Narayana Health, W Health Ventures, & 2070 Health Launch Everhope Oncology with $10 Mn Seed Funding

Everhope Oncology will focus on delivering comprehensive cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and palliative care.

Narayana Health, W Health Ventures, and 2070 Health have jointly launched Everhope Oncology, a new initiative aimed at transforming cancer care in India.

The venture, which has secured $10 million in seed funding, will establish medical and surgical oncology centers in Delhi and Mumbai, with plans to expand to 10 cities over the next three years.

Everhope Oncology will focus on delivering comprehensive cancer treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, and palliative care.

The new facilities are designed to provide a patient-friendly environment with shorter wait times and improved comfort during treatment.

The initiative also aims to address the emotional and physical challenges of cancer care by offering support services such as mental health counseling, nutritional guidance, and pain management.

The goal is to improve the overall patient experience and encourage more individuals to seek timely medical intervention.

"Most people visualize cancer treatment as thin and frail people stuck with hundreds of tubes, walking from one crowded hospital room to another. This is why most of us avoid cancer screening and seek out non-scientific treatment options. We want to change the common misperceptions of curing cancer," said Viren Shetty, Vice Chairman of Narayana Health.

He added, "Globally, most cancer therapies are conducted in comfortable, dedicated spaces in retail locations far from hospitals. With Everhope, we aim to provide patients with best-in-class oncology therapies in comfortable suites close to their homes, where they can get treated in a crowd-free environment and go about the rest of their day."

India's Growing Cancer Burden

Cancer remains one of the leading health challenges in India. According to the National Cancer Registry Program (NCRP), one in nine Indians is expected to develop cancer in their lifetime.

The most commonly diagnosed cancers include breast, lung, cervical, colorectal, and oral cancers, each linked to factors such as genetic predisposition, tobacco consumption, and poor dietary habits.

India records approximately 1.3 to 1.5 million new cancer cases annually, although experts believe the actual figure may be much higher due to underreporting and a lack of centralized data collection.

The late detection of cancer remains a significant challenge, with over 60% of cases diagnosed at an advanced stage, reducing survival rates.

A major reason for delayed diagnosis is the lack of widespread cancer screening programs in rural areas, combined with low awareness and social stigma.

For instance, cervical cancer, which is highly preventable through HPV vaccination and early screening, continues to be one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among Indian women.

Challenges in Cancer Care Accessibility

Access to quality cancer care varies widely across different regions of India. Major metropolitan cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Chennai are home to some of the country's best cancer hospitals, including Tata Memorial, AIIMS, and Apollo Cancer Centre.

However, these institutions often struggle with overcrowding and long waiting times.

On the other hand, rural and underserved areas, particularly in northern and northeastern states, face a shortage of specialized cancer centers.

This forces many patients to travel long distances to metropolitan cities for treatment, leading to further delays and poorer health outcomes.

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