Over 20,000 people from rural areas in Tiruchi district attend cancer screening programme
The free programme is aimed at screening people aged over 18 for oral cancer and women aged over 30 for breast cancer and cervical cancer. Tiruchi was among the districts chosen for the first phase of the State Health Department initiative and was launched by Collector M. Pradeep Kumar at Kora Street Health and Wellness Centre, Gandhipuram, Woraiyur, on May 12.
'In the rural areas, approximately 60% of the invitees attended the screening camps conducted in 142 health and wellness centres. In due course, we hope these numbers will improve through inter-sectoral coordination and motivation of field staff,' a senior official from the District Health Office told The Hindu.
As per official records, 47,378 invitee cards were issued to residents in rural areas from May 12 to June 23, out of which, 28,709 attended the screening programme.
A total of 74 potential cases of cancer were referred to Mahatma Gandhi Memorial Government Hospital (MGMGH) in Tiruchi for further treatment.
This included 31 cases that tested positive for breast cancer, followed by 29 for cervical cancer, and 14 for oral cancer.
Health authorities have stepped up efforts to increase awareness of the programme and enrol people under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive Health Insurance Scheme.
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