INTRODUCTION
The term “Cancer” is derived from the Greek word “Karkinos” (for crab) which refers to a generic non-communicable disease (NCD) characterized by malignant (cancerous or neo-plasms) abnormal cells (tumor/lump) growth in any part of the human body.
However several forms of cancer have been detected, the most common sites of these tumors in human bodies are lungs, stomach, colorectal, liver, and breasts[1].
One of the major reasons for not being able to implement a screening program in India has been lack of workforce - physicians, health workers, technical staff, and pathologist to review pathological material. in increasing public awareness, supporting screening, early detection, patient and family support services, and palliative care by providing home care in these several nongovernment organizations are enagaged[2]
After cardiac diseases, as an important cause for morbidity and mortality in India cancer has emerged. The major source of information on cancer incidence and pattern in the country is The National Cancer Registry Programme and was commenced by the ICMR in December 1981.
Cancers are caused by mutations that may be inherited, induced by environmental factors, or maybe result from DNA replication errors.[5]