Is India Winning the War Against Rising Non-Communicable Diseases? The latest health statistics paint a concerning picture: diabetes, heart disease, and cancer rates are climbing, impacting millions across the country. From rural healthcare access to the burgeoning urban health crisis, challenges remain significant. This week, we delve into the crucial initiatives underway – government policies, technological advancements in telemedicine, and the rising role of preventative healthcare – that aim to address this national health emergency. Experts weigh in on the effectiveness of current strategies and the critical need for increased public awareness campaigns targeting lifestyle diseases. Are these efforts enough? Explore Abtak.com's in-depth coverage on healthcare in India and discover the vital information you need to protect your well-being and the future of public health. Stay informed; stay healthy.
New Delhi: What if doctors could tell, right at the time of breast cancer diagnosis, which patient is more likely to face heart problems years later? A new study in JAMA Oncology suggests that may soon be possible.The study, which followed more than 26,000 women with early-stage breast cancer, developed a risk prediction model that can identify those most likely to develop heart failure or cardiomyopathy -- two serious long-term complications of cancer treatment. Researchers found that the model, which factors in age, existing cardiovascular risks and the type of therapy received, could predict future heart problems with nearly 79% accuracy.Many breast cancer treatments, such as anthracyclines and HER2-targeted drugs like trastuzumab, are known to be lifesaving but potentially cardiotoxic. "This type of risk-prediction model addresses a real problem," said Dr Meenu Walia, vice-chairperson for medical oncology at Max Institute of Cancer Care, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj. "Many breast cancer treatments can cause late cardiac injury, and identifying who is at highest 10-year risk would let us target surveillance and prevention. But the model must be validated in Indian populations, as our patients are often younger, have different baseline cardiovascular risks, and face social factors that affect follow-up."The study found that women in the low-risk group had only a 1.7% chance of developing heart complications over ten years, compared with nearly 20% in the high-risk group. Doctors say such early identification could help tailor cancer therapies. "We frequently observe asymptomatic heart dysfunction and, in some cases, overt heart failure in patients receiving anthracyclines or trastuzumab," said Dr Mukesh Goel, senior consultant for cardiothoracic and heart transplant surgery at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals. "This model can help personalise care, adjusting dosage, using safer drug variants like liposomal anthracyclines, incorporating cardioprotective agents, or increasing cardiac surveillance. Such tailored treatments can reduce therapy interruptions and improve long-term outcomes."In India, where breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and heart disease is also on the rise, the findings could have a significant impact. Experts point out that Indian patients are often younger at diagnosis and may receive more aggressive chemotherapy due to late-stage presentation or cost factors. "Our patients differ significantly from western cohorts. They... have higher rates of diabetes and hypertension, and access to follow-up care is limited outside metros," said Dr Mansi Chowhan, consultant oncoplastic breast surgeon, Fortis Hospital, Manesar.Dr Chowhan added that hospitals can act now to mitigate risks highlighted by the study. "Setting up cardio-oncology clinics, establishing baseline heart evaluations before starting high-risk drugs, and creating protocols for regular monitoring are practical steps," she said. "Training doctors and nurses to recognise early warning signs and using telemedicine for follow-ups can ensure survivors not only live longer but live healthier."Dr Walia agreed that while cardiac surveillance during high-risk cancer therapies is standard at major tertiary centres, it remains inconsistent in smaller hospitals. "In large cancer centres, echocardiography and biomarker monitoring are part of routine care, but many smaller facilities lack such services," she said.Dr Goel said: "Beating cancer is not the finish line -- protecting the heart is the next battle."
