machines and services easier to get so everyone can get the care they need.
ICMR study reveals a significant gap in radiotherapy utilization for cancer patients in India.
Current radiotherapy utilization in India is 28.5%, far below the optimal rate of 58%.
India needs 1,585 to 2,545 radiotherapy machines to meet demand, with a current shortfall.
Breast, head/neck, lung, and cervical cancers account for 60% of radiotherapy needs.
The study recommends increased investment and equitable distribution of radiotherapy services.
- Who
- The ICMR conducted the study.
- What
- A study highlighted the need for increased radiotherapy machines in India to address the gap in cancer care.
- When
- Published in BMC Cancer journal on July 24, 2024.
- Where
- India
- Why
- To address the shortfall in radiotherapy utilization and improve cancer care access.
View 1: Insufficient Resources
View 2: Resource Improvement
Machine Availability
View 1: Insufficient Resources
India currently lacks enough radiotherapy machines.
View 2: Resource Improvement
Efforts are underway to deploy affordable indigenous machines to reduce reliance on imports.
- Current Radiotherapy Utilization
- 28.5%
- Optimal Radiotherapy Utilization
- 58.4%
- Estimated Machines Needed
- 1,585-2,545
- Current Machines Available
- 794 megavoltage (MV) machines
- Global Cancer Incidence (India)
- 7%