The expanded campaign streamlines protocols for breast, cervical, oral, and colon cancers while introducing male screenings. Since its launch on 4 February, 14,93,510 women have been screened, with 49,583 referred for further testing
Published Apr 09, 2025 | 9:23 AM ⚊ Updated Apr 09, 2025 | 9:23 AM
Kerala to hold biweekly cancer screening clinics across State health centres
Synopsis – Kerala is all set to launch the second phase of its flagship programme ‘Arogyam Anandam – Akattaam Arbudham’. It will now bring men into the screening fold for the first time—targeting oral and colorectal cancers using a risk-based approach. Since its launch, the campaign has screened 14,93,510 women, identifying 128 confirmed cancer cases and 348 suspected cases awaiting confirmation
Building on the momentum of the ongoing campaign to combat the late detection of cancer among economically vulnerable communities, especially women, the state government is gearing up to launch the second phase of its flagship cancer care campaign ‘Arogyam Anandam – Akattaam Arbudham’ (Health is Joy- Keep Cancer at Bay).
The expanded campaign will not only streamline treatment protocols for breast, cervical, oral, and colon cancers but also mark a significant step forward by bringing men into the screening fold for the first time.
It was on 4 February that the state launched a year-long cancer screening and detection campaign and as of 7 April a total of 14,93,510 women were screened, of which 49,583 were referred for further testing.
It’s with the objective to tackle the rising cancer burden, that the state health department along with its Non-Communicable Disease (NCD) wing rolled out a cancer awareness and screening programme.
At its core, the initiative seeks to break the fear and stigma surrounding cancer, encouraging open conversations and proactive health-seeking behaviour. By promoting regular screening and educating people about the warning signs, the programme aims to catch cancers early—when treatment is most effective and survival rates are significantly higher.
It also emphasises the need for lifestyle changes, urging individuals to quit smoking, alcohol, and tobacco use, which are major risk factors. Importantly, this initiative is a step toward building a culture of opportunistic screening and creating a sustainable, structured system for early detection and treatment.
With a long-term vision of establishing an organised screening network, the programme marks a significant stride in the fight against cancer, with hope, awareness, and timely intervention at its heart.
In a bid to bolster early cancer detection and streamline patient care, the state health department has decided to double the number of days the NCD (Non-Communicable Disease) Clinics function at primary health centers, family health centers and community health centers.
Individuals identified as high-risk through the SHAILI app (which documents the lifestyle diseases in the community) and field screenings, will be referred to these clinics by ASHA workers and middle-level service providers (MLSPs). There will also be support from ward councillors for navigation and follow-up.
The councillors will be trained at the district level by the District Cancer Control Board (DCCB), which will also lead and monitor the campaign. Treatment protocols will follow the National Cancer Grid Guidelines, and formal cancer detection camps will be discontinued in favour of awareness programmes and public education.
A strong Information, Education, and Communication (IEC) strategy will be maintained. The state will also implement mandatory registration of cancer cases to strengthen the Kerala Cancer Registry. Primary Health Centres will play a pivotal role in breast cancer control through confirmation and monitoring, training women in self-breast examination during Clinical Breast Exams (CBEs), and educating the public on preventive strategies.
Community engagement will be enhanced via residents’ associations, Kudumbashree units, clubs, NGOs, and religious organisations using IEC materials and digital media. Support for diagnosed individuals will come through peer support groups under the Cancer Survivors Forum, trained MSW social workers offering psychosocial care, and dedicated helplines for patient assistance.
For cervical cancer, the focus will be on early identification and treatment of precancerous lesions, timely referrals, and a structured screening protocol aimed at improving survival rates and reducing the overall disease burden.
In a significant step toward early cancer detection among men, in the second phase, Kerala’s health department is leveraging the Shaili App to identify high-risk individuals for oral and colorectal cancers. These two cancers, often underreported and diagnosed late in men, are being targeted through a focused, risk-based screening protocol.
For oral cancer, the app flags individuals with a history of tobacco or areca nut use, alcohol consumption, persistent mouth ulcers, difficulty in opening the mouth, white or mixed red-and-white patches, or unexplained oral growths. High-risk cases are referred by MLSPs to PHCs for timely intervention.
To strengthen this initiative, dental surgeons at community health centers, sub-district, and district hospitals will undergo refresher training in procedures like oral punch biopsy and management of precancerous lesions, in collaboration with professional bodies like Indian Dental Association, Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons of India and Association of Stomatologists and Maxillofacial Imageologists of Kerala. Additionally, training in tobacco cessation and early detection techniques will be provided to MLSPs, nurses, and medical officers.
On the colorectal cancer front, symptoms such as rectal bleeding, foul-smelling discharge, altered bowel habits, and a family history of colorectal cancer are being closely monitored. Men who self-medicate for piles are also considered high-risk. Such individuals are flagged by the Shaili App and directed to PHCs for further screening.
The coordinated referral network, spanning PHCs to tertiary hospitals, aims to boost early diagnosis and improve survival rates. With these efforts, Kerala hopes to significantly reduce the burden of cancer among men through proactive screening and timely care.
Talking to South First, Dr Bipin Gopal, State Nodal Officer (NCD), said that the cancer screening programme launched by the Health Department has emerged as a resounding success, with overwhelming response from the public and partner organisations alike.
“In some instances, we were approached by groups requesting screening for 100 individuals, but over 300 people turned up. Such was the response,” said Dr Bipin.
“The assessment from the department is that the programme has not only been successful in terms of numbers but has also helped spread the vital message of early detection,” he added.
In the first phase, the focus was primarily on women, especially screening for breast and cervical cancers. Over 14 lakh women were screened, resulting in the detection of 128 confirmed cancer cases. Additionally, 348 suspected cases have been identified, with confirmation awaited.
Health officials termed the detection rate “quite high,” indicating the programme’s critical role in early diagnosis.
The second phase of the initiative will now expand the scope of the screening to include men, with a broader focus on other types of cancer. Officials emphasised that screening is just the first step in the larger cancer control strategy.
“We also need to ensure that those diagnosed are guided towards proper cancer care. Screening alone will not serve the purpose if treatment doesn’t follow,” officials said.
“But we are happy that the message has reached the society. People are now more aware, and empowered even, to look out for early symptoms and seek help,” Dr Bipin added.
The department believes that early detection not only saves lives but significantly reduces the physical, emotional, and financial burden of cancer on families and the healthcare system.
(Edited by Ananya Rao)
