Crucial data on Cancer patients not being maintained in Andhra Pradesh

Visakhapatnam: Despite the rising number of cancer cases, Andhra Pradesh (AP) is yet to get the Population Based Cancer Registry (PBCR) programme started by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) in 1981.

The PBCR registry helps authorities generate reliable data on the extent and pattern of cancer. Epidemiological studies based on results of registry data help in designing, planning, monitoring and evaluating control activities under the National Cancer Control Programme (NCCP). PBCRs have expanded over the years with 23 PBCRs under the NCRP network. There is none in AP.

Dr Murali Krishna Voonam said it may not be viable to depend on data prepared by ICMR. “There may be an increase in cancer cases. Actually, cancer deaths have been decreasing with improved medical infrastructure and advanced medical services,” he added.

Another oncologist of the city said that in the absence of a PBCR, most cases go unregistered or the number of cases is overhyped. “If there is a PBCR, the staff would visit all hospitals, pathology laboratories and all other sources of registration of cancer cases on a routine basis in that particular geographical area. Death certificates are also scrutinised from the municipal corporation units and information collected on all cases where cancer is mentioned on death certificates,” he added.