ICMR looks for funds to continue cancer atlas project

Cancer registries under the National Cancer Registry Programme (NCRP) have, since 1980s, provided an idea of the magnitude and pattern of cancer in selected urban and rural pockets. However, a large part of the population remained uncharted. Hence, the project of a cancer atlas was undertaken in association with the WHO.

In all, 105 centres contributed information on 2.17 lakh cases for the period 2001-2 from 593 districts of the country. Knowing patterns of cancer across the country would provide important leads in undertaking aetiological research for cancer-control measures.

The study showed cancer of the gall bladder had a comparatively higher incidence rate in Delhi and Bhopal, while cancer of the stomach was more common among males in Chennai and Bangalore. Cancer of the tongue was common in two collaborating institutions from Gujarat, while cancer of oesophagus was higher in Karnataka.

For the first time the Northeast was also covered, said Kumar. “Information already available from the existing population and hospital registries were crucial for the programme.”

“The project requires massive investment,” Kumar said, pointing out that every year there are 9.2 lakh new cases of cancer in the country. Even as the project awaits a new lease of life, the effort will be to conduct a state-wide mapping of cancer cases.

Meanwhile, the Gujarat Cancer Research Institute (GCRI) has decided to do its bit to map cancer patterns in the state and will embark on its own atlas of Gujarat programme from September 8. Kerala will follow next, said Kumar.

Dr Pankaj Shah, Director of the GCRI, said: “Every region in the state has a different pattern of cancer and we have urged pathologists, hospitals and others to send in information.”