The Indian Council of Medical Research Cancer Registry data has spotlighted Uttar Pradesh as the nation’s primary hub for cancer occurrences. Within the span of 2022, the state documented an astounding 210,000 fresh cases, signifying a marked escalation from the 201,000 cases recorded in the preceding year of 2020.
Regrettably, Uttar Pradesh also recorded the most substantial count of cancer-related fatalities, with an impressive 116,818 individuals succumbing to this formidable ailment.
The mortality rate in Uttar Pradesh stood in alignment with the national average, while Maharashtra secured the second position concerning fatality rates. Nonetheless, experts caution that these figures might potentially underrepresent the actual trend, as only 15 states enforce mandatory reporting of cancer as a notifiable disease. Significantly absent from this roster is Uttar Pradesh, which bears the weight of the highest burden, encompassing both case counts and fatalities.
In response to the escalating cancer crisis, the Union government has enacted an array of initiatives aimed at enhancing healthcare accessibility for individuals grappling with cancer. Government hospitals extend either free or highly subsidized treatment options to those in need of cancer care. Furthermore, the Ayushman Bharat-Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PMJAY) offers coverage for cancer treatment, offering a glimmer of hope to patients navigating the financial challenges posed by medical expenses.
To facilitate effective cancer treatment, access to quality generic medications is assured through the Pradhan Mantri Bhartiya Janaushadhi Pariyojana (PMBJP), in collaboration with state governments. In a bid to alleviate the economic strain on patients, Affordable Medicines and Reliable Implants for Treatment (AMRIT) pharmacy stores have been established within select medical institutions, providing cancer drugs at significantly reduced prices.
The alarming mortality rate intertwined with cancer instances within India underscores the immediate need for a comprehensive approach to address this critical issue. Among the aggregate reported cases across the country in 2022, an astonishing 808,558 individuals lost their lives to this affliction, reflecting a distressing mortality rate that exceeds 55 percent. Notably, Uttar Pradesh’s fatality rate mirrors the national average, signifying a widespread challenge in grappling with the complexities of cancer management.
Minister of Health of Uttar Pradesh: Jai Pratap Singh