Over 45% in Kerala at risk of lifestyle diseases: State health screening data

Thiruvananthapuram: Almost 45 percent of people in Kerala found to be prone to lifestyle diseases and a large section of those found to be prone to cancer were not doing follow-ups, according to the screening conducted by the state health department's Aardram mission.

Over one crore people were screened as part of the second phase of the lifestyle disease screening, of which over 45 lakh people were found to be prone to lifestyle diseases ranging from various types of cancer to tuberculosis.

Among the 2.03 lakh people found to be prone to cancer, 1.26 lakh were women prone to breast cancer and over 45,000 prone to uterus cancer. Around 2.42 lakh persons were referred for TB examination and 2.5 lakh were referred for leprosy examination. Around 1.3 lakh people were referred for mental health examination.

The state health authorities informed that even as 11 lakh persons were found to be prone to cancer in earlier screening, only 1.9 lakh people turned up for medical check-ups.

Accredited Social Health Activists (ASHA workers) are carrying out the door to door screening using a mobile application. The mission is aimed at early detection and prevention of lifestyle diseases. Grassroot level interventions to curb lifestyle diseases are being done with the help of local forums.