The article "A Conspiracy of Silence", by Mr. Anil Agarwal has poured scorn on the health care system in our country, especially with regard to cancer. One can sympathise with the author, particularly when he is fighting a battle against cancer. However, some of his statements are not only misleading but downright false, and could lead to wrong signals being sent to the general population.

"Cancer treatment is extremely poor in this country"-

The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has recognised premier institutions in different States as the regional cancer centres for cancer treatment and research. The first such centre to be so designated was the Cancer Institute (WIA), Adyar, Chennai. The best care available is provided to patients here irrespective of whether they are poor or rich. More than half the number of patients are treated free. The facilities available at the institute are on par with any other major international cancer centre.

"The average cost of treatment of cancer can be Rs. 2-3 lakhs and that is when there are no major complications"-

Mr. Agarwal has misunderstood the facts. The cost mentioned is for treating acute leukaemias and cannot be generalized. The cost of treatment of chorlocarcinoma (an aggressive cancer associated with miscarriages) would be Rs. 1,000 - Rs. 5,000, even in advanced widely spread cases, with cure rates approaching 80 per cent to 100 per cent.

In breast cancers, with standard chemotherapy, radiation and surgery, the total cost would be approximately Rs. 40,000 (not including the bed charges).

In cervical cancers, the cost of radiotherapy (external beam and brachytherapy) would be Rs. 20,000 (not including bed charges).