JOIN USOver 460 people were screened for cancer at the Deen Dayal Upadhyay Hospital on Thursday, which was observed as National Cancer Awareness Day.
This was according to the directives of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. The major focus this year was on areas of breast, cervical and oral cancer.
While breast cancer is being considered the most common cause of cancer among women, cervical and oral are the other leading types of cancer.
“Dr Harsh Vardhan had called us for a meeting where he discussed about raising awareness level on cancer through screening programmes.
The surgery department screened 216 people for breast cancer while the gynaecology and ENT department screened for cervical and oral cancer,” said Dr Maninder Kaur Chhabra, Nodal Officer, Cancer Awareness Day, DDU Hospital.
Screening tests like ultrasonography, Pap Smear, screening mammography were performed. The diagnostic services were provided by the radiology and pathology departments of the hospital.
Around five patients showed chances of malignancy. “We have sent their reports for further investigation,” said Dr Chhabra.
The hospital staff were also encouraged to get their relatives and neighbours screened.
The hospital has also started OPDs to cater to breast cancer cases on Wednesdays from 2pm to 4 pm.
At Safdarjung Hospital, the programme focussed mostly on screening breast cancer cases.
While doctors from the surgical department of the hospital screened around 350 people for cancer, students and some faculty members came out on a procession with placards on cancer awareness day.
Those screened were also taught how to self-examine their breasts.
“Students conducted nukkad nataks near the hospital gate so that it helps raise awareness on the issue and people come for screening.
After the screening, patients who needed to be examined further were also supported with diagnostic services,” said Dr Rajpal, Medical Superintendent, Safdarjung Hospital.
Meanwhile, AIIMS has recently tied up with Institute of Cytology and Preventive Oncology to screen women for breast cancer.