Cancer, diabetes on a rise in India says PM Manmohan Singh

India is witnessing an increase in cases of cancer, heart disease and diabetes and the government is committed to ensure better facilities for the people, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said on Friday.

'India has a high disease burden of cancer, heart diseases and diabetes. In view of this, it was important to have an institute dedicated to cancer research,' he said at the foundation stone laying ceremony of the National Cancer Institute here, according to a release.

He said Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad has begun many new projects in the health sector.

'These show our commitment to ensure better medical facilities for the common man.'

Manmohan Singh said that the National Rural Health Mission which was started in 2005 has given a boost to primary health care in rural areas.

'I want to assure you that our government will keep making efforts to make the future of you children safe and secure,' he added.

The National Cancer Institute campus is expected to be completed at a cost of Rs. 20 billion within a period of three and a half years, the release said.

The institute will have 710 beds and will employ a total of 550 doctors and 2,200 nurses.

What is cancer?

Cancer is a group of over one hundred diseases characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth. Ina healthy body cells grow, die and are replaced in a very controlled way. Damage or change in the genetic material of cells by environmental or internal factors result in cells that don't die and continue to multiply until a massive cancer or a tumour develops. Most cancer related deaths are due to metastasis, malignant cells that penetrate into the circulatory system and establish colonies in other parts of the body. Join us in our War on Cancer.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a condition that makes it hard for your body to turn the food you eat into energy. This is because there is too much glucose (sugar) in one's blood. Glucose comes from the food we eat and is the main source of energy for our body. It needs a hormone called insulin to enter our body's cells where it can be used for energy. Insulin is made in the pancreas a large gland behind the stomach. People with diabetes have problems making insulin or using it properly. It is very important for a diabetic to follow a healthy lifestyle with a healthy diet in order to avoid further complications.

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