As per data collected through National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), an estimated 4.4 lakhs people die of cancer every year and about 7-9 lakh new cancer cases are detected every year. At any given point of time there are 2.5 million cancer patients in the country.
Common cancers among men in India include that of mouth, lung, stomach, oesophagus and prostate. Common cancers among women in India include that of cervix, breast, ovary, oesophagus, mouth, stomach etc. Each site of cancer has a different aetiology, which often is multi-factorial in nature. Cancer of several sites like lung, oral cavity, oesophagus etc. is predominantly caused by tobacco use. Risk factors for cervical cancer include HPV infection, multiple sexual partners sexual hygiene, multiple pregnancies etc. Diet especially high fat & devoid of fruits and vegetables is important in causation of cancer of breast, colon etc.Health being a State Subject, it is for the State Governments to ensure that adequate facilities for early detection, diagnosis and treatment of cancer are made available. Central Government under the schemes of National Cancer Control Programme lays special emphasis on early detection of Cancer through screening, promoting health education, creating awareness etc. under District Cancer Control Programme. There are 25 Regional Cancer Centres in the country providing comprehensive cancer care treatment.
This information was given by the Minister for Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Anbumani Ramadoss in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha.
Source-PIB
SRM/P
