MALAPPURAM: More than half of the confirmed cancer patients in the district during a year are breast and cervical cancer patients. In the special examination conducted by the health department through government hospitals, 1,031 people were diagnosed with cancer, while 318 people were diagnosed with cervical cancer and 260 people with breast cancer. 64 people were diagnosed with oral cancer and other cancers were diagnosed in 389 people. This is according to the calculation from April 2022 to June 2023. This is only the figure of those who sought treatment in government hospitals. If the number of people who went to private hospitals is also considered, the number may go up further.

Out of 4,870 people screened for breast cancer, 404 had a mammogram and 865 had an FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology) test. 3,052 women were screened for cervical cancer. 2,437 people underwent a pap smear test. 3,483 people were screened for oral cancer. Of these, 181 underwent oral biopsy.

Leading in cancer

As a part of strengthening the prevention of cancer in the district, the health department had conducted a survey among people above 30 years of age via the 'Shaili App' through Asha workers. 62,310 people were diagnosed with possible cancer, mostly in the categories of cervical cancer, breast cancer, and colon cancer. More people with cancer symptoms were found in Malappuram in the state. People with diabetes, high blood pressure, TB risk, lung disease risk, people above 60 years of age, bedridden people and people staying indoors were subjected to preliminary examination.

'The survey through Shaili App will be extended to detect cancer patients. If treated in the early stages, the disease can be prevented.'

Dr. V Firoz Khan,

District Coordinator, Aardram Mission