Projected cancer burden, challenges, and barriers to cancer prevention and control activities in the state of Telangana

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0278357
• Publication Date: 2023-07-14T17:42:45Z
• Authors: Hemant Mahajan; Neha Reddy; N. G. Marina Devi; Usha Rani Poli; M Jayaram; Shailaja Tetali; G. V. S. Murthy
• Keywords: 03 medical and health sciences; 0302 clinical medicine; Health Personnel; 1. No poverty; Humans; Uterine Cervical Neoplasms; Female; Health Facilities; Delivery of Health Care; Research Article; 3. Good health

The Telangana cancer care program is a proactive, comprehensive initiative encompassing infrastructure development, human resource skilling and ensuring financial protection to those below poverty line. broad aim of this exercise was identify modalities augment the State Cancer Control Plan implement sustainable model for Telangana.We conducted in-depth interviews stakeholders (17 patients 25 health providers) barriers challenges access existing system in Telangana; calculated magnitude commensurate workload (in terms visits tertiary management equipment requirement) next 15 years (from 2022 2037). Using anecdotal evidence information from stakeholders' interviews, we developed patient-journey funnels oral, breast, cervical highlight patient leakages at various levels care.We estimated 13%, 28%, 44.7% increase number new cases resultant (number centre, chemotherapy sessions, radiotherapy surgeries, specialized resources equipment), year 2027, 2032, 2037, respectively, compared 2022. mentioned 'delayed access' healthcare as main reason poor prognosis patients. common reasons cited were: cancer-literacy including prevailing myths misconception, barriers, rural residence. journey funnel revealed major leakage 'screened-positive' 'diagnosis confirmation' step. varied ~70% 90% till 'treatment completion'.In study, anticipated steady cancers state 2037. This may further be accompanied with limited or utilization system. To manage public issue, government should take appropriate measures improve literacy community level well necessary equipment.