Parliamentary Standing Committee Recommends Making Cancer A Notifiable Disease

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Health and Family Welfare has suggested making cancer a notifiable disease in India. The report, released in 139th edition, highlights the rising incidence of cancer in the country and the need for better data collection and management to address it effectively. With an estimated 15.6 lakh new cases in 2024, cancer ranks as the third-highest cause of death in India, killing about 8.2 lakh people annually.

Currently, the disease is only notifiable in 17 states and Union Territories, but the central government has resisted the call for a national regulation, arguing that health is a state subject.

Critics argue that the government's stance is misguided, as cancer is often linked to environmental factors like hazardous chemicals, asbestos, air and water pollution, and harmful food additives. Making cancer a notifiable disease could lead to better data collection, enabling governments to take full responsibility for prevention, testing, and treatment. An accurate picture of cancer prevalence would aid in mapping key aspects of its spread and help implement remedial measures.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee's recommendation has received support from the Supreme Court, which has directed states to consider uniform notification guidelines. A robust cancer registry is essential for early detection and intervention, particularly for conditions like cervical and prostate cancer, which can have significant financial implications for patients and their families.

By making cancer a notifiable disease, India could follow in the footsteps of Nordic countries, North America, Brazil, China, Singapore, and Australia, which have made significant strides in expanding public financing of healthcare and public health awareness.