Q1. What is cancer?

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body. It can affect almost any organ or tissue, leading to various health problems if not detected and treated early.

Q2. What are the most common types of cancer in India?

The most common cancers in India include:

• In men: Oral, lung, esophagus, stomach, and colorectal cancer
• In women: Breast, cervix, ovary, oral, and colorectal cancer

Q3. What are the major risk factors for cancer?

• Tobacco use (smoking and smokeless forms)
• Alcohol consumption
• Unhealthy diet and obesity
• Physical inactivity
• Exposure to infections (HPV, Hepatitis B and C)
• Family history of cancer
• Environmental pollution and occupational exposure

Q4. Can cancer be prevented?

Yes, many cancers can be prevented by:

• Avoiding tobacco and alcohol
• Eating a healthy diet rich in fruits and vegetables
• Maintaining a healthy weight and regular physical activity
• Getting vaccinated against HPV and Hepatitis B
• Practicing safe sex and hygiene
• Going for regular screening and health check-ups

Q5. What is the role of NPCDCS in cancer control?

Under the NPCDCS, the government aims to:

• Promote awareness about cancer prevention and healthy lifestyle
• Conduct regular screening for common cancers (oral, breast, and cervical)
• Provide diagnosis and treatment facilities at various levels of the healthcare system
• Strengthen referral linkages between primary, secondary, and tertiary care centers
• Train healthcare professionals in early detection and management

Q6. Where can people get screened for cancer under NPCDCS?

• Health and Wellness Centres (HWCs)
• Community Health Centres (CHCs)
• District Hospitals and NCD Clinics

Q7. What are the symptoms that may indicate cancer?

Warning signs may vary depending on the type of cancer, but common symptoms include:

• Unexplained weight loss
• Persistent cough or hoarseness
• A lump or swelling that does not go away
• Abnormal bleeding or discharge
• Non-healing ulcer or sore
• Change in bowel or bladder habits

Anyone with these symptoms should seek medical attention promptly.

Q8. What screening tests are available for common cancers?

• Oral cancer: Visual examination of mouth and tongue
• Breast cancer: Breast self-examination and clinical breast examination
• Cervical cancer: Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) or Pap smear

Q9. How does NPCDCS promote early detection of cancer?

NPCDCS promotes opportunistic and population-based screening for individuals above 30 years of age, using simple, cost-effective methods by trained frontline health workers such as ASHAs and ANMs.

Q10. What should a person do if screening results are positive?

If screening indicates a possible cancer, the person is referred to a higher health facility (District Hospital or Regional Cancer Centre) for confirmation, diagnosis, and treatment.

Q11. How can communities contribute to cancer prevention?

• Spread awareness about cancer risk factors and early signs
• Encourage healthy habits in families and communities
• Support people to quit tobacco and alcohol
• Participate in local screening and awareness camps

Q12. What is the importance of early detection?

Early detection greatly increases the chances of successful treatment and survival. Many cancers are curable if diagnosed early.

Q1. What are the most common types of cancer found in Bihar?

• Gallbladder cancer (most common overall)
• Head and neck cancers (including oral cavity and tongue cancer)
• Breast cancer
• Cervical cancer
• Lung cancer
• Prostate and Liver cancers (among males)
• Ovarian cancer (among females)

Refer PBCR Report by TMC Mumbai View Report

Q2. What are the main causes and risk factors for cancer in Bihar?

• Tobacco consumption – major risk factor for head and neck cancers.
• Environmental factors – presence of heavy metals like manganese and arsenic in groundwater.
• Lifestyle changes and diet – unhealthy diet and poor hygiene.
• Lack of awareness and late detection leading to advanced-stage diagnosis.

Q3. What are the available cancer treatment facilities in Bihar?

• Mahavir Cancer Sansthan (MCS), Patna
• State Cancer Institute (SCI) at IGIMS Patna
• AIIMS Patna
• Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre Muzaffarpur
• Paras HMRI Hospital Patna
• Patna Medical College and Hospital (PMCH)
• Medanta
• Day-care chemotherapy centers in 38 districts

Q4. Is cancer treatment affordable for the general population in Bihar?

Affordability is a major concern, but the government has implemented schemes to provide financial relief:

• Ayushman Bharat – Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana (PM-JAY): This national health insurance scheme provides a cover of up to ₹5 lakh per family per year for cashless treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery, at empanelled hospitals.
• Chief Minister Relief Fund (CMRF): This fund provides additional financial assistance to eligible, financially weak patients.
• Health Minister's Cancer Patient Fund (HMCPF): This fund provides financial aid up to ₹5 lakh for treatment to patients below the poverty line.

Q5. What are the key challenges in cancer care in the state?

Challenges include:

• Inadequate infrastructure and limited manpower: The number of comprehensive cancer care centers, radiotherapy units, and trained oncologists is insufficient for the large population.
• Late-stage presentation: Most patients seek treatment at advanced stages, reducing cure rates and increasing mortality.
• Lack of effective screening programs: Community-level screening for common cancers like breast, cervical, and oral cancer is limited, with less than 1% of the population undergoing screening as per one survey.
• Data collection issues: Accurate, population-based data on cancer incidence for the entire state is a challenge due to poor record-keeping and lack of cooperation from some private facilities.

Q6. What steps is the government taking to improve the situation?

The Government of Bihar is actively working to address these issues:

• MoU with Tata Memorial Centre: Bihar Govt’s MoU dated 28th June 2021 with TMC Mumbai for establishment of 100 bed model palliative care units at Muzaffarpur which led to opening of Homi Bhabha Cancer Hospital & Research Centre (HBCH & RH), a new unit of TMC Mumbai providing advanced and affordable treatment.
• Bihar Cancer Care & Research Society Patna: A dedicated society established on 10th June 2025 to provide an integrated approach to cancer service, research, education and awareness.
• Day-Care Centres in 38 Districts: State Health Society (SHS) has entered into an MoU with HBCH & RH Muzaffarpur to run Day Care Chemotherapy Centres (DCCs) across 38 districts to improve accessibility.
• Screening and Awareness Drives: In coordination with HBCH & RH Muzaffarpur and SHS, cancer screening and awareness campaigns are being conducted in all 38 districts.
• HPV Vaccination Programme: Free HPV vaccination drive for girls aged 9–14 years to prevent cervical cancer.