Experts Call for National Action Plan as Delayed Diagnosis and High Costs Take Toll
Bengaluru: As cancer rates continue to climb in India, medical experts are sounding the alarm on Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML)—a rare but aggressive form of blood cancer that remains underdiagnosed and poorly treated in the country. With a 1–2% rise in all cancers, including hematologic malignancies, specialists warn that India is in a race against time to improve AML detection, access, and treatment.
Silent Killer with a Narrow Window for Survival
AML progresses rapidly and can become fatal within weeks if not caught early. Yet, due to vague symptoms, poor awareness, and limited diagnostic infrastructure, many patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage—when treatment becomes less effective.
“With improved registries and urban detection, we’ve seen a rise in blood cancers, especially in those above 40,” said Dr. Sharat Damodar, Chief of Hematology and Transplant Services at Mazumdar Shaw Medical Center and Narayana Multispeciality Hospital. “Yet fewer than 20% of AML patients undergo essential molecular testing due to cost and lack of insurance coverage.”
Bengaluru Hosts Crucial AML Dialogue
As part of a nationwide series, AbbVie Healthcare held an AML awareness event in Bengaluru, gathering leading oncologists to discuss city-specific challenges and systemic gaps in India’s leukemia care landscape.
Treatment Breakthroughs Remain Out of Reach for Most Indians
Although global advances in precision medicine and targeted therapies have improved AML outcomes—reducing toxicity and boosting survival—Indian patients continue to be left behind. These treatments remain largely confined to private hospitals and are prohibitively expensive for the average citizen.
“We’re seeing remarkable results with targeted therapies abroad,” said Dr. Prasad Narayanan, Director of Medical Oncology at Cytecare Cancer Hospitals. “But in India, lack of policy support and limited access mean most patients never get that chance.”
Experts Propose 6-Point National Strategy to Combat AML
To bridge these gaps, leading hematologists and policy advocates are urging the Indian government to adopt a multi-pronged national strategy, including:
1. Declare AML a Public Health Priority: Enable funding, tracking, and research.
2. Expand Molecular Diagnostic Infrastructure: Bring advanced testing to government and rural hospitals.
3. List AML Drugs in National Cancer Registry: Improve affordability through public schemes and procurement.
4. Reform Insurance Coverage: Include AML therapies under Ayushman Bharat and private health plans.
5. Launch Awareness & Screening Campaigns: Educate public and train general physicians for early detection.
6. Integrate AML into National Health Records: Strengthen data tracking for policy planning and care coordination.
The Time to Act is Now
With the AML burden steadily rising, the window for reform is closing. Experts emphasize that without urgent policy changes, countless lives could be lost to a disease that is increasingly treatable—with the right tools.
“India cannot afford to let AML remain in the shadows,” Dr. Damodar said. “With focused reforms and equitable access, we can change the trajectory for thousands of patients.”
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