India Releases First National Evidence-Based Lung Cancer Care Guidelines

India Moves Towards Uniform Cancer Care Standards

India has taken a significant step towards strengthening its cancer care ecosystem with the release of its first nationally developed, evidence-based lung cancer treatment guidelines . The framework seeks to improve early diagnosis, standardisation of treatment, and patient-centric care across both public and private healthcare systems, addressing long-standing disparities in cancer management across the country.

Guidelines Launched Ahead of World Cancer Day

The guidelines, titled “Lung Cancer Treatment and Palliation: Evidence-Based Guidelines” , were released in New Delhi by Jagat Prakash Nadda at Kartavya Bhavan, ahead of World Cancer Day . The timing highlights the government’s renewed focus on cancer prevention, early detection, and comprehensive treatment amid a rising lung cancer burden in India.

Emphasis on Early Diagnosis and Standardised Pathways

The document outlines 15 evidence-based clinical recommendations spanning diagnosis, treatment protocols, and palliative care. Lung cancer in India is often detected at advanced stages, with treatment practices varying widely across regions and institutions.

By offering a common national clinical framework , the guidelines aim to:

• Reduce regional and institutional treatment gaps

• Improve clinical decision-making

• Ensure uniform standards of care across healthcare settings

India-Specific and Context-Aware Approach

The Health Minister stressed that India must develop context-specific healthcare solutions rather than rely solely on Western clinical models. Early detection was identified as one of the biggest challenges, prompting calls for stronger prevention and screening strategies , especially for high-risk groups such as smokers and individuals exposed to air pollution and occupational hazards.

The guidelines reflect India’s healthcare realities, including resource variability, patient access constraints, and disease presentation patterns.

Implementation Across Health Systems

The framework was developed by national experts under the Department of Health Research and the Directorate General of Health Services , using internationally accepted scientific methods adapted to Indian conditions.

Equal emphasis has been placed on curative treatment and palliation , recognising the importance of both survival outcomes and quality of life. To improve accessibility, a plain-language patient summary will also be released, enabling patients and caregivers to better understand treatment options and make informed choices.

Exam-Focused Key Points

• India released its first national evidence-based lung cancer guidelines in February 2026

• Guidelines contain 15 recommendations covering diagnosis, treatment, and palliation

• Applicable to both public and private healthcare systems

• Early detection and palliative care are major focus areas

• Framework developed by DHR and DGHS using India-specific clinical context