End-of-Life Cancer Care: Present Scenario and the Future Ahead

Authors

  • Shailley A Sehgal Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak- 124001, India Author
  • Garima Malik Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak- 124001, India Author
  • Paramjeet Kaur Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak- 124001, India Author
  • Ashok Chauhan Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak- 124001, India Author
  • Sachin Sehgal Department of Ophthalmology, General Hospital, Rohtak Author
  • Rakesh Dhankar Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak- 124001, India Author
  • Rajeev Atri Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, Rohtak- 124001, India Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.66765/acobs.2026.005

Keywords:

End-of-life care, Palliative Care, Oncology, Hospice, India, Community-based models

Abstract

Background: End-of-life (EOL) care is an emerging yet essential part of cancer care in India. With over 1.4 million new cancer cases and more than 0.9 million deaths annually (GLOBOCAN 2022), the need for accessible palliative and EOL services is rapidly increasing. However, current access remains limited to less than 1% of the population.

Methods: This narrative review evaluates the present landscape of EOL care in India by examining existing initiatives, care models, and key barriers affecting implementation and accessibility. Empirical and non-empirical research was searched in the databases PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE, and Google Scholar from inception to December 2024 using the keywords "Hospice care," "End-of-life care," "Palliative care," "Terminal illness care," "Terminal care in India," and "Palliative care programs in India." Relevant studies were screened and assessed for quality before narrative synthesis.

Results: Progress has been observed in selected regions through pilot programs and the efforts of institutional, government, and non-government organizations. Despite these advancements, nationwide coverage remains limited due to policy gaps, insufficient infrastructure, workforce shortages, and sociocultural challenges surrounding EOL discussions.

Conclusion: Strengthening policy frameworks, expanding service delivery, improving training, and promoting culturally sensitive approaches are critical to developing accessible and well-structured EOL care across India.

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Published

2026-06-14

Issue

Volume 1, Issue 1 (2026): Annals of Comprehensive Oncology and Biomedical Sciences

Section

Review Article

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Copyright (c) 2026 Annals of Comprehensive Oncology and Biomedical Sciences

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How to Cite

End-of-Life Cancer Care: Present Scenario and the Future Ahead. (2026). Annals of Comprehensive Oncology and Biomedical Sciences, 1(1), 21-24. https://doi.org/10.66765/acobs.2026.005