Question : RISE IN CANCER CASES .

(a) whether various cancer cases particularly the gall-blader cancer, lung cancer, mouth cancer and breast cancer are on the rise in the country;

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

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to create awareness among the people and evolve a comprehensive cancer control strategy and establish a National Institute of Cancer Research;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the concrete measures taken by the Government to provide basic healthcare treatment to people in the Government hospitals and also to check recurrence of such cases in future?

THE MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE(DR. ANBUMANI RAMADOSS)

(a) & (b): As per the draft report on trends in cancer incidence rates over time for the Population Based Cancer Registries functioning under the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) of Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), Bhopal and Chennai there is an increase in cancer rates among men.Cancer of gall bladder among women showed an increase in Bhopal since the year 1990; whereas Delhi and Mumbai showed an increase incidence rate till 1992.Lung cancer among men showed an increase in Delhi where increase among women was observed in Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi. Men in Chennai showed an increase in incidence rate for cancer of lung. Mouth cancer among women showed an increase in Barshi. Breast cancer among women showed increasing trend in Bangalore, Bhopal, Chennai and Mumbai. Each site of cancer has a different aeitiology, which often is multi-factorial in nature. Cancer of several sites like lung, oral, cavity osophagus etc. is predominantly caused by tobacco use. Risk factors for cervical cancer include HPV infection. Diet especially high-fat & devoid of fruits and vegetables is important in causation of cancer of breast, colon etc.

(c) to (e): Health being a State Subject, it is for various State Governments to ensure that adequate facilities for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer are made available. The Central Government have evolved a comprehensive Cancer Control Strategy i.e. National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP) where emphasis has been laid on Awareness, prevention, early detection and treatment. The Central Govt. is also supplementing the efforts of the State Governments by providing financial assistance for setting up of Radiotherapy Units in Govt. Medical Colleges/Hospitals for providing treatment facilities.

The treatment of cancer is by Surgery, Radiotherapy, Chemotherapy and Supportive Care. These facilities are available upto the level of Medical Colleges & District Hospitals in the Health Care delivery system.The Radiotherapy facilities are also available at more than 210 institutions.In addition,27 Regional Cancer Centres provide comprehensive cancer treatment to the patients as well as cancer research is also carried out in ongoing manner.The treatment is either free or at subsidized rate in Government Hospitals.Public awareness about the hazards of tobacco use and its association with cancer including the oral cancer is being carried out through the print and electronic media.