ICMR report reveals 7.95 lakh cancer cases in 5 years: Health Minister tells Parliament
Ministry of Health Outlines Cancer Care Measures Based on Latest ICMR Data
New Delhi: The Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has reported a total of 7,95,331 cancer cases between 2015 and 2020 across 43 Population-Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) under the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP). Out of these, 4,04,068 cases were reported in females and 3,91,263 in males, according to information shared by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, in a recent Rajya Sabha session.
Recognizing the growing burden of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cancer, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has taken several proactive steps under the National Health Mission (NHM). A population-based screening programme targeting individuals aged 30 years and above has been rolled out across the country as part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care. This includes regular screening for common NCDs, including oral, breast, and cervical cancers.
To ease the financial burden on families, the government has introduced several key healthcare initiatives. Ayushman Bharat - PM-JAY provides ₹5 lakh health insurance per family annually for serious illnesses, including cancer, with all citizens aged 70 and above now eligible. Essential cancer medicines and diagnostics are offered free through public facilities under the National Free Drugs Initiative and Free Diagnostic Services.
Additionally, the AMRIT program and PM Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana ensure access to affordable medicines and implants through government hospitals and Janaushadhi Kendras.
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The information came in response to questions raised by Shri Haris Beeran in the Rajya Sabha. He asked whether the Ministry is planning to publish an updated National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) Report based on the current incidence rate, since the 2020 NCRP Report was based on data till 2016 only, if so, the details thereof, and, if not, the reasons therefor.
He also asked for the latest count of actual incidences, not estimates and projections, in the country registered in the Population-Based Cancer Registries under the NCRP;
He inquired whether the Ministry is basing its present and upcoming policies on the basis of cancer data available from 2016 in the 2020 NCRP Report; and
Furthermore, he seeks to know whether the Ministry is keeping a record of the sufficiency of cancer drug availability in the country.
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Responding to the following queries, the Ministry stated, “Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) has informed that it has undertaken the updation of National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) statistics, based on incidence data till 2020. The total number of incidences of cancer cases registered in 43 Population-Based Cancer Registries under NCRP for the varying time period of 2015 to 2020 is 7,95,331, with a total number of 4,04,068 cases in females and the remaining 3,91,263 cases among males. The Department of Health and Family Welfare relies on cancer data provided in NCRP and updated data provided by ICMR from time to time. A population-based initiative for prevention, control, and screening for common Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), including cancer, has been rolled out in the country under the National Health Mission (NHM) as a part of Comprehensive Primary Health Care. Under the initiative, persons more than 30 years of age are targeted for their screening. National Free Drugs Initiative and Free Diagnostic Services ensure essential medicines and diagnostics at public health facilities, reducing out-of-pocket expenses.”
Treatment of major NCDs, including cancer, is available under Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (AB PMJAY). This scheme provides for Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care. Recently, PM-JAY extended health coverage to all senior citizens aged 70+, regardless of income. Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) provides affordable medicines for the treatment of various diseases, including cancer. Under the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) Scheme, Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Kendras provide quality generic medicines at affordable prices for cancer treatment, stated the Minister.
