Health and Me

Itisha Arya

India Loses A Woman To Breast Cancer Every Eight Minutes: Novartis’ ‘Take Charge’ Campaign Aims To Change That

novartis breast cancer

<span><a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/breast-cancer">Breast cancer</a></span> has quietly become one of India’s most pressing public health challenges. Today, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Indian women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. 

Data from the Global Cancer Observatory shows that nearly 1.9 lakh women are diagnosed with breast cancer in India each year. This works out to one new case every four minutes. The death toll is equally worrying. On average, a woman in India dies of breast cancer every eight minutes, highlighting how urgently the country needs stronger awareness, early diagnosis, and sustained care.

One factor that sets India apart is the age at which women are affected. Almost half of all breast cancer patients in the country are younger than 45. This is a much higher proportion than seen in many Western nations, where the disease is usually detected later in life.

<h2>Breast Cancer: A Rising Burden Across The Country</h2>

Cancer surveillance data from GLOBOCAN and Indian registries under the <span>Indian Council of Medical Research</span> point to a steady rise in breast cancer cases. Rapid urbanisation, changing lifestyles, delayed pregnancies, shorter periods of breastfeeding, rising obesity, and limited screening practices have all played a role.

Late diagnosis continues to be one of the biggest challenges. Many women seek medical help only when the disease has progressed to advanced stages, making treatment more difficult and outcomes less certain. Fear, social stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to screening services, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, often contribute to these delays.

For some women, the risk of recurrence can be significant, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Living with this uncertainty takes a lasting toll on mental and emotional wellbeing.

<h2><span rel="noindex">Novartis</span> '<span rel="noindex">Take Charge</span>' Campaign Focuses On Life Beyond Diagnosis</h2>

To address these gaps, Novartis has launched the ‘Take Charge’ campaign in collaboration with <span>Times Network</span>. The initiative aims to move the conversation beyond diagnosis and medication, encouraging women and their families to play an active role in decisions about care, recovery, and quality of life.

Speaking at the <span>Times Network India Health Summit and Awards</span> 2025, <span>Amitabh Dubey</span>, Country President and Managing Director of <span>Novartis India</span>, underlined that effective cancer care goes far beyond medicines alone. He spoke about the need for personalised treatment, open conversations between doctors and patients, and long-term support throughout the cancer journey.

According to Amitabh Dubey, advances in medical science have changed the way many cancers are managed. In breast cancer, better imaging, improved diagnostics, genomics, and targeted therapies now allow doctors to tailor treatment to the biology of each patient rather than relying on a uniform approach.

<h2>'Take Charge' By Novartis Highlights Need For Early Awareness</h2>

Awareness remains a central pillar of the ‘Take Charge’ initiative. Many women hesitate to speak openly about breast health or postpone seeing a doctor even after noticing symptoms. Encouraging routine self-examinations, timely screenings, and honest conversations about warning signs is especially important for younger women, who may not believe they are at risk.

The campaign also places strong emphasis on caregivers and families. Emotional support, access to reliable information, and timely medical advice can make a meaningful difference to both treatment outcomes and recovery.

<h2>Breast Cancer Awareness: Closing Gaps In Access And Affordability</h2>

Although government schemes such as <span>Ayushman Bharat</span> and various state cancer programmes have improved access to care, health insurance coverage in India remains limited, reaching only about 38 percent of the population. As a result, newer and more advanced treatments are still beyond the reach of many patients.

Novartis has been working with government agencies and local health systems to improve referral pathways, strengthen early detection efforts, and train frontline health workers. Community-based initiatives involving ASHA workers, awareness drives, and structured referrals aim to ensure that women with early symptoms reach appropriate care without unnecessary delays.

Breast cancer does not have to signal the end of a woman’s life or identity. With early diagnosis, personalised treatment, and continued support, many women go on to live full and meaningful lives. Campaigns like Take Charge seek to reinforce this message and remind women that they can remain active decision-makers in their own health journeys.

