Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala: As part of the Kerala Health Department’s mass cancer prevention campaign, ‘Aarogyam Anandam-Akattam Arbutham,’ a total of 10,69,703 women underwent cancer screening within a month. Health Minister Veena George announced that 86 cases of cancer were confirmed following further examinations.
Out of those screened, 42,048 women were referred for detailed follow-up tests. The minister emphasized that most detected cases were in the early stages, making timely treatment possible.
The government has planned a year-long initiative focusing on early detection of breast cancer, cervical cancer, and other types.
So far, 9,66,665 women have been screened for breast cancer, with 20,530 (2%) referred for further testing. 7,72,083 women were screened for cervical cancer, and 22,705 (3%) were sent for additional tests. Similarly, 6,52,335 individuals were screened for oral cancer, with 2,383 referred for follow-ups.
Screening facilities have been set up at 1,517 hospitals across Kerala. The campaign is being conducted with the support of government and private hospitals, cooperative sectors, volunteers, organizations, and the general public.