CHITTOOR (Andhra Pradesh): The Apollo University, Apollo Hospitals and University of Leicester, United Kingdom, have partnered to establish the Centre for Digital Health and Precision Medicine (CDHPM) at The Apollo University campus in Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh. The advanced research center will bring together the expertise and resources of both institutions to create a global hub for digital health and precision medicine. The CDHPM will be the hub in Chittoor, India. The hub at the University of Leicester will be based at the BHF Cardiovascular Research Centre at Glenfield Hospital, Leicester ...Read More >
New Delhi [India], June 26 (ANI): In a milestone for cancer care in India, President Droupadi Murmu, formally inaugurated the Sri Ganga Ram Hospital (SGRH) Cancer Care Centre and interacted with cancer patients on Thursday. According to an official release, the Sri Ganga Ram Hospital is a cutting-edge facility dedicated to providing comprehensive care to cancer patients. The President ceremonially visited the premises, acknowledging the hospital's pivotal role in delivering ethical and affordable healthcare, marking a presence of pride and recognition for the institution's seven-decade-long ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jun 27 (PTI) No COVID-19 case was reported in Mumbai on Friday, the feat achieved for the first time in about two months, the metropolis' civic body said. In a release, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation also said no new or concerning variant of the virus has been detected in the city as per the Whole Genome Sequencing Report. Mumbai recorded six COVID-19 cases between January and April this year, before a surge in May saw the detection of 435 cases, while the figure for June stood at 539, the release informed. As on Friday, there are 62 active COVID-19 cases in the city, though ...Read More >
New Delhi: Eating a bowl of leafy greens and cruciferous vegetables such as spinach, kale, and broccoli could significantly reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes, especially in elderly women, according to a recent study. The research, conducted by experts from Edith Cowan University (ECU), the University of Western Australia, and the Danish Cancer Institute, found that Vitamin K1, present in green vegetables, may help prevent atherosclerotic vascular diseases (ASVD) -- a major cause of cardiovascular issues. Also Read: Helmet: Two Helmets Now Mandatory with Every Two-Wheeler Purchase: ...Read More >
GURGAON: The investigation into the murder of a 25-year-old former international tennis player, allegedly by her father, has revealed a sudden deterioration in their relationship. The apparent reason was a disagreement over the academy she ran near their house, but the roots clearly run deeper. The father, who claims to have spent Rs 2 crore on his daughter's tennis career, told interrogators he was troubled by questions about her "character" that some of his associates had raised.Deepak Yadav, who shot Radhika at their house Thursday morning, had allegedly been insisting for two weeks on her ...Read More >
Himachal Pradesh faced nature's fury. Bridges collapsed in Shimla, Lahaul, and Spiti. Cloudbursts and flash floods caused widespread damage. Over 300 roads closed, disrupting travel. A police post swept away, shops damaged. No casualties reported yet. Orange alert issued for more heavy rain. The state has suffered significant financial losses this monsoon. Many people have died in rain-related incidents. Several bridges were washed away in Shimla and Lahaul and Spiti districts, while over 300 roads, including two national highways, have been closed across Himachal Pradesh following fresh inci ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 8 (UNI) Active Covid-19 cases in India have crossed the 6,000 mark following a surge of nearly 400 new infections reported in the past 24 hours. The country also recorded six Covid-related deaths during this period, with three fatalities reported from Kerala, as per the data available from the Union Health Ministry. As of now, India has 6,133 active cases and a cumulative death toll of 65. Kerala continues to report the highest number of active infections, nearing the 2,000 mark, making it the state with the largest current caseload. In the last 24 hours, 378 new cases were r ...Read More >
Delhi : Apollo Home Healthcare, India's leading home healthcare provider, has announced the launch of its pioneering 'Integrated Palliative Care at Home' program in Delhi, in association with Apollo Indraprastha Hospital, Delhi. The initiative will soon be extended to the newly launched Apollo Athenaa, a dedicated center for cancer care for women in Delhi, and will roll out across other major cities to address India's growing need for accessible, quality palliative care at home. Palliative care is a specialized medical care for people living with serious, life-limiting illnesses. It focuses o ...Read More >
Cancer NEXT 2024, co-hosted by Bharath Advanced Therapeutics and the Federation of Asian Biotech Associations, is set for 30th November 2024 in Hyderabad. The conference will highlight cutting-edge oncology advancements, featuring breakthrough therapies in AML and CML, sentinel research presentations, and awards celebrating impactful contributions to cancer research. Cancer NEXT 2024, a significant oncology research conference, will take place on 30th November 2024 at Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences, Hyderabad. Organized by Bharath Advanced Therapeutics (BAT) and the Federation of Asian ...Read More >
Mumbai: Dr Reddy's Laboratories has entered into a collaboration with Reykjavik, Ireland-based biotech company Alvotech to co-develop, manufacture and commercialise a biosimilar version of blockbuster cancer drug Keytruda for the global markets. Keytruda (generic name is pembrolizumab), manufactured and marketed by Merck & Co, is the most successful medicine, recording worldwide sales of $29.5 billion in 2024. It is used to treat multiple forms of cancer. Under the terms of the agreement, both companies will be jointly responsible for developing and manufacturing the biosimilar candidate and ...Read More >
