KKN Gurugram Desk | In a significant move towards strengthening cancer detection, research, and management, India‘s leading healthcare bodies have launched a nationwide campaign titled “Unify to Notify.” This initiative, led by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Indian Cancer Society, Apollo Cancer Centres, and Family Physician Associations, aims to bring cancer under the category of notifiable diseases in India.

The campaign was launched on World Cancer Day, with experts emphasizing that classifying cancer as a notifiable disease could revolutionize real-time data collection, treatment protocols, and nationwide intervention strategies. If implemented, this move could enhance India’s position in global oncology research and ensure better healthcare management for cancer patients across the country.

What is the “Unify to Notify” Campaign?

“Unify to Notify” is a nationwide health initiative that seeks to make cancer a notifiable disease in India. Under this campaign, the country’s top medical and cancer research organizations are working together to create a structured framework for:

✔ Real-time cancer data collection
✔ Accurate reporting of cancer cases
✔ Standardized treatment protocols
✔ Effective cancer research and epidemiological analysis
✔ Better-targeted intervention strategies

According to healthcare professionals behind this campaign, such a comprehensive approach can play a key role in reducing cancer-related mortality rates, improving early diagnosis, and ensuring better access to treatment.

Why Should Cancer Be Classified as a Notifiable Disease?

1. Real-Time Data Collection for Better Understanding of Cancer Trends

At present, the lack of a centralized cancer database in India makes it challenging to track, analyze, and control the disease effectively. Declaring cancer as a notifiable disease would enable real-time data collection, helping medical experts and policymakers understand how the disease is spreading, its severity, and risk factors.

Key Benefits:
✔ Establishing a comprehensive cancer registry
✔ Tracking cancer cases across urban and rural regions
✔ Identifying high-risk areas for targeted interventions

2. Standardized Cancer Treatment Protocols Across India

Currently, cancer treatment in India varies significantly across hospitals and states. A lack of uniform treatment protocols leads to disparities in patient care, affecting survival rates.

If cancer becomes a notifiable disease, the government can:
✔ Implement uniform treatment protocols nationwide
✔ Ensure equal access to advanced cancer therapies
✔ Develop structured policies for cost-effective treatment

3. Strengthening Epidemiological Analysis & Research

Epidemiology plays a crucial role in understanding disease patterns, causes, and risk factors. By making cancer a notifiable disease, researchers can conduct more accurate epidemiological studies, which will:

✔ Help identify genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors contributing to cancer
✔ Provide better insights for policy-making and prevention strategies
✔ Allow collaboration with global cancer research organizations

4. Early Detection & Timely Intervention

Cancer is often diagnosed in later stages in India due to lack of awareness and screening programs. A national registry and mandatory reporting would allow for:

✔ Early detection campaigns in high-risk regions
✔ Government-backed screening programs
✔ Improved survival rates with timely diagnosis & treatment

5. Elevating India’s Status in Global Oncology Research

Globally, many countries have strong cancer data collection systems that help in research and innovation. By making cancer a notifiable disease, India can:

✔ Contribute to international oncology research
✔ Collaborate with leading global cancer institutions
✔ Develop new treatment techniques and preventive measures

What Experts Say About the Campaign?

Medical experts and oncologists supporting the “Unify to Notify” campaign believe that this initiative will help in developing a holistic approach to cancer care.

???? Dr. Ramesh Mehta, Oncologist at Apollo Cancer Centres:
“Having a nationwide, real-time cancer database will help us understand the gravity of the disease and improve patient outcomes.”

???? Dr. Poonam Singh, Member of the Indian Cancer Society:
“With standardized protocols, we can ensure every patient receives the best available treatment, regardless of location or financial status.”

???? Dr. Anjali Verma, Public Health Expert at ICMR:
“By declaring cancer as a notifiable disease, India will take a giant step towards global leadership in cancer research and healthcare.”

How the Indian Government Can Implement This Initiative?

For cancer to be classified as a notifiable disease, the government will need to:

✔ Pass a nationwide policy mandating cancer reporting from all hospitals and clinics
✔ Create a centralized national cancer registry
✔ Ensure mandatory reporting from all public and private healthcare providers
✔ Launch awareness campaigns to educate healthcare professionals and the public
✔ Collaborate with medical organizations to ensure smooth implementation

If successfully implemented, this will transform cancer detection and treatment strategies in India, making healthcare more efficient, inclusive, and research-driven.

Challenges in Implementing Cancer as a Notifiable Disease

While the “Unify to Notify” campaign is a progressive step, there are several challenges that need to be addressed before it can be fully implemented:

❌ Lack of Digital Infrastructure: Many healthcare centers, especially in rural areas, lack proper digital systems for reporting cases.
❌ Privacy Concerns: Mandatory reporting must comply with data protection laws to ensure patient confidentiality.
❌ Resistance from Private Healthcare Providers: Some private hospitals may hesitate to share data due to business concerns.
❌ Need for More Oncologists and Cancer Specialists: With an increasing number of cases, India needs more trained cancer specialists.

However, with government support and public-private partnerships, these hurdles can be overcome.

The “Unify to Notify” campaign is a significant milestone in India’s fight against cancer. If the Government of India officially declares cancer as a notifiable disease, it could:

✔ Improve early detection and treatment
✔ Standardize cancer care across India
✔ Boost global research collaborations
✔ Enhance survival rates and reduce mortality

With ICMR, Indian Cancer Society, Apollo Cancer Centres, and Family Physician Associations leading this initiative, India is on the path to making a historic transformation in cancer care.

???? Do you think cancer should be declared a notifiable disease in India? Share your views in the comments! ????????‍⚕️????