Metro India News | AMARAVATI

In a bold move to combat the escalating cancer burden, the Andhra Pradesh government has launched a comprehensive campaign to screen its entire population and provide free treatment to all diagnosed with the disease. The ambitious initiative, which kicked off on November 14th last year, aims to significantly reduce cancer mortality rates in the state, where over 40,000 people succumb to the disease annually.

At the heart of this crusade lies a massive screening program targeting individuals over 18. Focus areas include oral and breast cancer for all adults, while women aged 30 and above are also screened for cervical and colorectal cancer. This undertaking involves a vast network of healthcare workers, including 155 specialist doctors, 238 district hospital experts, and over 42,000 community health workers.

The campaign, will continue for 10 months, targeting the early detection of cancer in the population. According to the Department of Health, the government has significantly increased its spending on cancer treatment, with allocations rising from Rs.217 crore in 2019-20 to Rs.624 crore in 2023-24 under the Dr. NTR Vaidya Seva scheme.

The campaign began at the grassroots level, ASHA workers fanning out across the state, educating the public about cancer risks and the importance of early detection. Community health workers are conducting door-to-door surveys, focusing on non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and encouraging women to undergo cervical cancer screenings. Basic diagnostic tests, including blood pressure, blood sugar, and haemoglobin checks, are also being conducted alongside oral and breast cancer screenings.

Suspected cases identified during these initial screenings are referred to primary health centers for further evaluation. Individuals diagnosed with conditions like hypertension, diabetes, or exhibiting potential cancer symptoms are then referred to higher medical facilities for advanced testing and treatment.