The Ministry of Ayush marked National Cancer Awareness Day 2025 with a strong focus on advancing integrative, evidence-based, and community-driven approaches to cancer care. The Ministry highlighted its commitment to scaling up awareness, early detection, research, and holistic treatment strategies that blend traditional systems of medicine with modern oncology for improved patient outcomes.
Proactive Approach to Cancer Prevention and Awareness
Speaking on the occasion, Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Ayush and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare, underlined the importance of a proactive, people-centric approach to public health and cancer prevention. He emphasized that the Ministry’s initiatives are geared toward ensuring affordable, holistic, and accessible cancer care for every citizen, especially for vulnerable communities.
The Minister noted that integrative models combining Ayush systems and modern medical care can significantly enhance the quality of life for cancer patients. He called for greater collaboration between practitioners, researchers, and public health institutions to ensure that the benefits of integrative medicine reach every corner of the country.
Commitment to Evidence-Based Integrative Solutions
Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, reiterated the Ministry’s dedication to strengthening evidence-based and patient-centric cancer solutions. He stated that the growing network of Centres of Excellence (CoEs) and research collaborations with reputed institutions such as Tata Memorial Centre–ACTREC, Arya Vaidya Sala (Kottakkal), and AIIMS are helping advance integrative cancer care.
These partnerships are driving innovation in Ayush-based drug discovery, symptom management, and supportive therapies, while generating clinical evidence to validate the role of traditional medicine in oncology. Such initiatives are contributing to a scientifically robust and globally relevant model of integrative healthcare.
Centres of Excellence Driving Research and Care
The Ministry of Ayush is spearheading integrative cancer-care research through key Centres of Excellence. The TMC–ACTREC Centre in Mumbai focuses on Ayush drug discovery, integrative therapy research, and capacity building, while Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, operates a CoE specializing in quality-of-life improvement and supportive therapy.
Over the past two years, Arya Vaidya Sala has managed 26,356 cancer patients, including 338 lung cancer cases, showcasing the effectiveness of integrated treatment models in improving patient well-being and symptom relief.
Focus on Prevention and Early Detection
Cancer continues to be the second leading cause of death globally, with a large share of the burden stemming from preventable risk factors such as tobacco use, obesity, poor diet, alcohol consumption, and pollution. The Ministry underscored that early detection through routine screening of oral, breast, and cervical cancers remains crucial for improving survival rates.
Ayush-based interventions that promote healthy lifestyles, balanced nutrition, physical activity, and detoxification practices align with preventive strategies that reduce the overall risk of cancer.
Integrating Modern Medicine and Traditional Knowledge
The Ministry reaffirmed that combining modern oncology with Ayush systems—including Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, and Homeopathy—provides a comprehensive framework for addressing cancer’s physical, emotional, and social dimensions. This integrative approach supports India’s goal of reducing the national cancer burden and improving long-term health outcomes through preventive and supportive care.
Citizens are encouraged to access awareness materials such as the CCRAS IEC publication on Cancer Awareness available here, which provides detailed insights into cancer prevention, lifestyle management, and holistic health practices.
