National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS)

National Academy of Medical Sciences Latest News

One of the critical gaps in cancer care in India is the lack of adequate diagnostic services, finds the latest report by the National Academy of Medical Sciences (NAMS).

About National Academy of Medical Sciences 

• It is a unique institution functioning as an apex body with the objective to foster and utilize academic excellence as its resource to meet medical and social goals. 
• It was registered as the ‘Indian Academy of Medical Sciences’ on 21st April, 1961, under Societies Registration Act XXI of 1860.
• It was renamed NAMS on 16th November, 1976.
• The academy has been recognised by the Government of India as a nodal agency for continuing education for medical and allied health professionals.
• It also advises the Government of India in matters of National Health Policy and Planning. 
• NAMS encourages and sponsors nationwide Continuing Medical Education (CME) programmes, symposia, workshops, etc.
• It has made significant efforts to improve the reach of CME programmes by establishing tele-linkages between medical colleges, and it is also connected with the National Knowledge Network. 
• The academy serves as a very important tool for dissemination of recent medical advances via journals, monographs, etc. 
• NAMS also bestows prestigious fellowships and awards upon eminent biomedical scientists in recognition of their outstanding contributions.

NAMS Task Force Report on Breast Cancer in India

• India is recording nearly 200,000 new cancer cases each year.
• Sixty percent of the global population resides in Asia, which accounts for 50% of cancer cases and 58% of cancer-related deaths. 
• India ranks third in accounting for cancer cases, following China and the United States of America. 
• The projected cancer burdenin India is estimated to reach 2.08 million by 2040, representing a 57.5% increase from 2020.
• In India, breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths.
• The proportion of patients diagnosed with breast cancer at a younger age is notably higher in India when compared with high-income countries. 
• Additionally, patients in India tend to present with later-stage disease compared to the West. 
• More than 60% of patients in India present at Stage 3 or 4, while around 60% of the patients in the U.S. are diagnosed in situ or at Stage 1. 
• It adds that more than 50% of patients in India experience a delay of over three months before seeking medical care. 
• In India the survival rate for patients with breast cancer is lower compared to Western countries due to several factors, including the late-stage presentation, delayed initiation of definitive management, and inadequate or fragmented treatment.

National Academy of Medical Sciences FAQs

Q1: What was the original name of the National Academy of Medical Sciences when it was first registered in 1961?

Ans: Indian Academy of Medical Sciences

Q2: Under which Act was the National Academy of Medical Sciences registered?

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Ans: Societies Registration Act, XXI of 1860

Q3: According to the NAMS Task Force Report on Breast Cancer in India, approximately how many new cancer cases are recorded in India each year?

Ans: 200,000

Source: TH