Telangana Government Mandates Cancer Reporting with New Statewide Portal
In a significant move to bolster public health efforts, the Telangana government issued an official order on Tuesday, declaring cancer as a notifiable disease. This decision is accompanied by the launch of a centralised statewide portal designed to register all cancer cases across the state. Under this new mandate, any cancer diagnosis or registration at healthcare facilities in Telangana must be reported on the portal within one month, ensuring comprehensive data collection and monitoring.
Addressing a Critical Gap in Cancer Surveillance
The necessity for a robust cancer registry was recently highlighted in media reports, with health experts urging the government to classify cancer as a notifiable disease. Experts had warned that the absence of a comprehensive registry could exacerbate the spread of the disease, making early detection increasingly challenging. Previously, cancer registries were limited to Hyderabad and its surrounding areas, maintained by institutions such as the Nizam's Institute of Medical Sciences (NIMS), MNJ Institute of Oncology (MNJIO), and Regional Cancer Centre (RCC).
Officials have clarified that the new registry will make it mandatory for all healthcare providers, including government, private, and corporate hospitals, nursing homes, and laboratories, to report cases to the health department. The district medical and health officer (DMHO) will oversee compliance, ensuring that every case is accurately documented and submitted.
Expert Insights on the Benefits of Centralised Tracking
Dr. Sadasivudu Gundeti, in-charge director and oncologist at MNJ hospital, emphasized that making cancer notifiable will establish a robust system to track incidence, prevalence, and mortality rates. "A centralised registry will help identify regional trends, such as detecting if a specific type of cancer is prevalent in a particular district," he explained. "This data will guide targeted screening programs and provide valuable insights into diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up processes, ultimately improving early detection, policy-making, and resource allocation."
Implementing a Hub-and-Spoke Cancer Care Model
The cancer care system in Telangana is being structured as a hub-and-spoke model to enhance efficiency and accessibility. MNJ hospital will serve as the apex centre, while district cancer care centres will function as spokes, providing localized support. Cases will be identified through multiple channels, including women's health clinics and non-communicable disease (NCD) initiatives.
S. Sangeetha Satyanarayana, commissioner of the health and family welfare department, detailed the process: "Screenings at Aarogya Mahila clinics, where women are examined for cervical and breast-related symptoms, along with NCD surveys and questionnaires, will help flag potential cases for referral. Once referred to government general hospitals, diagnoses are confirmed, and patients are integrated into the formal treatment pathway."
Enhancing Patient Care and Research Capabilities
Under the new system, the initial round of chemotherapy or medical management will be conducted at apex hospitals like MNJ or NIMS. Patients facing travel difficulties can then opt to continue subsequent chemotherapy sessions at district cancer care centres. "This approach not only reduces the burden on tertiary hospitals but also improves accessibility and continuity of care for patients closer to their homes," added Satyanarayana.
Furthermore, the system will generate a cancer atlas that maps the types of cancers and their geographic distribution. This tool is expected to enable better research, targeted interventions, and more efficient management of cancer care across Telangana, marking a proactive step in the state's healthcare strategy.