Srinagar- Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Saturday said foreign countries were told clearly during the post-Operation Sindoor diplomatic outreach that in case of a fresh provocation, India would repeat its action. Speaking at a discussion at the Ahmedabad Management Association, Tharoor said Indian delegations which visited foreign countries in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor managed to convey that India acted with restraint and responsibility. "In other places, we actually were able to get some very high-placed people to say not only that they respected and supported India's right of self- ...Read More >
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala Cancer Conclave 2025, organised by the Association of Medical and Pediatric Oncologists of Kerala (AMPOK), concluded in Thiruvananthapuram on Sunday. The two-day event brought together over 200 experts from India and abroad for a series of high-impact discussions on pressing issues in oncology. The conclave featured eight key sessions addressing the growing cancer burden in the state, with a focus on emerging trends, future strategies, and barriers to optimal care. Topics included the role and misuse of media in cancer control, challenges in access and afforda ...Read More >
New Delhi: Veteran actor and filmmaker Anupam Kher had a proud moment at the premiere of his directorial 'Tanvi The Great', but it was the rare red carpet appearance of his wife, Kirron Kher, that truly tugged at heartstrings. Kirron, dressed in a classic red embroidered salwar suit paired with bold silver jewellery and a matching handbag, walked in holding her husband's hand, her first major public outing in a while. Joining them was their son, Sikander Kher, completing the family picture. The trio appeared at the film's premiere on Thursday evening in Mumbai, and videos of the moment have ...Read More >
Kolkata : To commemorate Indian Organ Donation Day -- observed annually on August 3rd to mark the anniversary of India's first successful deceased donor heart transplant -- Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass, organized a Patient Education Programme aimed at spreading awareness about the importance of organ donation and transplantation. The session was graced by (Prof.) Dr. Dilip Kumar Pahari, Senior Consultant and Head of Nephrology, Manipal Hospital, EM Bypass and (Prof.) Dr. Arpita Ray Chowdhury (Lahiri), Senior Consultant - Nephrology and Transplant President of the Indian Society of Organ Transpl ...Read More >
Kolkata: Retired schoolteacher Mousumi Banerjee from Siliguri, former banker Goutam Roychowdhury from Behala, and guitarist Neeta Dutta of Kasba didn't know each other even two months ago. Bound by a common thread and a new calling, when the three, along with 15 others, took to the stage on Saturday evening, they left the audience awestruck with their courage, resilience and hope.Presented by Medica Oncology in association with Natyaanan, the show opened with Arya-Anarya to rousing applause from the packed audience at Kala Mandir. They are cancer champions who refuse to look back and celebrate ...Read More >
Thiruvananthapuram: Speaker A N Shamseer will inaugurate a two-day Kerala Cancer Conclave 2025, aimed at exploring new challenges and possibilities in cancer treatment, on Saturday in the state capital.Dr Suresh H Advani, widely regarded as the father of cancer treatment in India, will be the chief guest on the occasion. Organised under the leadership of the Association of Medical and Pediatric Oncologists of Kerala, the conclave will see participation from over 200 cancer treatment experts from within and outside the country.The event will feature discussions across seven key sessions on crit ...Read More >
New Delhi, June 28 (SocialNews.XYZ) A team of Israeli and US researchers have developed a simple blood test that can detect a person's risk of developing leukaemia -- a deadly blood cancer. In the study, published in the journal Nature Medicine, the researchers suggested that this test may replace the current more invasive method of bone marrow sampling used to diagnose certain blood cancers, Xinhua news agency reported. The team led by researchers from Weizmann Institute of Science in Israel focused on myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) -- an age-related condition in which blood-forming stem ce ...Read More >
VMPL New Delhi [India], July 8: Dr. Lokeswara Rao Sajja, Senior Consultant Cardiothoracic Surgeon at STAR Hospitals and Chairman of the Sajja Heart Foundation, has been inducted as an Associate Member of Sigma Xi, The Scientific Research Honor Society--one of the world oldest and most respected organizations dedicated to the advancement of science and research. Founded in 1886 at Cornell University, USA, Sigma Xi has a long legacy of supporting excellence in scientific research and fostering collaboration among researchers across disciplines. The society boasts over 200 Nobel Laureates among ...Read More >
Biocon Biologics, in collaboration with Diabetes Africa and St Paul’s Hospital in Ethiopia, has launched the Embedding Specialist Nurses in Diabetes Care project. The initiative focuses on training nurses to become diabetes specialists to address the country’s growing diabetes crisis. With Ethiopia ranking among the top countries in sub-Saharan Africa for diabetes prevalence, this project aims to integrate diabetes care into primary healthcare, enhancing accessibility and care quality. By upskilling nurses and establishing a structured pathway for them, the program seeks to improve diabetes ma ...Read More >
Nagpur: Eminent neurologists from the city joined experts from across the globe on World Brain Tumour Day to raise awareness about the disease.At an event held at the Indian Medical Association (IMA) headquarters in Nagpur, specialists emphasised the importance of early diagnosis, discussed symptoms and treatment options, and highlighted the multifaceted challenges faced by patients and their families.Renowned neurologist and Padma Shri Dr Chandrashekhar Meshram stressed the need for timely detection and comprehensive care. He said awareness about the type of brain tumour and its symptoms is c ...Read More >
