NATIONAL CANCER CONTROL PROGRAM

INTRODUCTION
In India it is estimated that there are 2 to 2.5 million cancer patients at any given point of
time with about 0.7 million new cases coming every year and nearly half die every year.
Two-third of the new cancers are presented in advance and incurable stage at the time of
diagnosis. More than 60% of these affected patients are in the prime of their life between the
ages of 35 and 65 years. With increasing life expectancy and changing life styles concomitant
with development, the number of cancer cases will be almost three times the current number.
It has long been realised that cancers of the head and neck in both sexes and of the uterine
cervix in women are the most common malignancies seen in the country. The age adjusted
incidence rate per 100,000 for all types in India in urban areas range from 106-130 for men
and 100-140 for women but still lower than USA, UK and Japan rates. 50% of all male
cancers are tobacco related and 25% in female (total 34% of all cancers are tobacco related).
There are predictions of incidence of 7 fold increase in tobacco related cancer morbidity in
between 1995-2025. To control this problem the Govt. of India has launched a National
Cancer Control Programme in 1975 and revised its strategies in 1984-85 stressing on primary
prevention and early detection of cancer.
The National Cancer Control Program (NCCP) in India, inaugurated in the fiscal
year 1975-76 and subsequently revised in 1984, represents a seminal milestone in the nation's
public health agenda. Acknowledging the dynamic nature of cancer and the imperative to
address evolving challenges, the program has undergone three notable revisions, culminating
in its latest iteration in December 2004. This iterative approach underscores the program's
commitment to staying abreast of advancements in medical knowledge, technology, and
epidemiological insights.
The NCCP, initially conceived as an independent initiative, has undergone a
strategic integration into the broader National Program for Prevention and Control of Cancer,
Cardiovascular Diseases, Diabetes, and Stroke since 2011. This integration marks a
paradigmatic shift towards a comprehensive and unified approach, recognizing the
interconnectedness of major non-communicable diseases and the synergies that can be
harnessed in combating them collectively.
 In this assignment, our exploration will encompass a detailed examination of the
historical evolution of the NCCP, elucidating its objectives, strategies, collaborations,
challenges, and the pivotal role it plays in the broader canvas of healthcare in India. By
dissecting the intricate layers of this program, we aim to provide a comprehensive
understanding of how the NCCP has evolved, adapted, and contributed to shaping a resilient
framework for cancer control in the diverse and populous landscape of India.

MAGNITUDE OF THE PROBLEM

The National Cancer Registry Programme Report 2020, reported the cancer incidence from
28 Population Based Cancer Registries (PBCRs) for the years 2012-2016. The estimated
number of incident cases of cancer in India for the year 2022 was found to be 14, 61,427.

EVALUATION OF NCCP
 1975-76: National Cancer Control Programme Launched.
 1984-86: Strategy revised and Stress laid on Primary Prevention and Early Detection
of Cancer cases.
 1991-92: District Cancer Control Programme started  2000-01: Modified District
Cancer Control Programme Initiated  2004: Evaluation of NCCP by NIHFW.
 2005: Programme Revised After Evaluation.

GOALS AND OBJECTIVES OF NCCP

1. Primary prevention of cancers by health education regarding hazards of tobacco
consumption and necessity of genital hygiene for prevention of cervical cancer.
2. Secondary prevention i.e, early detection and diagnosis of cancers, for example cancer
of cervix, breast cancer and of the oro-pharyngeal cancer by screening methods and
patients education on self examination methods.
3. Strengthening of exiting cancer treatment facilities, which were inadequate.
4. Palliative care in terminal stage cancer.

FIVE SCHEMES UNDER THE REVISED PROGRAMME