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Commissioner, Department of Health and Family Welfare, G. Veerapandian on Friday (November 7) urged women to make use of the free cancer screening tests being conducted by the government at their doorsteps. Mr. Veerapandian, along with NTR District Collector G. Lakshmisha, launched the campaign titled “Invitation for Women’s Special Cancer Screening” at the Collectorate on the occasion of National Cancer Awareness Day. The Commissioner said Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had launched the fourth phase of NCD (Non-Communicable Diseases) screening on September 17, with focus on cancer screening. He said based on the experiences and challenges faced during the third phase of the NCD screening, Minister for Health Satya Kumar Yadav had directed officials to prioritise cancer screening in the fourth phase. To spread awareness, a massive “Information, Education, and Communication (IEC)” campaign had been initiated, with posters and pamphlets distributed to all districts, he said. Under this initiative, he said door-to-door screening will be conducted in every village across the State for all individuals above 18 years of age, covering non-communicable diseases like blood pressure (BP) and diabetes (blood sugar) free of cost. The commissioner said special attention was being given to breast and cervical (uterine) cancer screening among women. Awareness programmes, screenings and timely reporting to the nearest medical officer were being ensured. Based on these reports, medical officers would arrange further diagnostic tests at designated times, he said. He said nearly 20,000 healthcare personnel had already been given training in cancer-related screening and treatment. Among individuals screened so far for BP, diabetes, anaemia and cancer (covering 70% of the population aged above 18), about 2 lakh suspected cases had been identified. Of these, 4,500 had been referred to GGHs for further examination, and 783 cases had been confirmed as patients in need of cancer treatment. “By undergoing early tests, every individual can certainly prevent cancer or detect it at a curable stage,” he said and emphasised the importance of healthy eating habits and lifestyle changes in the fight against cancer. Commissioner Veerapandian urged women not to neglect cervical cancer screening and to voluntarily cooperate with ANMs and CHOs who would visit homes of all women aged 30 and above to distribute invitation cards specifying the time and location for the screening.
