Cancer screening camps being held in Coimbatore district

COIMBATORE: The health department will conduct cancer screening camps in around 600 industries in Coimbatore using mobile medical units, with a focus on the well-being of labourers.

The department launched a cancer screening programme on May 12 for people aged 18 years and above in the district.

Women aged above 30 years are being screened for breast and cervical cancers. Both men and women aged above 18 are being screened for oral cancer. The screening is happening at 89 primary health centres (PHCs) and 49 urban health and wellness centres. Those suspected of having the disease will be referred for confirmatory tests and follow-ups in govt hospitals.

“PHCs and urban health centres are equipped with test kits and devices to carry out cancer screening. The programme aims at covering 18 lakh men and women in the district. More than 500 women health volunteers (WHVs) are creating awareness among women about breast and cervical cancers. Every day, they are reaching out to at least 10 households,” said district health officer Dr P Balusamy.

So far, volunteers reached out to 15,000 members of the general public through door-to-door invitations, and 5,000 people underwent screening at govt PHCs and wellness centres.

“The invitation includes details of the screening centres and the contact person. Screening is available daily from 9am to 4pm,” Balusamy added.

He said the programme would help the department generate a cancer profile for the district.

The department has planned to conduct screening for labourers in industries across Coimbatore district. “According to data provided by the District Industries Centre, there are 74 industries with more than 1,000 workers, 185 industries with 500–1,000 workers and 315 industries with less than 500 workers,” he said.

“We will begin with the larger industries using our 15 mobile medical units,” he added.