Haryana making efforts to prevent cancer: Minister

Speaking on World Cancer Day during a state-level seminar held in Panchkula, Haryana Health Minister Aarti Singh Rao said the state government was taking large-scale measures to prevent and treat cancer, particularly in patients coming from remote areas. She also emphasised the importance of awareness and early detection.

The minister highlighted several government initiatives, including free travel and pension benefits, for cancer patients. In 2024-25, 9,408 travel passes were issued and 3,428 patients received pensions. Awareness rallies, seminars and health camps were conducted across Haryana.

Rao said avoiding tobacco and alcohol significantly reduced the risk of cancer. She advised everyone to have a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains and limit the consumption of processed food and red meat.

Regular exercise, yoga and an active lifestyle were also recommended for prevention.

Health Department’s Additional Chief Secretary Sudhir Rajpal said Atal Cancer Hospital in Ambala Cantt provided top-tier treatment to patients from Haryana and neighbouring states. Cancer treatment facilities are also available at PGIMS-Rohtak, National Cancer Institute, Jhajjar, and five cancer daycare centres.

Under the Population-Based Screening Scheme, primary screening for cancer has been conducted for nearly 75 lakh people.

Health Department’s Director General, Dr Manish Bansal, said the theme for this year’s World Cancer Day was ‘United by Unique’.