Bengaluru, Jun 28 : With the spread of cancer continuing unabated,there is a need for more exclusive cancer treatment facilities across the country, Vice President Venkaiah Naidu said on Thursday.
Speaking after inaugurating the new State Cancer Institute Block at government run Kidwai Cancer Institute here, he said although preventive, curative and palliative care programmes have been Initiated at national and regional levels, the measures seem to be too negligible for combating the spread of cancer. Documented findings reveal mammoth proportions of cancer growth which warrants not only scientific, but also sustained and consistent efforts with appropriate planning, monitoring and evaluation of cancer control programmes.
The Vice President appreciated establishing of new Cancer Institute Block at Kidwai that offers latest and best treatment to cancer patients.
While the incidents of cancer had been increasing worldwide, developing nations like India was showing steep increase over the years. It was estimated that there were about 30 lakh cases of cancer at any particular point of time with 10 lakh new cases occurring every year. About five lakh deaths occur annually in the country due to the disease, he said.
According to projections of the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 2016, the total number of new cases is expected to touch 17.3 lakh by 2020 and deaths rising to reach 8.8 lakh.
Breast cancer was the most common among women, while the incidence of mouth cancer was highest among men. Clearly this is a major healthcare challenge that needs to be adequately and effectively addressed. The data shows that only 12.5 per cent of patients come for treatment in the early stages of the disease and this clearly indicates the need for greater awareness and early detection, he said.
Mr Naidu said the genetic make-up of an individual, environment, dietary habits, hygine and the modern day lifestyle were affecting the health of individuals.
It is important therefore to create awareness on the dangers of pollution, obesity, harmful use of tobacco, betel nut and alcohol leading sedentary lifestyle, eating of junk food lead to cancer
He expressed happiness over Karnataka government declared cancer as a notifiable disease. This will go a long way in correctly understanding the magnitude of the disease and help formulating a better and more targeted cancer policy.
UNI.
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