Question : REGIONAL CANCER CENTRES

(a) whether majority of the cancer patients in the country are diagnosed at late stage;  

(b) if so, the details thereof alongwith the reasons therefor;  

(c) the steps taken/proposed by the Government for the early diagnosis of cancer in the country;  

(d) whether the Government proposes to set up more Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) and palliative care centres, particularly in the uncovered States; and  

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

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE(SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) & (b) As per the data from Hospital Based Cancer Registries functioning under the National Cancer Registry Programme of Indian Council of Medical Research, the majority of the cancer patients in the country are diagnosed at late stage. There is ignorance and lack of awareness about cancer and its symptoms in the general population. This leads to delay in seeking medical advice.

(c): The Government has recently launched a comprehensive National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) for the XIth plan. For 2010-11 and 2011-12, a provision of Rs. 1230.90 crore has been made for NPCDCS out of which Rs. 731.52 crore is for Cancer component. The new programme envisages implementation in 100 districts of 21 States.

In addition, the Central Government is supplementing the efforts of the State Governments by focusing on early detection of Cancer, promoting health education and creating awareness.

(d) & (e): Yes Sir, under the Tertiary Cancer Centre Scheme of the new programme, 65 Government Medical Colleges including erstwhile Regional Cancer Centres would be extended financial support of Rs. 6.00 Crore each including 20% share of the State Government for strengthening cancer care facilities.

STATEWISE NUMBER OF DISTRICTS WHERE MMUs ARE WORKING

S.NO	NAME OF STATE/UT	NO. OF DISTRICTS
1	Bihar	25
2	Chhattisgarh	0
3	Himachal Pradesh	1
4	Jammu & Kashmir	2