Parliament Question: Rising Cancer Incidence in Punjab

GOVERNMENT OFINDIA MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE DEPARTMENT OFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE LOK SABHA UNSTARREDQUESTION NO. 3579 TO BE ANSWEREDON13TH MARCH, 2026 RISINGCANCER INCIDENCE IN PUNJAB 3579. SHRICHARANJITSINGH CHANNI: Willthe Minister of HEALTHAND FAMILYWELFAREbe pleasedtostate: (a) whether the Government has taken note of reports indicating persistently elevated cancer incidenceincertain regionsof Punjab,particularlyinthe Malwa belt; (b) if so, the details of cancer prevalence data during the last three years in Punjab andthe 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 inthe State; (d) whether the Government proposes any targeted intervention or special programme for high- burdendistricts inPunjab,if so,the detailsthereof; (e)the numberof cancertreatment facilitiessupported underCentral schemes inthe State;and (f) whether newtertiarycancer centresare proposed inthe said Stateandif so, the details thereof? ANSWER THE MINISTER OFSTATE IN THE MINISTRYOFHEALTH AND FAMILYWELFARE (SHRIPRATAPRAOJADHAV) (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 numberof incidencesof cancer cases inPunjabfor the last three yearsisgivenbelow: Estimated Incidence of CancerCases (2022-2024) –Both Sexes Year 2022 2023 2024 Estimated incidence of cancer 40435 41337 42288 cases inPunjabThere 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 CancerCentres(DCCC), and6,410NCD clinicsat CommunityHealthCentreshave beenset up. Further, 297 District Day Care CancerCentre (DCCC) have been approved for the financial year 2025-26 toensure cancercare accessibility at district hospital level. A population-based initiative for the prevention, control and screening of common non- communicable diseases (NCDs), includingcommon cancers(Oral, Breast and Cervical)hasbeen 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 aspertheirProgrammeImplementation Plans(PIPs). Treatment of major NCDs including Cancer treatment are available under Ayushman Bharat – PradhanMantri Jan ArogyaYojana(AB PMJAY).Thisscheme providesfor Rs. 5 lakh perfamily 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-of- pocket expenses. Anti-cancer drugs are included in the Essential Drugs List at District and Sub- Divisional 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.