Union Minister for Health and Family Welfare Jagat Prakash Nadda formally released India’s first nationally developed “Lung Cancer Treatment and Palliation: Evidence-Based Guidelines” at Kartavya Bhavan in New Delhi, on the eve of World Cancer Day.
The document sets out a comprehensive, evidence-based framework for diagnosing, treating and providing palliative care to lung cancer patients across the country, with the aim of improving outcomes and reducing variations in clinical practice.
Taking to X (formerly Twitter), Nadda emphasised that the guidelines will ensure standardised, high-quality India-specific care and help reduce practice variation, leading to better patient results. He noted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government remains committed to strengthening research, capacity building and health systems to advance universal health goals.
According to an official release from the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the guidelines were developed by leading oncology experts and stakeholders. They provide a uniform, evidence-based approach to the management of lung cancer, emphasising diagnostic accuracy, treatment pathways and comprehensive palliative support that is tailored to India’s healthcare context and resources.
Nadda congratulated the Department of Health Research (DHR), the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS)and partner institutions for their collaboration in preparing the document, which is described as India’s first evidence-based cancer care guideline of this kind. He said the guidelines will strengthen clinical decision-making and help ensure consistent, patient-centred care in both public and private health systems.
Emphasising that early detection remains a major challenge in lung cancer management, the minister highlighted the need to bolster preventive measures and screening strategies, particularly for high-risk populations. He also reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding research, innovation and scientific collaboration to improve early diagnosis, treatment outcomes and long-term survivorship for cancer patients.
The guidelines include 15 evidence-based recommendations addressing both treatment and palliative care. Developed using internationally recognised methodologies and adapted to India’s clinical realities, they are designed to standardise practice across sectors, strengthen care pathways and enhance quality of life for patients.
A plain-language summary will also be made available to help patients, caregivers and families understand the recommendations.
