The screening targets common gender-specific cancers—breast and cervical in women; mouth, rectum, lung, prostate, and liver in men—while also raising awareness about lifestyle risks like tobacco, alcohol, diet, and inactivity
Published May 13, 2025 | 6:31 PM ⚊ Updated May 13, 2025 | 6:31 PM
Kerala to hold biweekly cancer screening clinics across State health centres
Synopsis: Kerala’s health department will hold cancer screening clinics twice weekly at all family health centres as part of its ‘Arogyam Anandaam’ campaign. Open to both men and women, the initiative aims for early detection. Since launching on 4 February, it has screened over 15.5 lakh people, detecting 242 cancer cases—most at early, treatable stages—marking a significant preventive healthcare push
In a major step towards preventive healthcare, the Kerala state health department has announced that special cancer screening clinics will now be held twice a week at all family health centres across the state.
The initiative is part of the ongoing mass cancer awareness and prevention campaign, ‘Arogyam Anandaam – Akattam Arbudam’ (Health is Joy – Keep Cancer at Bay).
Importantly, the screenings will be available for both men and women, with the goal of detecting cancer early and improving recovery outcomes.
The campaign, launched on 4 February (World Cancer Day), has already screened over 15.5 lakh people, with 242 cancer cases identified—most at early, treatable stages.
State Health Minister Veena George, who chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of the campaign, stressed the importance of early detection.
“Most cancers can be cured if diagnosed early. It’s crucial that people are not afraid to get screened and monitor their health regularly,” she said.
The screening programme focuses on common cancers that disproportionately affect men and women. For women, the initiative targets breast and cervical cancer, while men are screened for cancers of the mouth, rectum, lungs, prostate, and liver.
Health officials also aim to spread awareness about lifestyle factors—such as tobacco use, alcohol consumption, unhealthy diets, and lack of exercise—that increase cancer risk.
To ensure accessibility, screening and follow-up care will continue through both government and private hospitals. Families below the poverty line (BPL) will receive testing free of charge, while others will have access at affordable rates.
Minister George also called for intensifying awareness drives to dispel stigma and fear surrounding cancer and urged the public to take advantage of the free screenings.
The ‘Arogyam Anandaam’ campaign represents Kerala’s broader strategy to strengthen public health infrastructure and promote early intervention through community-level health centres.
(Edited by Ananya Rao with inputs from Dileep V Kumar)
