Early Detection: Why 2025 Still Sees Late Cancer Diagnoses — And How Families Can Avoid These Delays

By Dr. Shibangi Das, BAMS, MD, PFCP (MUHS), DEMS,  Ayurvedacharya, D.S. Research Centre, Kolkata

Cancer outcomes improve dramatically when detected early — yet in 2025, hospitals across India, including D.S. Research Centre , continue to receive a high percentage of patients in advanced stages. Most delays are not due to lack of facilities, but due to lack of awareness about early symptoms.

Why Patients Still Arrive Late

  1. Ignoring subtle symptoms
     Fatigue, unexplained pain, weight loss, indigestion, or bleeding are often dismissed as “normal weakness” or “age-related issues.”

  2. Fear of diagnosis
     Many families avoid screening because they fear the possibility of cancer.

  3. Social hesitation
     Especially in districts like North 24 Parganas, Hooghly, Nadia, patients hesitate to discuss symptoms openly.

  4. Over-dependence on home remedies
     Many people delay medical evaluation, assuming symptoms will resolve with rest or basic medicines.

 Common Symptoms People Overlook

  • Lumps or swelling

  • Persistent cough

  • Unexplained fever

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Change in bowel/bladder habits

  • Abnormal bleeding

How to Avoid Late Detection

  • Do not ignore symptoms lasting more than 2–3 weeks.

  • Annual screening after age 40 is essential.

  • Take second medical opinions when doubtful.

  • For high-risk families (smoking, alcohol, hereditary history), screening is mandatory.

Role of D.S. Research Centre

D.S. Research Centre has been guiding cancer patients for 60 years, providing symptom-based evaluations and early intervention counselling along with specialized integrative support.

Early detection isn’t luck — it’s awareness.

Explore more here – https://dsresearchcentre.com/