Question : TREATMENT OF CANCER

(a) whether the number of global cancer deaths is projected to increase by 45 per cent from 2007 to 2030 as per the report of the World Health Organisation (WHO);

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the suggestions given by WHO to curb the spread of disease;

(c) the steps taken by the Government to contain the disease in the country and the achievements made as a result thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to set up more number of specialised cancer hospitals across the country including Punjab and Tamil Nadu to correct the imbalance in the availability of cancer care facilities and to provide treatment to cancer patients at an affordable cost; and

(e) if so, the details thereof, State/UTwise and if not, the reasons therefor?

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

(a) & (b): According to Indian Council of Medical Research,WHO has estimated that the deaths due to Cancer are likely to increase from 7.9 million in 2007 to 12 million by the year 2030. WHO suggested that the burden of cancer can be reduced by avoidance of use of tobacco and alcohol, by fruit and vegetable intake and decreased transmission of HPV infection and by early detection of cancer and its treatment.

(c) to (e):This Ministry is implementing various schemes under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) and releasing the grant-in-aid to the Government Medical Colleges/Hospitals for upgrading the Medical infrastructure for providing cost effective treatment to the poor and needy patients. The public awareness about cancer is also carried out through Electronic and Print Media.

Till date, this Ministry has recognized 27 Regional Cancer Centres in various States/UTs including that of Punjab and Tamil Nadu. The main aim for recognizing the RCC is to fill up the geographical gaps in the availability of treatment of cancer and for carrying out research activity.