Patna: Bihar government has initiated plans to strengthen cancer treatment services by establishing super-specialty radiotherapy units in Patna, Gaya, Muzaffarpur, Darbhanga, and Bhagalpur amid a rise in cancer cases across the state.
The proposal received preliminary approval during a meeting chaired by Health Minister Nishant on Wednesday. The initiative is aimed at providing timely and advanced cancer treatment within Bihar while reducing the need for patients to travel outside the state.
Expansion of Cancer Care Services
The meeting reviewed the state’s cancer screening programmes and treatment facilities, with discussions focusing on expanding chemotherapy and biopsy services alongside radiotherapy infrastructure.
Health Minister Nishant said regular screening and public awareness could help reduce cancer-related deaths. He stressed the importance of early diagnosis and accessible treatment, adding that the government is preparing a strategy to improve care for patients in the initial stages of the disease.
Officials also discussed strengthening coordination among healthcare institutions to improve cancer care delivery across Bihar.
Tobacco Control And Youth Awareness
The Health Department will intensify cancer awareness campaigns targeting young people, with anti-tobacco programmes planned in schools and colleges.
The minister also called for greater public awareness on maintaining a balanced diet, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle practices to reduce cancer risk.
Health Secretary Kumar Ravi, cancer specialists, and representatives from Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital and other healthcare institutions attended the meeting and emphasised the need for coordinated efforts to strengthen cancer prevention and treatment.
Wider Screening Programme Planned
The state government plans to expand screening for cervical, breast, and prostate cancers through a comprehensive early detection campaign.
The initiative will also include cancer screening for people living with non-communicable diseases such as hypertension and diabetes. Around one lakh ASHA workers will be involved in the campaign, with awareness programmes planned across both rural and urban areas.
Officials said the objective is to improve early diagnosis, which significantly increases the chances of successful treatment.
Oral Cancer Accounts For Largest Share Of Cases
According to data reviewed during the meeting, cancer screening is being carried out across Bihar through the NP-NCD portal. A study involving 1,293 participants from 38 cancer day-care screening centres found that 519 people had cancer, 344 had pre-cancerous conditions, and 430 were healthy.
Oral cancer accounted for 43.5 per cent of diagnosed cases, followed by breast cancer at 27.2 per cent and cervical cancer at 15.2 per cent.
Health officials noted that many patients continue to seek treatment only after the disease has progressed to the third or fourth stage.
Tobacco Use Linked To Majority Of Cases
The study found that 60.2 per cent of people diagnosed with cancer or pre-cancerous conditions used tobacco products, compared with 30.2 per cent among participants who were healthy.
According to medical experts, smokeless tobacco products such as khaini, gutkha, and zarda remain among the leading contributors to cancer cases in Bihar. The Health Department plans to strengthen tobacco control campaigns, particularly among students and young people.
Screening Continues Across Bihar
During the 2025–26 financial year, the state conducted oral cancer screening for more than 1.10 crore people, identifying 25,637 patients. According to the Health Department, 97.5 per cent of those identified are undergoing treatment.
Breast cancer screening of more than 4.17 lakh women detected 1,711 cases, while cervical cancer screening of 15.75 lakh women identified 2,442 patients.
The screening drive is continuing in the 2026–27 financial year, with officials stating that efforts are being made to ensure timely treatment for patients diagnosed through the programme.
