Over 146 Million Women Screened For Breast and Cervical Cancer; Says Union Health Minister J P Nadda

Union Health Minister J P Nadda announced on Friday that over 146 million women across the country have been screened for breast cancer, with 57,184 diagnoses and 50,612 currently receiving treatment. He also shared that more than nine crore women have undergone cervical cancer screening, leading to 96,747 diagnoses, with 86,196 women undergoing treatment.

Citing data from the National Non-Communicable Diseases (NCD) Portal, Nadda provided the figures in response to a question in the Lok Sabha. The government launch the NCD portal in 2018 to serve as a platform for screening and managing non-communicable diseases, including breast and cervical cancer.

The portal ensures continuity of care and helps track progress across the country.

The government launched the National Programme for Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases (NP-NCD) in 2010, with a focus on preventing and controlling major NCDs such as hypertension, diabetes, oral cancer, breast cancer, and cervical cancer.

The programme aims to strengthen infrastructure, human resources, health promotion, early diagnosis, and referrals to appropriate healthcare facilities.

Infrastructure Expansion Across The Country

Under the NP-NCD, the government has established significant healthcare infrastructure nationwide. The government has set up 770 district NCD clinics, 233 cardiac care units (CCUs), 372 district day care centers, and 6,410 NCD clinics at community health centers.

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In Odisha alone, the state has established 30 district NCD clinics, 12 CCUs, 32 district day care centers, and 414 community health centers, Nadda revealed.

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare provides both technical and financial support to states and Union Territories under the NP-NCD as part of the National Health Mission (NHM). This assistance focuses on building infrastructure, providing human resources, and promoting early diagnosis and prevention of NCDs.

Community-Based Assessments For Early Detection

In a bid to further strengthen the fight against NCDs, the government has also mobilized Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHAs) to conduct community-based assessments for individuals aged 30 and above.

The assessment further identifies individuals at high risk for NCDs and refers them for screening. This process, integrated with NHM’s comprehensive primary health care, helps in the early detection and management of common NCDs.