Question : RISE IN CANCER CASES

(a) whether the Government has taken note of the rising number of cancer cases in certain States including Punjab in the country;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor including the estimated number of cancer patients and related deaths recorded during each of the last three years and the current year, State/ UT-wise;

(c) the programme being implemented by the Government to control cancer and to provide affordable treatment to the patients along with the funds allocated and spent thereunder during the said period, State/UT-wise;

(d) whether the Government proposes to put in place a comprehensive cancer control mechanism; and

(e) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (SHRI GHULAM NABI AZAD)

(a) & (b): Information received from Indian Council of Medical Research suggests that the estimated number of cancer cases and deaths are increasing. State/UT-wise number of cancer cases and deaths for the last three years is given in Annexure-I & Annexure-II respectively.

Increase in the number of cancer cases may be attributed to aging population, unhealthy life style, use of tobacco and tobacco products etc.

(c) to (e) Health being a State subject, it is for the State Governments to provide healthcare facilities.To supplement the efforts of the State Governments in detection, treatment and management of cancer cases, Government of India has launched a comprehensive National Programme for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases & Stroke (NPCDCS) in 2010 in 100 districts across 21 States. State-wise release of funds and utilization under NPCDCS during 2010-11,2011-12 and 2012-13 (provisional) is at Annexure III.

Under the programme, Regional Cancer Centres (RCCs) and Government Medical College Hospitals across the country are also eligible for receiving financial assistance upto Rs. 6.00 crore (Rs. 4.80 crore from Central Government and Rs. 1.20 crore from State Government) for providing comprehensive cancer care services under Tertiary Cancer Centre (TCC) component. Funds released under this component of the programme are given at Annexure IV.