Question : BREAST CANCER

(a) whether the incidence of breast cancer has increased alarmingly across the country, as per the study conducted by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) the number of such cases reported during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise and the steps taken by the Government to check its high prevalence;

(d) whether as per a recent studyconducted by the breast cancer clinic at AIIMS, 20 women in 1 lakh is detectedwith breast cancer and 90 per cent affected women ask for medical help after the first stage of the disease; and

(e) if so, the reaction of the Government thereto and the corrective measures proposed to be taken by the Government in this regard?

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI S. GANDHISELVAN)

(a) to (c): As per the report of National Cancer Registry Programme,2009, of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR),the Population Based Cancer Registries at Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai, Delhi and Mumbai showed significant increase in the incidence of breast cancer in India. Rural Registry at Barshi did not show significant increase in incidence rates. The State-wise and year-wise data on cancer is not maintained centrally.

National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) is a centrally sponsored scheme which was initiated in the year 1975. The five schemes under this initiative include:-
1. Recognition of New Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs).
2. Strengthening of Existing Regional Cancer Centres.
3. Development of Oncology Wing.
4. District Cancer Control Programme.
5. Decentralized NGO Scheme

Health is a state subject and it is for the various State Governments to ensure adequate facilities for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer.

(d) & (e): As per study done by Delhi Cancer Registry at AIIMS in 2006, the crude incidence rate (CR) for breast cancer per 100,000 persons, for females in Delhi UT Urban is 22.6 and age adjusted incidence rate (AAR) per 100,000 persons, for females is 32.1.

The Government is implementing various schemes under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) including the District Cancer Control Programme which lays special emphasis on early detection of cancer, promoting health education, creating awareness etc. Grant-in-ai is released to Government Medical Colleges/Hospitals for upgrading the infrastructure for providing cost effective cancer treatment to the poor and needy patients. In addition 27 Regional Cancer Centres have been recognized in various States/UTs for providing comprehensive cancer treatment to patients.