INTRODUCTION
Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in the body. These abnormal cells. are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. These cells can infiltrate normal body.
Signs of Cancer
Unexpiained weight loss.
Fatigue.
Night sweats.
Loss of appetite.
New, persistent pain.
Recurrent nausea or vomiting.
Blood in urine.
Blood in stool (either visible or detectable by
special tests)
Factors Causing Cancer
Exact cause of cancer is not yet known. However, there are certain risk factors, which may lead to cancer.
Among the common factors Tobacco is an important factor.
Nearly half of the cancers in India are due to tobacco.
Some common Risk factors for Cancer: Tobacco: Smoking: Cigarette, Bidi, Cigar, Hukka, others Smokeless: Zarda, Gutka, Khaini, etc.
Alcohol
Infections (viruses, parasites, bacteria)
Diet (dietary carcinogens)
Reproductive hormones
Cancer is an important public health problem with 8 to 9 lakh cases occurring every year.
As per 2022 report, India stands at 3rd place for cancer cases after china and US with 7 Lakh cases.
Every year about 4 lakh deaths occur due to cancer. 40% of the cancers in the country are related to tobacco use.
Data from population based registries under the National Cancer Registry Programme indicate that the leading sites of cancer among men are cancer of oral cavity, lungs, oesophagus and stomach and among women are cancer of uterine cervix, breast and oral cavity.
Cancers namely those of oral and lungs in males and cervix and breast in females account for over 50% of all cancer deaths in India
National Cancer Control Programme
National Cancer Control Programme is a centrally sponsored scheme by the Ministry of Health and Family welfare, Government of India, which was initiated in the year 1975, with priorities given for equipping the premier cancer hospital /institutions.
India is one of the developing countries who have nationai cancer control programme (NCCP). We stated way back in 1975 and the plan has been revised three times.
The first revision was in 1984, second one in 1991 and third one 2004. Every time we have brought out a report.
Evolution of NCCP 1975-76 National Cancer Control Programme
It was launched with priorities given for equipping the premier cancer hospital/institutions.
Central assistance at the rate of Rs.2.50 lakhs was given to each institution for purchase of cobalt machines.
1984-85 The strategy was revised and stress was laid on primary prevention and early detection of cancer cases.
1990-91 District Cancer Control Programme was started in selected districts (near the medical college hospitals).
2000-01 Modified District Cancer Control programme initiated.
2004 Evaluation of NCCP was done by National Institute of Health & Family Welfare, New Delhi.
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