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Centre for Disease Informatics and Research (NCDIR) projects that by 2030, every year cancer will affect 45,813 women and 43,930 men in Kerala. This forecast, shared at the Kerala Cancer Conclave organised by the Association of Medical and Pediatric Oncologists of Kerala (AMPOK), reflects growing concerns among medical experts regarding the increasing cancer burden in the state. In 2024, 43,110 men and 45,008 women were diagnosed with cancer, making the projected rise seem relatively modest. However, Dr. Prashant Mathur, Director of ICMR-NCDIR, which oversees ...Read More >
Patna (Bihar) [India], July 1 (ANI): Former Rajasthan Chief Minister and senior Congress leader Ashok Gehlot on Monday said that if the INDIA bloc comes to power in Bihar after the upcoming assembly elections, it will implement Rajasthan's health model in the state. Speaking at a press conference in Patna, Gehlot said, 'The health model we have created in Rajasthan cannot be compared to any other in the entire country. We have also enacted the 'Right to Health' law in Rajasthan, under which every family has been provided with insurance coverage. The Government of India's Ayushman Bharat schem ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 7 (PTI) Over 15 million people in the world born between 2008 and 2017 might develop gastric cancer at some point in life, with India contributing the second highest number among these cases, after China, a study has projected. Two-thirds of the more than 15 million projected cases could be concentrated in Asia, followed by the Americas and Africa. Researchers, including those from the International Agency for Research on Cancer -- the World Health Organisation's cancer agency -- analysed data on the incidence of gastric cancer across 185 countries using the GLOBOCAN 2022 data ...Read More >
New Delhi, Jul 11 (PTI) Shares of Glenmark Pharmaceuticals Ltd on Friday jumped 10 per cent after the firm said it has signed a deal with AbbVie to commmercialise its underdevelopment drug aimed to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases in an up to USD 2 billion deal, one of the largest transactions in the pharma sector. The stock surged 9.99 per cent to hit its 52-week high as well as the upper circuit limit of Rs 2,095.65 on the BSE. At the NSE, the stock zoomed 10 per cent to Rs 2,094.40 -- its 52-week high as well as upper circuit level. Glenmark Pharmaceuticals' arm Ichnos Glenmark Innov ...Read More >
New Delhi, Dec 15 (VOICE) New machine learning-based screening method is 98 pc effective in detecting the earliest sign of breast cancer, according to a study.Developed by researchers at the University of Edinburgh the fast, non-invasive technique combines laser analysis with machine learning. It is the first of its kind to identify patients in the earliest stage of breast cancer, they said, noting that it may pave the way for a screening test for multiple forms of cancer. The technique can pick up subtle changes that occur in the bloodstream during the initial phases of the disease -- known ...Read More >
Hyderabad: A brain tumour diagnosis often triggers fear -- not just from the disease but from the invasive treatments that follow. Surgery, radiation, long hospital stays and uncertain outcomes overwhelm patients and families. But this World Brain Tumour Day on Sunday brings new hope, as doctors highlight emerging non-invasive therapies that could transform care. Advances in medical technology are introducing targeted, non-surgical treatments that promise better outcomes with fewer side effects and faster recovery. One such breakthrough is Focused Ultrasound Therapy. "It uses sound energy, l ...Read More >
Bengaluru, Jul 7 (PTI): The Karnataka government on Monday decided to treat sudden deaths as "notifiable disease" and conduct postmortem in such cases. State Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said there will be more screening of people above the age of 15 years in the state. The minister's remarks came in the wake of a spate of heart attacks in the state, especially in Hassan district. He also sought to clarify that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's statement linking Covid vaccine with the spate of heart attacks was not with any malafide intention. "We have decided to announce sudden deaths as ...Read More >
AHMEDABAD, Jul 9: Union Home and Cooperation Minister Amit Shah has said natural farming is a scientific experiment with numerous benefits, including higher crop yield, and cautioned that growing wheat with chemical fertilisers often leads to multiple health issues. Shah noted that if a person consumes food that is devoid of chemicals and fertilizers, he won't require any medications. The senior BJP leader also said after retirement, he will dedicate rest of his life to ancient Indian scriptures Vedas, Upanishads, and also natural farming. "I have already made the decision that whenever I w ...Read More >
Mumbai, Jul 10 (PTI) With cervical cancer claiming nearly 75,000 lives each year, there is a need for women to take charge of their health by overcoming hurdles like doubts, silence and hesitation and go for regular and timely screening, experts said on Thursday. Cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Indian women, claiming nearly 75,000 lives each year, often due to late detection. Despite being highly treatable in its early stages, with 95 per cent of cases successfully managed if detected early, many women do not get screened in time, Tata Memorial Centre Deputy Director, ...Read More >
Shimla, Jul 17 (PTI) Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the state government to remove encroachments on forest lands, including the fruit-bearing trees, all across the state and not limit it to some areas. The order was passed by a division bench consisting of Justices Vivek Thakur and Bipin C Negi on Wednesday after the Advocate General placed on record fresh instructions issued by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, informing that 2,456 apple and other fruit trees have been felled from forest lands in Chaithla village, and 713 and 490 trees in Rohru and Kotgarh forest divisions, r ...Read More >