52,221 suspected cancer cases identified during mass screening drive in Andhra Pradesh

Over 53 lakh people were screened, and funding for treatment was raised to Rs 624 crore under Dr NTR Vaidya Seva.
The cancer screening drive in Andhra Pradesh.
The cancer screening drive in Andhra Pradesh.(Photo | Express)
Updated on
2 min read

VIJAYAWADA: The cancer screening initiative, launched by the state government on November 14, 2024, is progressing steadily across the state and will continue until November 2025. As of now, 53,07,448 individuals have been screened, with 19,447 suspected of oral cancer, 15,401 with breast cancer, and 17,373 with cervical cancer, totalling 52,221 cases (0.98 per cent of those screened).

As per the data from the Health, Medical, and Family Welfare Department, over 40,000 lives are lost due to cancer annually in the state. In response, the state government has taken up mass cancer screenings and extensive awareness programmes for early identification to provide necessary treatment.

It is pertinent to know that funding for cancer treatment has increased significantly to Rs 624 crore in 2023-24 under Dr NTR Vaidya Seva from Rs 217 crore in 2019-20. The screening targets oral and breast cancer for individuals above 18 years and cervical and oral cancer for women above 30.

The state government has mobilised 155 specialist doctors and a large workforce. These workers conduct community-level screenings and distribute pamphlets door-to-door to raise awareness about cancer prevention.

Auxiliary Nurse Midwives (ANMs) and Community Health Officers (CHOs) are conducting non-communicable disease (NCD) surveys, cervical cancer examinations, and primary diagnostic tests for conditions such as blood pressure (BP), random blood sugar (RBS), haemoglobin levels, oral cancer, and breast cancer.

Presumptive cases identified at Primary Health Centres (PHCs) are referred to higher-level hospitals for further diagnosis and treatment.

Visual Inspection with Acetic Acid (VIA) tests, along with tests for viral markers like HIV and HBsAg, are also conducted. Speaking to TNIE, the State Nodal Officer for NCDs Dr Syamala acknowledged that screening slowed during the Sankranti festival but would now be accelerated.

“While rural and tribal areas show strong participation, urban citizens, particularly apartment residents, have been less responsive. After completing screenings in rural and tribal areas, awareness programmes will be continued to encourage urban participation,” she said.

Furthermore, Dr Syamala highlighted the establishment of 17 Preventive Oncology Units (POUs) across the state for advanced diagnosis and prevention. These POUs provide free diagnostic tests, including biopsies and radiology, and offer chemotherapy and radiation surgeries at government and affiliated hospitals.

She informed this newspaper that the state government is working towards comprehensive cancer prevention and urged citizens to make the most of the health initiative.

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