Lok Sabha Debates
Need To Develop Standardized Guidelines For Treatment Of Cancer In The Country. on 7 March, 2013
> Title: Need to develop standardized guidelines for treatment of cancer in the country.
SHRI ANTO ANTONY (PATHANAMATHITTA): Thank you, Chairman, Sir. I would request the Government to develop national guidelines for treatment and diagnostic protocols for cancer. Cancer is one of the challenges that India faces today. It is estimated that there are 20 lakhs to 25 lakhs cancer patients in the country and about seven lakh new cases coming every year and nearly half of them die every year. Two-thirds of the new cancer cases are presented in advanced and incurable stages at the time of diagnosis. More than 60 per cent of these affected patients are in the prime of their lives between the ages of 35 and 65 years.
These facts show the magnitude and severity of cancer cases in India. Lack of a standardized protocol for diagnosis and treatment is a major hurdle in combating cancer in the country. Therefore, I would request the Government to develop a standardized protocol so that we can achieve a major breakthrough in our efforts to combat cancer.