THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: To speed up cancer diagnosis and treatment, the health department is starting preventive oncology clinics in all districts. Minister Veena George informed that in the first phase, the clinics will be started in connection with the gynecology department of the hospitals. The aim is to detect and treat breast cancer, oral cancer and cervical cancer at an early stage. Even asymptomatic people can get tested. In the future, HPV screening for female cancer detection and HPV vaccination for prevention will also be available through the clinic. The government's aim is to provide cancer treatment without traveling long distances. In addition to 3 apex cancer centres in the state, comprehensive cancer treatment has been made available in 5 medical colleges. Treatment facilities including chemotherapy have been provided in 25 district-level hospitals.

Annual health check-up of more than 1.53 crore people above 30 years of age was conducted as part of Ardram lifestyle disease detection campaign. Through this, examination and treatment were ensured for cancer suspects. So far more than 9 lakh people have been referred for cancer screening. Of these, 41,000 were referred for colon cancer, 79,000 for breast cancer, and 96,000 for cervical cancer.