Question : Non-communicable Diseases

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether non-communicable diseases, especially cancer, is increasing at an alarming rate;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the number of different types of cancer deaths reported during each of the last three years;

(c) whether our country is equipped to detect various types of cancer including breast cancer at early stage and if so, the details thereof;

(d) whether the Government proposes to set up new cancer care institutes and hospitals in the country and if so, the details thereof indicating the expenditure likely to be incurred, State/UT-wise; and

(e) the steps taken by the Government to promote research projects relating to cancer treatment and setting up research institutes for the purpose?

ANSWER
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND
FAMILY WELFARE
(SHRI ASHWINI KUMAR CHOUBEY)
(a) & (b): As per report on “India: Health of Nation’s State – The India State Level Disease Burden Initiative” published by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), the disease burden trends in India shows an increase in the contribution of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to total deaths from 37.9% in 1990 to 61.8% in 2016.

As per ICMR’s cancer registry data, the estimated incidences of cancer patients in India are 14,51,417, 15,17,426 & 15,86,571 during the years 2016, 2017 & 2018, respectively, while estimated deaths due to cancer during these years are 7,32,921, 7,66,348 and 8,01,374, respectively.

(c) to (e): Though public health is a State subject, Central Government supplements the efforts of the State Governments. National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke (NPCDCS) is being implemented under the National Health Mission (NHM). The objectives of the programme include health promotion activities and opportunistic screening for common Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including cancer. For cancer, focus is on Breast, Cervix and Oral cancer.





Population based screening of common NCDs, i.e. diabetes, hypertension and cancers (Oral, Breast and Cervical cancer) has also been initiated under National Health Mission (NHM). Key components of population based screening include community based risk assessment, screening, referral, and follow up of all individuals of 30 years and above for common NCDs (hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer and cervical cancer). The initiative will help in early diagnosis and will generate awareness on risk factors of NCDs.


The Government of India is implementing “Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer facilities Scheme” to assist States/UTs in setting up of State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country. Till March 2019, proposals for setting up of 15 SCIs and 20 TCCCs have been approved. State/UTs wise list is at Annexure. These institutions will mentor all cancer related activities in their respective jurisdiction.


27 Regional Cancer Centres were also set up under the erstwhile National Cancer Control Programme. Oncology in its various aspects has focus 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 2nd campus of Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata has also been approved. All these will enhance the capacity for prevention and treatment of cancer in the country.

Indian Council of Medical Research and institution under it direct and promote research in non-communicable disease including cancer.