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Financial Support Systems for Cancer Care in India: A Qualitative Exploratory Study
Parth Sharma1, Disha Agrawal2, Atharv Deo3
1Association for Socially Applicable Research (ASAR), Pune, Maharashtra, India.
Journal of Cancer Policy
|August 7, 2026
Summary
Financial toxicity in cancer care is a major issue in India. This study reveals fragmented financial support systems, highlighting the need for improved patient-centered mechanisms to ensure equitable access to cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Health Economics
- Public Health
Background:
- Financial toxicity (FT) significantly impedes cancer care initiation, adherence, and completion in low- and middle-income countries.
- India faces unique challenges in managing the financial burden of cancer treatment for its population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map the existing financial support systems for cancer care in India.
- To identify barriers and facilitators influencing the accessibility of these support systems.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative study involving semi-structured interviews with 19 oncologists across 9 Indian states.
- Deductive classification of support resources (for treatment centers and patients) followed by inductive thematic analysis.
- Exploration of barriers and facilitators until data saturation was achieved.
Main Results:
- Support for treatment centers comes from donations, CSR, grants, and loans, facing barriers like rigid insurance and delayed reimbursements.
- Patient support includes insurance, donations, and pharmaceutical schemes, hindered by documentation, low awareness, and access issues.
- Facilitators for funding include donor networking, professional resource scouting, doctor motivation, non-profit advocacy, and financial counselors.
Conclusions:
- Despite various funding sources, financial support for cancer care in India is fragmented and difficult to access.
- Systemic inefficiencies must be addressed to reduce financial toxicity.
- Expanding patient-centered financial support is crucial for equitable cancer care access.
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