Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), one of Asia's largest centres for cancer care, has been launched in collaboration with National Chest Institute and is located in a modern facility in Gautam Nagar area.
"Delhi has among the highest incidence rates for childhood cancers in the country. According to Indian Council of Medical Research report 2012-14, Delhi had reported 551 new cases of cancers, which was 5.4 per cent of the total cases of cancers reported in India. 309 cases were reported in girls, which is 3.2 per cent of the total cases," RGCIRC said.
The RGCIRC says more than 1,300 people die of cancer everyday and cancer cases in Delhi have been "on a rise" rapidly since 2008-09.
"According to ICMR, cancer cases in India are expected to jump from around 14 lakh in 2016 to over 17.3 lakh by 2020. Deaths due to cancer are projected to go up from 7.36 lakh to over 8.8 lakh in the next four years," it said in a statement.
The new centre will offer daycare services, emergency services and intensive care for cancer patients, supported by a round-the-clock pharmacy and diagnostics. It will hold super-specialty clinics on dedicated days so as to provide focused care.