Lok Sabha Question No. 3579 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2026-03-13
Subject: Rising Cancer Incidence in Punjab
Ministry: HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Asked by: Shri Charanjit Singh Channi

## GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRY OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE

LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 3579 TO BE ANSWERED ON 13 TH MARCH, 2026

## RISING CANCER INCIDENCE IN PUNJAB

## 3579. SHRI CHARANJIT SINGH CHANNI:

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

- (a) whether the Government has taken note of reports indicating persistently elevated cancer incidence in certain regions of Punjab, particularly in the Malwa belt;
- (b) if so, the details of cancer prevalence data during the last three years in Punjab and the major factors identified, including possible links with pesticide use and ground water contamination, district-wise;
- (c) the measures taken to strengthen early detection, affordable treatment and cancer care infrastructure in the State;
- (d) whether the Government proposes any targeted intervention or special programme for highburden districts in Punjab, if so, the details thereof;
- (e) the number of cancer treatment facilities supported under Central schemes in the State; and
- (f) whether new tertiary cancer centres are proposed in the said State and if so, the details thereof?

## ANSWER THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRI PRATAPRAO JADHAV)

- (a) & (b) As per the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) - National Cancer Registry Programme (ICMR-NCRP) Data, under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, the estimated number of incidences of cancer cases in Punjab for the last three years is given below:

| Estimated Incidence of Cancer Cases (2022-2024) - Both Sexes   |   Estimated Incidence of Cancer Cases (2022-2024) - Both Sexes |   Estimated Incidence of Cancer Cases (2022-2024) - Both Sexes |   Estimated Incidence of Cancer Cases (2022-2024) - Both Sexes |
|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------|
| Year                                                           |                                                           2022 |                                                           2023 |                                                           2024 |
| Estimated incidence of cancer cases in Punjab                  |                                                          40435 |                                                          41337 |                                                          42288 |

There are several risk factors associated with NCDs including tobacco and alcohol consumption, low physical activities, unhealthy diets, increase in obesity, consumption of high salt, sugar and saturated fats, stress, sedentary lifestyle, etc.

(c) to (f) The Department of Health and Family Welfare provides technical and financial support to States and Union Territories across the country under the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). The programme focuses on strengthening infrastructure, human resource development, screening, early diagnosis, referral, treatment, and health promotion for Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) including Cancer. Under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD), 770 District NCD Clinics, 364 District Day Care Cancer Centres (DCCC), and 6,410 NCD clinics at Community Health Centres have been set up. Further, 297 District Day Care Cancer Centre (DCCC) have been approved for the financial year 2025-26 to ensure cancer care accessibility at district hospital level.

A population-based initiative for the prevention, control and screening of common noncommunicable diseases (NCDs), including common cancers (Oral, Breast and Cervical) has been rolled out across the country. Under the initiative, persons over 30 years of age are targeted for their screening for the common NCDs including Cancer. In addition, NP-NCD gives financial support under NHM for awareness generation (IEC) activities for NCDs to be undertaken by the States/UTs as per their Programme Implementation Plans (PIPs).

Treatment of major NCDs including Cancer treatment are available under Ayushman Bharat -Pradhan Mantri Jan ArogyaYojana (AB PMJAY). This scheme provides for Rs. 5 lakh per family annually for secondary and tertiary care hospitilization in the empanelled public and private hospitals. The Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP) and Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) Pharmacies improve access to affordable cancer medicines, stents, and implants, reducing out-of-pocket expenses and supporting long-term treatment adherence.

Under National Health Mission (NHM), National Free Drugs Initiative and Free Diagnostic Services ensure essential medicines and diagnostics at public health facilities, reducing out-ofpocket expenses. Anti-cancer drugs are included in the Essential Drugs List at District and SubDivisional Hospitals under National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD).

Under the ' Strengthening of Tertiary Care Cancer Facilities Scheme ' 19 State Cancer Institutes (SCI) and 20 Tertiary Care Cancer Centres (TCCC) have been set up across the country including Government Medical College, Amritsar (SCI) and Civil Hospital, Fazilka (TCCC) at Punjab.