He said, a pilot project has been launched in 100 districts of 21 states for prevention and early detection of cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes and strokes. “India will be the first country in the world to screen the entire population in next five years,” he said.
Under the pilot project, the government has provided equipment and human resource for detection and treatment.
“While more than five lakh people died of cancer this year, the total number of people suffering from diabetes could go up to 87 million by 2030,” he said.
The incidence of new cancer cases every year in the country is about 11 lakh and about five lakh people die every year from the ailment, said the minister.
Uttar Pradesh registered the highest cancer mortality rate this year with a total of 89,224 deaths, followed by Maharashtra-50,989 deaths, Bihar-43,864 and West Bengal where 40,199 people died because of cancer.
Published 13 December 2011, 07:21 IST