Question : Increasing Cancer Cases

(a) whether the Government has taken note that there has been an increase of 300 percent in the reporting of cancer cases in the country over 2018 and an increase of 150 percent in Rajasthan, as per the National Health Profile 2019, if so, the reaction of the Government thereof;
(b) whether the Government has conducted any assessment/survey regarding the number of cancer cases in the country, if so, the details and the outcome thereof;
(c) the details of the most prevalent forms of cancer in the country along with the number of registered cases and deaths due to each type of cancer;
(d) whether the Government has identified any major factors that have contributed to the increase in cancer cases, if so, details thereof; and
(e) the steps taken by the Government to curb the increased risk of cancer of different types, particularly lung cancer and breast cancer and make cancer treatment more affordable for citizens?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(DR. BHARATI PRAVIN PAWAR)

(a) and (b): As per the Indian Council of Medical Research''s (ICMR) report on "National Cancer Registry Programme Report, 2020", the estimated number of incidence of cancer cases reported in the country for last three years are given below,
Estimated incidence of cancer cases (2018-2020) – Both Sexes
Year 2018 2019 2020
Estimated Incidence of cancer cases in India – (ICD 10:C00-C97) 1325232 1358415 1392179
Estimated Incidence of cancer cases in Rajasthan – (ICD 10:C00-C97) 67380 69156 70987
The percent increase in the estimated incidence of cancer cases is 2.5% and 1.9% from the year 2018 to 2019 in the country and in Rajasthan respectively.

(c) As per the ICMR’s - National Cancer Registry Programme Report on "National Cancer Registry Program report, 2020”, cancer of lung and breast are the most prevalent forms of cancer in the country in males and females respectively. The estimated number of incidence and mortality of cancer cases in year 2020 for cancer of lung (males) and breast (females) are given below.

Estimated cancer cases in India (2020)
Site Incidence Mortality
Lung (male) 71788 59514
Breast (female) 205424 76414

(d) Cancer is a multi-factorial disease, the risk factors of which, include ageing population, sedentary lifestyle, use of tobacco products, unhealthy diet and air pollution.

(e) Health is a state subject. The Department of Health & Family Welfare, however, provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS), as part of National Health Mission (NHM), based on the proposals received from the States/UTs and subject to the resource envelope. Cancer is an integral part of NPCDCS. The programme focusses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion & awareness generation for Cancer prevention, early diagnosis, management and referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment of the Non-Communicable Diseases, including Cancer.

A population-based initiative for prevention, control and screening for common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) i.e. diabetes, hypertension and common cancers has been rolled out in the country under NHM and also as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care. Under the initiative, persons more than 30 years of age are targeted for their screening for the three common cancers i.e oral, breast and cervical. Screening of these common cancers is an integral part of service delivery under Ayushman Bharat – Health and Wellness Centres.

Preventive aspect of Cancer is strengthened under Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centre scheme, by promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level. Other initiatives for increasing public awareness about Cancer and for promotion of healthy lifestyle includes observation of National Cancer Awareness Day and use of print, electronic and social media for continued community awareness. Furthermore, healthy eating is also promoted through FSSAI. Fit India movement is implemented by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activities are carried out by Ministry of AYUSH. In addition, NPCDCS gives financial support under NHM for awareness generation (IEC) activities for Cancer to be undertaken by the States/UTs as per their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).

The Central Government is also implementing Strengthening of Tertiary Care of Cancer Scheme in order to enhance the facilities for tertiary care of cancer. 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCIs) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCCs) have been approved so far under the said scheme.

There is also focus on Oncology in its various aspects in case of new AIIMS and many upgraded institutions under Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojna (PMSSY). Setting up of National Cancer Institute at Jhajjar (Haryana) and second campus of Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata are also steps in this direction. All these enhance the capacity for treatment of cancer in the country.

Cancer is diagnosed and treated at various levels in the health care facilities. The treatment in Government Hospitals is either free or highly subsidized for the poor and needy. Treatment of Cancers is also available under Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY). Besides, quality generic medicines are made available at affordable prices to all, under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in collaboration with the State Governments. Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Pharmacy stores have been set up in some hospitals/institutions, with an objective to make available Cancer drugs at a substantial discount vis-à-vis the Maximum Retail Price. Under the umbrella scheme of Rashtrya Arogya Nidhi (RAN), financial assistance is provided to families living below threshold poverty line for their treatment, including treatment of Cancer in Government hospitals.


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