Real cancer incidence level in India is estimated to be 1.5 to three times higher than reported incidence as 51 per cent patients take more than a week to conclude diagnosis while 46 per cent take second opinion due to lack of confidence in initial diagnosis and suggested treatment, according to a study by FICCI and EY titled "Call for Action: Making quality cancer care more accessible and affordable in India".

The reported cancer incidence in India this year is estimated to be 19 to 20 lakh, whereas real incidence is 1.5 to 3 times higher than the reported cases, the study revealed.