Diagnosis is as important as treatment in Cancer care

Although cancer is a deadly disease, it is a period when it can be almost completely cured with modern treatment if detected early. However, the number of people who undergo regular health check-ups is very low. Low-income people approach hospitals only when they are in difficulty due to illness. Often, most people are diagnosed with cancer after trying many other treatments. By then, the disease will have passed its initial stages. This, in turn, will create an environment where treatment can become expensive and painful.

The state health department is implementing a mass cancer prevention program called "Arogyam Anandam Akattam Arbudam" with the aim of reducing the number of people suffering from cancer, which is increasing alarmingly every year in the state. Through screening conducted in various hospitals in the last 23 days as part of this program, 22,605 out of 4,22,330 women in the state have been found to have cancer symptoms and 78 have been confirmed to have the disease. Health Minister Veena George informed a press conference that those found to have cancer symptoms have been referred for further examination.

Screening facilities have been provided in 1398 government hospitals, completely free for BPL and at a moderate cost for APL. Cervical cancer and breast cancer are the most common cancers in women. Early detection of the disease will provide an opportunity to start treatment early and cure the disease. Meetings with cancer survivors and their family members are also organized as part of this project. Such meetings, where patients narrate their own experiences, are very helpful in eliminating many of the unreasonable fears that exist about this disease. The words of cancer survivors and the paths they have taken will inspire others. There are still many people in society who still view cancer screening with fear. Efforts should continue to change this attitude through awareness. All women above the age of 30 should undergo such screening.

The tests are made possible in the state at low rates using CSR funds. If any symptoms are noticed during the test, they are diagnosed by undergoing a mammogram. Colpopexy tests will be performed in major hospitals if cervical cancer is suspected. Those who are confirmed to have the disease are provided with treatment in medical colleges, district and general hospitals, regional cancer centres, and Malabar Cancer Centers as per the standards. It is also necessary for the government to take a decision to extend the preventive activities carried out as part of this project for a long time. Especially in the context of the increasing number of cancer patients.