Declaring Cancer Notifiable—A Life-Saving Imperative

By Dr. Dattatreyudu Nori

The recent recommendation by the Rajya Sabha committee—urging the Government of India to declare cancer a notifiable disease nationwide—is both timely and essential. It marks a turning-point in India’s fight against cancer. I echo this call, not only as a pragmatic measure but as an ethical imperative.

First and foremost, mandating the reporting of cancer cases would dramatically enhance the quality and authenticity of incidence data, a foundational step for informed policy. This step has already been taken by several state governments in India, but a national step has been anticipated by many.

In India, the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP), managed by ICMR‑NCDIR, currently covers just 16–18 percent of the population. Without legal backing, data collection remains fragmented and opaque. Only through a notifiable‑disease framework—legally obligating hospitals and practitioners to report cancer—can we hope to build a truly comprehensive national database.

Enhanced surveillance yields immediate dividends. Robust, real‑time epidemiological data enable precise identification of high‑incidence regions, detection of changes in demographic patterns (such as the concerning rise of oral cancer among those under 40), and the ability to link emerging trends to risk‑factor exposures. These insights empower policymakers to deploy targeted prevention strategies—tobacco control, HPV vaccination, anti‑pollution measures, and regionally tailored screening programs—with real confidence.

Moreover, standardised reporting ensures equitable resource allocation. With reliable incidence and mortality figures, the government can direct funding, diagnostic facilities, and training where the burden is greatest, transforming cancer care from ad‑hoc efforts into data‑driven, strategic responses  .

Some may argue that cancer, unlike tuberculosis or cholera, is non‑communicable, and thus not typically “notifiable.” That objection, however, is semantic and outdated. A nuanced solution is to recognise cancer as a “documentable disease,” ensuring mandatory reporting without conflating it with infectious disease norms.

Beyond statistics, cancer notification saves lives. Studies show that early detection and access to timely treatment markedly improve survival and reduce costs. Notification systems support early diagnosis at stages when cancer is curable, shifting care away from palliation toward cure.

Nevertheless, we must deploy this policy with care and integrity. Data collection must safeguard privacy, guard against stigma, and respect patient dignity. Infrastructure must be bolstered—especially in rural areas—ensuring diagnostic accuracy, training for registry staff, and technological support for under‑resourced centers  . Governments should consider phased implementation: beginning with high-risk cancers (e.g., oral, cervical), gradually expanding nationwide.

In closing, declaring cancer notifiable is not bureaucratic overreach—but a commitment to confronting a rising public-health crisis with transparency, accountability, and hope. As an Indian-American cancer doctor, I firmly believe this step will catalyze stronger surveillance, targeted prevention, fairer resource distribution, and ultimately—better outcomes for millions. India must seize this moment to make data its lifeline against cancer.

Dr. Nori is a world-renowned oncologist based in New York. He has held various academic, clinical, research, and administrative positions at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and as Professor and Director of the Cancer Center at New York Presbyterian Hospital, Cornell University. Currently, he is an advisor to the Governments of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana for cancer care services. He is also a Padma Shri awardee in medicine from the Government of India.