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To counter the emerging threats of non-communicable diseases the government has decided to strengthen the tertiary care facilities under the National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer, Diabetes, Cardiovascular Diseases and Stroke.
The proposal seeks to improve the tertiary care cancer facilities available in the country and improve other areas as far as care for people suffering from cancer is concerned. The scheme will strengthen the teaching and research facilities for cancer in various states. There s also a plan to establish 20 State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and 50 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) in different parts of the country. Financial assistance of the tune of Rs 120 crore for SCI and Rs 45 crore for the TCCC of which 75% will be borne by centre and 25% by the individual states.
In addition to diagnosis and treatment, the assisted institutions will impart training to doctors, nurses, technicians etc. and also mentor the activities pertaining to prevention, early detection, treatment and rehabilitation being undertaken in various districts under the National Rural Health Mission (now the National Health Mission) component of the programme. Cancer cases detected during screening at the district levels will be treated at the SCI/TCCC.
The cancer situation in India
Cancer has emerged as a major public health challenge in India. It is one of the leading causes of deaths in the country and it is estimated that in India, there are, at any point in time, 28 lakh cases of cancer. New cases every year and annual mortality are estimated to be 11 lakh and 5 lakh respectively. The disease has become more common in the country in the last decade or so perhaps a by-product of rapid urbanisation, increased smoking, drinking and a more sedentary lifestyle. While it s hard to pin a number, it s believed that around one million people get cancer every year and this number could rise significantly if measures aren t taken.
What is cancer?
Cancer is a group of over one hundred diseases characterized by abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth. In a 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. Great advancements have been made but cancer is still leading cause of death for people under 85. Read more about the war on cancer.