By Rumela Sarkar
Copyright medicaldialogues
Coimbatore: The Tamil Nadu Health Department has announced plans to include private hospitals in the Coimbatore district in its colorectal cancer screening program. This move follows the successful inclusion of all government hospitals in the district and aims to improve the monitoring and treatment of patients across both government and private hospitals. The screening program is part of the four-year Prevention and Control of Non-Communicable Diseases project (2022-2026), a collaborative effort between the Tamil Nadu Health and Family Welfare Department and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The project focuses on strengthening early diagnosis systems for non-communicable diseases, especially cancer.Coimbatore district was selected for targeted screening based on findings from a 2018 survey, and a pilot project was launched in 2024. Initially, screening and awareness drives were conducted across 21 primary health centres and two government hospitals at Pollachi and Thondamuthur, along with the Coimbatore Medical College Hospital. Medical officers and nursing staff from these institutions received specialized training in colorectal cancer screening, and they in turn trained field staff to carry out screenings at the grassroots level.Also Read:Study Links Marathon Running to Higher Risk of Colorectal Cancer in Younger AdultsThe pilot was designed to cover both rural and urban populations equally, with a focus on sensitising healthcare workers and the public about the risks and symptoms of colorectal cancer. Following the pilot’s success, the program was recently expanded to 18 additional primary health centres and 11 more government hospitals across the district.As the next step, the health department plans to engage private hospitals, particularly those offering gastroenterology treatment.Officials mentioned that partnering with private hospitals would allow the health department to obtain accurate patient figures, enabling better tracking of their treatment. This collaboration would also provide support to ensure patients continue their treatment. Currently, more than ten private hospitals offer gastroenterology treatment.Also Read:CT colonography feasible than DNA stool testing in colorectal cancer screening: StudyAccording to the TNIE, explaining the consequences of colorectal cancer, health officials said colorectal cancer has vague symptoms that cannot be identified easily. The change in bowel habits is the main symptom. Usually, people neglect to consult doctors for such issues. Diagnosing colorectal cancer and offering adequate medical assistance are the core objectives of the project, officials added.