Cancer Treatment Options Available in Punjab
Cancer is on the rise across India, and Punjab is no exception. With rising cases, Punjab faces a growing cancer burden. From lifestyle changes to environmental exposure, several factors are contributing to increasing cancer cases in the state.
Cancer Statistics in Punjab
Punjab has one of India’s highest cancer incidences—recent data shows 42,288 new cases in 2024, up from 39,521 in 2021, a 7% increase.
Top Cancer Types by Demographics
Women
- Breast cancer leads, making up ~30% of all female cancers. New cases rose from 6,192 in 2020 to 6,667 in 2023, with estimated mortality at 2,480 deaths in 2023.
- Cervical cancer, while less frequent, has seen a 26% rise in combined breast and cervical cancer deaths from 2014–23.
Men
- Oral, throat and food pipe cancers are common—especially in rural areas like Mansa and Sangrur, where food pipe cancer is highest, followed by prostate and lung cancers.
Environmental studies point to Malwa region’s heavy pesticide use and soil contamination (like uranium) as risk factors for rising cancer rates in Punjab.
Cancer Treatment Options in Punjab
Punjab offers multiple cancer diagnosis and treatment options across public and private healthcare systems.
- Surgery: Surgical removal of tumours is often the first line of treatment, especially for solid tumours like breast, lung, and colorectal cancers. Most super-speciality hospitals in Punjab offer laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures.
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. It’s widely available in Punjab’s major cancer hospitals and is often used alongside surgery or radiation.
- Radiation Therapy: Advanced radiation therapy is accessible in hospitals across Punjab, including intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy boosts the body’s immune system to fight against cancer cells.
- Bone Marrow Transplant: For blood-related cancers like leukaemia or lymphoma, bone marrow transplants are available in select centres, including Dayanand Medical College (DMC) in Ludhiana.
Cancer Test Centers in Punjab
Early detection is critical for successful cancer treatment. Punjab has a wide network of cancer test and diagnostic centres offering standard and advanced screening services.
Common Tests for Diagnosing Cancers Include:
- Biopsies – For tissue analysis
- Blood Tests and Tumor Markers – To detect cancer activity
- CT Scans, MRIs, PET-CT – Imaging for staging and metastasis
- Mammograms – For early breast cancer detection
- Pap Smears and HPV Testing – For cervical cancer
- Endoscopy and Ultrasound – For gastrointestinal and organ cancers
Top Cancer Diagnostic Centers in Punjab:
- Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital (Sangrur & Mohali)
- PGIMER Chandigarh
- Fortis Cancer Institute, Mohali
- Dayanand Medical College & Hospital, Ludhiana
- SRL Diagnostics, Pathkind Labs, and Dr. Lal PathLabs
Cancer Patient Supportive Schemes in Punjab
To ease the financial burden of treatment, several cancer patient supportive schemes in Punjab are available:
- Mukh Mantri Cancer Raahat Kosh Scheme: This Punjab state scheme provides up to ₹1.5 lakhs for eligible cancer patients treated in government or empanelled hospitals.
- Ayushman Bharat – PM-JAY: Eligible families receive free treatment up to ₹5 lakhs annually across empanelled hospitals in Punjab.
- PGIMER & Homi Bhabha Subsidized Programs: Public hospitals like PGIMER Chandigarh and Homi Bhabha offer subsidized or free treatment based on income criteria.
- Free Medicines and Diagnostic Services: Select government hospitals provide essential cancer drugs, chemotherapy injections, and diagnostic tests at no cost for eligible patients.
Supportive & Alternative Cancer Treatments in Punjab
In addition to mainstream medical care, many patients explore supportive treatments to manage side effects and improve their quality of life during recovery. One widely used natural remedy is Body Revival, a clinically tested ayurvedic formulation made from nine ayurvedic herbs including Bael, and Ashwagandha.
- Helps reduce fatigue, nausea, and weakness from chemotherapy
- Boosts immunity and supports recovery
- Has no known side effects when used alongside conventional care
- Clinically tested under the guidelines for cancer care.
Frequently Asked Questions:-
Punjab offers surgery, chemotherapy, radiation, immunotherapy, and bone marrow transplants in both government and private hospitals across major cities.
Top cancer test centres in Punjab include PGIMER Chandigarh, Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital, and private labs like SRL and Dr. Lal PathLabs.
Standard tests for diagnosing cancers include biopsies, blood tests, CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, Pap smears, and endoscopies.
Yes. Schemes like Mukh Mantri Cancer Raahat Kosh, Ayushman Bharat, and subsidized care at public hospitals help cover treatment costs.
Body Revival is an Ayurvedic formulation designed to support cancer patients. It’s safe and its efficacy has been proven in the clinical trial of body revival.
