Lok Sabha Question No. 337 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2023-07-21
Subject: Cases of Cancer reported in Children
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Kunwar Danish Ali

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 337 TO BE ANSWERED ON 21 st July, 2023

## CASES OF CANCER REPORTED IN CHILDREN

## 337. SHRI KUNWAR DANISH ALI:

Will the Minister of HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE be pleased to state:

(a) whether according to Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), cancer cases among the children have increased to five decimal points in the last few decades and if so, the details thereof; (b) whether according to a report, 7.9 per cent of the total cancer cases were reported in children below 14 years of age between the years of 2012 and 2019 as compared to the decade of 1990 when it was less than 4 per cent and if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the Government has taken any steps to pay special attention to promote awareness, prevention, screening and medical treatment to check the rapidly increasing cancer cases among children; and

(d) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons for increase in cancer among the children?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE (PROF. SATYA PAL SINGH BAGHEL)

(a) As per the ICMR- National Cancer Registry Programme report, the estimated number of incidence of cancer cases in India (0-14 age group) for the year 2022 is 35,017.

(b) As per the ICMR Cancer Registry Data Report on ' Clinicopathological Profile of Cancers in India: A Report of the Hospital Based Cancer Registries, 2021 ' , the proportion of incidence of childhood cancer cases is 4.0% reported in the country for both genders between 2012-2019.

(c) and (d); The Department of Health & Family Welfare, Government of India provides technical and financial support to the States/UTs to implement the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) under NHM, based on the proposals received from the States/UTs and subject to the resource envelope. The programme focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, health promotion & awareness generation for prevention of Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs), early diagnosis, management and referral to an appropriate level of healthcare facility for treatment.

Under NP-NCD, 724 District NCD Clinics, 210 District Cardiac Care Units, 326 District Day Care Centres and 6110 Community Health Centre NCD Clinics have been set up.

Childhood Cancer patients are getting treatment at various health facilities in the health care delivery system including District Hospitals, Medical Colleges, Central Institutes like AIIMS, Central Government hospitals and private sector hospitals. The treatment in Government Hospitals is either free or highly subsidized for the poor and needy patients.

Under Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY), health insurance cover of Rs. 5 lakhs per family per year for secondary or tertiary care hospitalization to over 60 Crores beneficiaries is provided. The treatment packages under AB-PMJAY are very comprehensive covering various treatment related aspects such as drugs and diagnostic services. Treatment of cancer is also available under Ayushman Bharat -Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY).

Quality generic medicines are made available at affordable prices to all, under Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) in collaboration with the State Governments. Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Pharmacy stores have been set up in some hospitals/institutions, with an objective to make available Cancer drugs at a substantial discount vis-à-vis the Maximum Retail Price

ICMR supported the ICICLE 'India Collaborative Childhood Leukaemia group" trial, which has focused on improving treatment outcomes for children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The ICICLE trial is a collaborative effort between multiple national institutions, to improve the treatment of pediatric ALL and increase survival rates for children with this disease. The trial is designed to test new treatment regimens and strategies, to optimize treatment and reduce toxicity for children with ALL. The study resulted in uniform standardization of management of paediatric ALL based on risk stratified therapy. There is an increase in event-free survival by 3-5% and treatment related mortality has been reduced by 25%.

Preventive aspect of NCDs is strengthened under Comprehensive Primary Health Care through Ayushman Bharat Health Wellness Centre scheme, by promotion of wellness activities and targeted communication at the community level. In addition, NP-NCD gives financial support under NHM for awareness generation (IEC) activities for NCDs to be taken by the States/UTs as per their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs). Other initiatives for increasing public awareness about Cardiovascular Diseases and for promotion of healthy lifestyle includes observation of National and International Day and use of print, electronic and social media for continued community awareness. Furthermore, healthy eating is also promoted through Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI).Fit India movement is implemented by Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and various Yoga related activities are carried out by Ministry of AYUSH.