It is estimated that there are approximately 2 to 2.5 million cases of cancer in India at any given point of time and that there are 7,00,000 new cancer patients diagnosed every year in India. The estimated number of cancer patients in the country by the year 2001 will be around 8,00,000 (D.K.Jain, ICMR, 1993).
The most common cancers are Tobacco related cancers - around 3,00,000 cases each year, cancer of the Cervix Uteri - around 1,00,000 cases each year and Breast cancer - around 80,000 cases each year.
The cancer toll in developing countries, especially India, is due to the fact that over 70% of cases are detected late and report for treatment in very advanced stages. Apart from the pain and misery cancer inflicts on the patient, as well his family, the economic impact of this disease is catastrophic. For example, it costs Indian Rupees 3,50,000 (Rs. 3.5 lakhs)[ICMR Task Force Study, 1999], to treat one tobacco-related cancer. Simple changes in lifestyles and regular screening can bring down these deaths drastically and even have health benefits that reach beyond cancer. With the principal objective of prevention and early detection of common cancers the Tata Memorial Hospital set up the Department of Preventive Oncology in March 1993. Ever since, the Department of Preventive Oncology has been raising awareness and concern about cancer and affirming the prevention and curablity of cancers if detected early. As the level of cancer awareness rises, the health seeking behavior towards early detection will increase and consequently the cancer load in the country will begin to decline.
Today the Department of Preventive Oncology, housed on the third floor of the 'Service Block', offers the following services: -
- Health education on Cancer prevention and early detection
- Cancer Screening & Follow-up clinics
- Health Manpower Training and Development in Preventive Oncology
- Technical Advice for establishing Preventive Oncology activities
- Scientific research Projects
- Special Focus Programme
In this comprehensive set up, you will find Health educational material on cancer prevention and its early detection, Waiting areas, Examination Rooms, A Procedural Operating Room, Radiology Facilities, Tobacco Counselling Services, and offices where a team of 14 personnel including Physicians, Nurses, Auxiliary staff, Social Workers, continuously strive to provide the best quality of services
