Report

India stomach cancer treatment market is projected to witness a CAGR of 9.90% during the forecast period FY2026-FY2033, growing from USD 378.70 million in FY2025 to USD 805.89 million in FY2033. The market's growth can be attributed to the growing prevalence of gastrointestinal cancer, rising awareness among the general population, and increasing investments in oncology research in India. According to the estimates of the Global Cancer Observatory, in 2022, stomach cancer was the fifth most common type of cancer in men in India, accounting for 6.2% of all cancer cases.
In India, delayed diagnosis is a significant challenge, often caused due to non-specific symptoms and limited access to diagnostic services in rural areas in the country. This frequently results in patients presenting with advanced stages of cancer, requiring more intensive treatments. However, rising public health campaigns and access to advanced diagnostic technologies are helping increase early detection rates in the country. Additionally, India's expanding healthcare infrastructure, combined with government-backed initiatives such as Ayushman Bharat, is further increasing the accessibility of cancer care. Meanwhile, innovations in drug development, introduction of biosimilars, and increasing partnerships between private hospitals and pharmaceutical companies are further expected to provide lucrative growth opportunities for the market.
Rising Investments by Leading Hospitals Towards Cancer Care Boosts Market Growth
Hospitals across the country are allocating more resources for acquiring advanced diagnostic tools and technologies, utilizing cutting-edge treatment modalities, including immunotherapy and targeted therapy, and upgrading the oncology infrastructure. Such investments are enhancing the capacity of hospitals to provide comprehensive treatment, accurate diagnosis, and early detection, resulting in higher survival rates and improved patient outcomes. Hospital investments also foster clinical research, support the adoption of globally recognized practices, and facilitate participation in clinical trials, further supporting the market's expansion in the country.
For instance, in February 2025, Manipal Hospital, Baner, launched a preventive oncology clinic in order to empower the patient population with risk assessment, timely screening, and lifestyle counseling for improving treatment outcomes and performing a risk assessment to detect cancer at an early stage.
Introduction of Innovative Treatments and Public Health Policies Support Market Expansion
Rising efforts to bolster the availability of innovative therapies to combat stomach cancer in India in combination with the growing efforts of the government to increase the accessibility and affordability of various treatment solutions is one of the major drivers of the India stomach cancer treatment market. The introduction of immunotherapy drugs such as nivolumab and pembrolizumab for gastric cancer, which have shown improved survival rates, is reshaping treatment protocols.
Meanwhile, programs such as the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), which aims to integrate cancer screening into primary healthcare services, especially in underserved rural areas, further supporting the market's expansion. Moreover, initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) are expanding access to cancer treatment by covering hospital expenses under government health insurance schemes, encouraging more patients to undergo treatment for stomach cancer, thereby increasing the market's demand.
Evolving Lifestyle is Driving the Market's Demand
The evolving lifestyle and eating habits in the country are one of the major drivers of the Indian stomach cancer treatment market. Habits such as increased consumption of processed foods, sedentary habits, rising obesity, chronic stress, and high salt intake are contributing to the high incidences of stomach cancer in India. Increasing preference for ordering junk food due to the associated convenience and preference for food products that have less fiber, high salt, and sugar, and are processed are also boosting the number of cases of stomach cancer in India. The gross order value for Zomato increased to USD 3.08 billion in FY2023 from USD 152.68 million in FY2018. The recognition of lifestyle's role in cancer risk is prompting public health initiatives and patient education, further increasing early diagnosis and treatment uptake.
Hospital Pharmacies Holds Major Market Share
Hospital pharmacies account for a major share of the India stomach cancer treatment market because hospitals serve as primary centers for cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management. Many stomach cancer patients in India require inpatient care for chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy administration, which are often delivered under strict medical supervision in hospital settings. Hospital pharmacies ensure immediate and reliable access to these essential oncology drugs, facilitating timely treatment and better patient outcomes. Additionally, leading hospital pharmacies across the country are focusing on mergers and acquisitions to expand their presence in the country and strengthen their position in the market. For instance, in March 2025, Apollo Healthco Limited, which operated the online platform Apollo 24/7 and the Apollo pharmacy chain, announced that it is planning on establishing 80-100 new outlets over the next two years across Bengal.
Impact of the U.S. Tariff on India Stomach Cancer Treatment Market
In April 2025, the government of the United States announced tariffs of 26% on Indian imports. However, pharmaceuticals were exempted from these tariffs. The decision highlights the importance placed on the role of generic and economically efficient life-saving medications in ensuring public health, national security, and economic stability. Exemption allows leading pharmaceutical companies to strengthen their presence in the industry, ensure the supply of essential medications, and focus on strategic partnerships, reinforcing their status in regional and global markets. They also ensure that the market players are able to provide affordable therapies for cancer both domestically and internationally.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The key players in the market are actively focusing on expanding their operations in India by investing in manufacturing and research and development sites across the country. For instance, Novartis AG invests approximately USD 400 million in its operations in India every year. This investment allows the company to focus on clinical trial operations and basic research and support the accelerated development and improved accessibility of innovative therapeutic solutions, such as immunotherapies and targeted treatments, to combat the growing threat of stomach cancer in India. Such investments by the key players of the market in the country's healthcare ecosystem are augmenting the growth of the market by ensuring the availability of advanced treatment solutions.