As Amitabh Dubey noted at the launch, taking charge is not only about fighting disease. It is about having the knowledge, confidence, and support to ask the right questions, make informed choices, and live well beyond cancer.

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Breast cancer has quietly become one of India’s most pressing public health challenges. Today, it is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among Indian women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Data from the Global Cancer Observatory shows that nearly 1.9 lakh women are diagnosed with breast cancer in India each year. This works out to one new case every four minutes. The death toll is equally worrying. On average, a woman in India dies of breast cancer every eight minutes, highlighting how urgently the country needs stronger awareness, early diagnosis, and sustained care.One factor that sets India apart is the age at which women are affected. Almost half of all breast cancer patients in the country are younger than 45. This is a much higher proportion than seen in many Western nations, where the disease is usually detected later in life.Breast Cancer: A Rising Burden Across The CountryCancer surveillance data from GLOBOCAN and Indian registries under the Indian Council of Medical Research point to a steady rise in breast cancer cases. Rapid urbanisation, changing lifestyles, delayed pregnancies, shorter periods of breastfeeding, rising obesity, and limited screening practices have all played a role.Late diagnosis continues to be one of the biggest challenges. Many women seek medical help only when the disease has progressed to advanced stages, making treatment more difficult and outcomes less certain. Fear, social stigma, lack of awareness, and limited access to screening services, especially in rural and semi-urban areas, often contribute to these delays.For some women, the risk of recurrence can be significant, depending on the type and stage of cancer. Living with this uncertainty takes a lasting toll on mental and emotional wellbeing.Novartis 'Take Charge' Campaign Focuses On Life Beyond DiagnosisTo address these gaps, Novartis has launched the ‘Take Charge’ campaign in collaboration with Times Network. The initiative aims to move the conversation beyond diagnosis and medication, encouraging women and their families to play an active role in decisions about care, recovery, and quality of life.Speaking at the Times Network India Health Summit and Awards 2025, Amitabh Dubey, Country President and Managing Director of Novartis India, underlined that effective cancer care goes far beyond medicines alone. He spoke about the need for personalised treatment, open conversations between doctors and patients, and long-term support throughout the cancer journey.According to Amitabh Dubey, advances in medical science have changed the way many cancers are managed. In breast cancer, better imaging, improved diagnostics, genomics, and targeted therapies now allow doctors to tailor treatment to the biology of each patient rather than relying on a uniform approach.'Take Charge' By Novartis Highlights Need For Early AwarenessAwareness remains a central pillar of the ‘Take Charge’ initiative. Many women hesitate to speak openly about breast health or postpone seeing a doctor even after noticing symptoms. Encouraging routine self-examinations, timely screenings, and honest conversations about warning signs is especially important for younger women, who may not believe they are at risk.The campaign also places strong emphasis on caregivers and families. Emotional support, access to reliable information, and timely medical advice can make a meaningful difference to both treatment outcomes and recovery.Breast Cancer Awareness: Closing Gaps In Access And AffordabilityAlthough government schemes such as Ayushman Bharat and various state cancer programmes have improved access to care, health insurance coverage in India remains limited, reaching only about 38 percent of the population. As a result, newer and more advanced treatments are still beyond the reach of many patients.Novartis has been working with government agencies and local health systems to improve referral pathways, strengthen early detection efforts, and train frontline health workers. Community-based initiatives involving ASHA workers, awareness drives, and structured referrals aim to ensure that women with early symptoms reach appropriate care without unnecessary delays.Breast cancer does not have to signal the end of a woman’s life or identity. With early diagnosis, personalised treatment, and continued support, many women go on to live full and meaningful lives. Campaigns like Take Charge seek to reinforce this message and remind women that they can remain active decision-makers in their own health journeys.As Amitabh Dubey noted at the launch, taking charge is not only about fighting disease. It is about having the knowledge, confidence, and support to ask the right questions, make informed choices, and live well beyond cancer.