On the eve of World Cancer Day, observed on February 4, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare released the 'Lung Cancer Treatment and Palliation: Evidence-Based Guidelines' document at Kartavya Bhavan, New Delhi.
The guidelines aim to provide a standardised, evidence-based framework for the diagnosis, treatment, and palliative care of lung cancer patients across the country, ensuring high-quality, accessible, and patient-centric care.
Lung cancer remains one of the most challenging cancers globally, and in India, early detection and consistent treatment practices have long been areas that require urgent attention.
Developed by leading oncologists and healthcare experts, the guidelines comprise 15 evidence-based recommendations addressing both treatment and palliative care for lung cancer, informed the ministry.
The guidelines have been made available on the Department of Health Research (DHR) website for access by all stakeholders. In addition, a plain-language summary will also be provided to facilitate easy understanding and reference for patients, families, and caregivers.
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Union Health Minister JP Nadda noted that the guidelines would play a critical role in standardizing clinical practices, strengthening decision-making, and ensuring high-quality, patient-centric cancer care across the country
The guidelines also place particular emphasis on palliative care, underscoring the need for holistic, patient-centered approaches that improve quality of life for individuals living with advanced stages of lung cancer.
Nadda also noted that the guidelines released provide evidence-based recommendations for both treatment and palliation, enabling clinicians across the country to deliver standardised, high-quality care appropriate to the Indian context, thereby reducing variations in clinical practice and improving patient outcomes.