Question : World Cancer Day- 2017

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether the Government observed World Cancer day, 2017 in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof along with the steps taken to achieve the aims and objectives of the event;

(c) the detailed programmes organised by the Government to mark this occasion;

(d) whether the Government proposes to roll out a massive free door to door screening programme for the early detection of Cancer and other life threatening diseases;

(e) if so, the details thereof and the time by which it is likely to be implemented; and

(f) the various steps taken/being taken by the Government to prevent the spread of Cancer disease in the country?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SMT. ANUPRIYA PATEL)

(a) to (c): World Cancer day is observed on 4th February every year. Health is a state subject and the activities are carried out by State Governments for awareness of Cancer prevention and control. The details of activities carried out by State Governments is not maintained centrally. Union Government also uses print and other forms of media such as Social Media to spread awareness.

(d) to (f): Government of India is implementing a comprehensive National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS). The objectives of NPCDCS, being implemented under National Health Mission (NHM) for interventions upto the district level which includes awareness generation for Cancer prevention, screening, early detection and referral to an appropriate level institution for treatment. The focus of the programme is on Breast, Cervical and Oral Cancer.



Operational guidelines have been released for prevention, control and screening of Diabetes, Hypertension and common Cancer (Cervix, Breast and Oral) to the States for implementation. The screening includes screening for risk factors of these diseases. Such screening will also generate awareness on risk factors of these diseases. Suspected cases are to be referred for confirmatory diagnosis by various tests including histo-pathological biopsy. Electronic and Print media is utilized for creating awareness on cancer.

The programme leverages the infrastructure at grass root level such as ASHAs and ANMs and Nurses. Training of trainers for ASHAs and ANMs has been recently carried out.

The Government of India is also implementing Tertiary Care for Cancer scheme in the country under which State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) are being set up in different parts of the country. The SCI and TCCC shall mentor all Cancer related activities including research, treatment & awareness generation inter alia.